
Jan 12, 2024
Fall Landscaping Maintenance: Preparing Your Yard for Winter
Clear Debris and Dead Plant Material
The first step in fall landscaping maintenance is to remove dead plants, fallen leaves, and other debris from your yard and garden beds. Clearing away organic material not only improves your yard’s appearance but also prevents pests and diseases from overwintering.
Divide and Relocate Perennials
Fall is a great time to divide and transplant perennials that have outgrown their space. Carefully dig up clumps, separate them into smaller divisions, and replant in well-prepared soil. Water thoroughly to help them establish roots before winter.
Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs
This season is ideal for planting spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Choose sunny, well-drained spots, plant bulbs at the recommended depth, and water them well to kickstart root growth for a vibrant spring display.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Prune dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs to improve air circulation and promote healthy growth. Remove branches that cross or rub against each other, but avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs to preserve next year’s blooms.
Clean and Store Landscaping Tools
Prepare your tools for winter by cleaning off dirt, sharpening blades, and oiling metal parts to prevent rust. Store equipment in a dry, protected area such as a shed or garage to ensure it’s ready for next season.
Protect Beds and Soil for Winter
Add a layer of mulch or compost to garden beds to shield plants and soil from freezing temperatures and weather fluctuations. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, creating a healthy environment for your landscape to overwinter.
