Essential Winter Prep Checklist for Your Landscape

As winter approaches, preparing your landscape is crucial for keeping it healthy through the cold months. Without proper care, freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause serious damage to your plants, trees, and outdoor spaces. By following this essential winter prep checklist, you can protect your landscape from winter’s harsh elements and ensure a smooth transition into spring.

Why Winter Preparation is Important

Winter can wreak havoc on your landscape, with freezing temperatures causing plant damage, cracked walkways, or broken irrigation systems. Taking the time to prepare now will save you from expensive repairs and a slow start when the snow melts. With a few key steps, you can safeguard your yard and set it up for success when spring returns.

Mulch for Insulation

Applying a fresh layer of mulch before winter is one of the easiest ways to protect your plants. Mulch acts as insulation for your soil, keeping plant roots warm and reducing the risk of freezing.

What to Do: Spread 2-3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Make sure the mulch isn’t piled up against tree trunks or stems to avoid rot.
Why It Matters: Mulch helps retain moisture, protects roots from freezing, and prevents soil erosion.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Pruning before winter is essential to avoid broken branches that could damage your property or the plants themselves.

What to Do: Trim away dead or weak branches, especially on trees and shrubs near your home or walkways.
Why It Matters: Removing weak branches reduces the risk of winter storm damage and encourages healthy spring growth.

Prepare Your Lawn

Your lawn may seem dormant in winter, but it still needs protection to ensure it stays healthy.

What to Do: Mow one final time before the first frost, leaving your grass around 2.5-3 inches tall. Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent mold from growing under snow.
Why It Matters: Keeping your lawn tidy reduces the risk of snow mold and disease, setting it up for quick recovery in spring.

Winterize Your Irrigation System

Frozen water in irrigation pipes can cause expensive damage. Properly winterizing your system is key to avoiding costly repairs.

What to Do: Shut off the water supply and drain the pipes. Use an air compressor to blow out remaining water, or call a professional to handle it.
Why It Matters: Winterizing your irrigation system prevents freeze damage, ensuring your system works flawlessly come spring.

Wrap Delicate Plants

Certain plants need extra protection during winter. Frost-sensitive plants, such as young trees and delicate shrubs, benefit from a protective wrap.

What to Do: Wrap plants with breathable fabric like burlap to shield them from frost and cold winds.
Why It Matters: Covering plants helps them survive winter and prevents frost damage.

Clear Gutters and Ensure Proper Drainage

Proper drainage prevents water from pooling and freezing, which can lead to ice dams and soil erosion.

What to Do: Clean out gutters, downspouts, and drainage areas. Ensure water flows freely away from your home and garden.
Why It Matters: Good drainage protects both your landscape and your home’s foundation from water and ice damage.

Protect Hardscapes

Hardscapes like patios, walkways, and driveways are prone to damage from freezing temperatures.

What to Do: Check for cracks or damage, repair as needed, and seal surfaces to prevent water from seeping in. Use plant-friendly de-icers to avoid harming your landscape.
Why It Matters: Maintaining your hardscapes prevents cracks from expanding due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Keep Your Landscape Protected This Winter

Preparing your landscape for winter ensures your yard can withstand the cold and emerge healthy in the spring. By following this checklist, you’ll avoid costly damage and keep your outdoor spaces looking their best.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered!

Linehan Landscaping is here to handle all your winter preparation needs. Call us at 603-894-4100 or Contact Us Here to schedule your winter landscape prep. Don’t wait—secure your landscape before the snow arrives!