Simple steps to winter-proof your landscape

You put your heart and soul into making your home’s landscape a visual delight. Now, winter is poised to pound it into a frozen, lifeless moonscape. When spring comes, it’s not going to be pretty.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips to ensure your garden survives the winter and thrives when warmer weather returns. Winterizing your property protects your plants and outdoor features from the harsh cold and sets the stage for a beautiful and vibrant spring.

Protecting your plants

1. Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of leaf mulch around the base of your perennials and hardwood mulch around shrubs. This helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from freezing and thawing cycles.
2. Watering: Give your garden a deep watering before the ground freezes. This is especially important for evergreens, which lose moisture through their needles during winter. Well-hydrated plants are better equipped to withstand the cold.
3. Covering delicate plants: Use burlap or frost blankets to cover delicate plants and shrubs, providing extra protection against harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Ensure the covers are secured to prevent them from blowing away.

Caring for your lawn

1. Final mow: Give your lawn one last mow before the first heavy snowfall, cutting it slightly shorter than usual. This helps prevent snow mold and allows for healthier growth in the spring.
2. Raking leaves: Remove fallen leaves and debris such as sticks and seeds from your lawn to prevent them from smothering the grass and promoting mold growth. Use the leaves as mulch or compost for added garden benefits.

Preparing flower pots and containers

1. Empty and store: Empty all your flower pots and containers to prevent them from cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. Clean them thoroughly and store them in a dry, sheltered location like a garage or shed.
2. Protecting perennials in pots: If you want to keep perennials in pots over the winter, bury them in the ground to insulate the roots or move them into an unheated garage or basement where they won’t freeze solid.

Managing hoses and water features

1. Drain and store hoses: Drain all your garden hoses and store them indoors to prevent cracking and damage. Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets can lead to frozen pipes, so disconnect them.
2. Winterizing water features: Remove pumps and filters from ponds and fountains, clean them, and store them indoors. If you have a pond with fish, install a pond heater or de-icer to keep a small area from freezing completely, ensuring the fish get enough oxygen.

Protecting garden decor

1. Statuary and decorations: Move smaller garden statues and decorations indoors to prevent them from cracking or weathering. For larger items, consider covering them with a tarp or burlap for added protection.
2. Garden furniture: Store garden furniture in a garage or shed. If not, cover it with weatherproof covers to protect it from snow and ice.

Additional tips

1. Tool care: Clean and oil your garden tools before storing them for the winter. This prevents rust and keeps them in good condition for spring.
2. Planning ahead: Winter is a great time to plan next year’s garden. Take notes on what worked well and what didn’t, and start sketching your spring planting ideas.
   It’s worth the effort

By taking these steps, you can ensure your landscape stays healthy through the cold months. Come spring, your garden will be ready for new life and offer beauty for months.