With wind, snow, and cold temperatures on the horizon, it’s important to make sure your yard is ready for winter. If you’re worried about protecting your plants and keeping your grass alive through the harsh weather, there are some preventative steps you can take now to ensure a beautiful green lawn come spring.
As we edge closer to winter, add these tips to your to-do list.
3 Ways to Safeguard Your Landscape Design Against Winter
Clean up the yard.
When you have a free weekend, go around and rake up all the leaves from your yard. You don’t want to leave piles of dead, wet leaves there all season because they can quickly turn moldy. It’s also a good idea to pick up any stray toys, pots, and bikes that might be laying around. If you have lawn furniture, move it into storage to prevent it from getting rusted or damaged. Don’t forget to cover your grill.
Once everything is picked up, mow the grass one last time. Tall grass can invite mice and other critters to take up residence in your yard throughout the winter season. Interested in lot clearing in Raleigh, NC? Learn more now.
Prepare your plants.
When it comes to plants, there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules for how to winterize your yard. Everyone has different trees, shrubs, and plants, and they each have specific instructions for taking care of them. Some conifers and evergreens might benefit from getting wrapped with tree covers, for example.
Other types, including deciduous trees and shrubs, could use a good watering before winter temperatures set in. Because the ground hardens and freezes, trees won’t be able to absorb the water they need. Watering the roots now can help them hold out through winter.
Additionally, you should aerate and fertilize your grass. Winterizing fertilizers contain vital nutrients that can help promote a lush, green yard for spring. However, those fertilizers are only effective for cold-season grasses. Also, if you have a garden, remove old plant matter and protect the topsoil with a layer of mulch or compost.
Taking care of odds and ends.
Here are some additional tips you can use to help winterize your yard:
- Turn off water to the garden hose to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Winterize your irrigation system.
- Wipe off and put away gardening tools.
- If the sidewalks get icy, be careful about using salt, as it can harm your plants.
- Grass is weaker in the winter, so avoid walking on it.
Consult Landscape Design Experts in Raleigh, NC
Preparing your yard for winter can be a delicate process, especially if you have a lot of landscaping plants that need attention. But Redwood Land Design can help. Reach out to our landscaping team and ask about our landscape design services today.