Ready your yard: Easy steps to winterize before the first big freeze

Clear and clean up – stop mold and pests before they start.

Spend a little time clearing debris before winter sets in. Rake up leaves and branches to prevent mold, pests, and disease from spreading under snow cover. A clean yard also keeps your lawn from suffocating beneath heavy leaf layers.

Give the lawn a final trim and boost – prepare for a healthy spring.

Before the deep freeze, mow your grass one last time (about two inches is ideal). Shorter grass is less likely to mat down under snow. Aerate compacted soil so oxygen and water can reach the roots, and overseed any bare patches for thicker spring growth.

For a healthy start next season, apply a slow-release or balanced fertilizer before the ground freezes.

Protect garden beds with mulch – lock in moisture and warmth.

After the first frost, spread 2–4 inches of mulch or shredded leaves around perennial plants and shrubs. Mulch keeps the soil temperature stable, retains moisture, and shields roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Just leave a gap around stems to prevent rot.

Wrap and shelter delicate plants – keep fragile greens safe.

Move any potted or tropical plants indoors and protect shrubs or young trees with breathable burlap wraps. Avoid plastic coverings—they trap heat and moisture, which can cause more damage when temperatures swing.

Drain and store irrigation lines – prevent costly freeze damage.

Before temperatures drop below freezing, turn off and empty your outdoor water supply and drain hoses, spigots, and sprinklers. Store garden hoses in a shed or garage, and empty rain barrels to prevent cracked fittings.

Prune with care – strengthen trees and shrubs for winter.

While heavy pruning is more of a spring task, you can remove damaged or diseased branches now to avoid winter breakage from ice and snow. For larger shrubs, gently tie branches together to prevent bending under heavy snow.
 

Quick Winter Prep Checklist:

✅ Rake and remove leaves and debris
✅ Mow grass short and fertilize
✅ Mulch garden beds and perennials
✅ Move potted plants indoors
✅ Drain hoses and irrigation systems
✅ Prune damaged branches

Protect your investment year-round.

Seasonal maintenance is one of the simplest ways homeowners can preserve their home’s value. Once your yard is buttoned up, jot down any landscaping ideas or maintenance goals for next year. This way you’ll have a head start when the warm days return.
 

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