How to Get Your Landscape Ready for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Winter’s just around the corner, and if you’ve been spending your days enjoying the fall colors or savoring the last warm sunshine, it might be time to start thinking about how to prep your landscape for the colder months. 

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, your yard needs a little TLC to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant through the winter—and springs back to life come warmer weather. Trust me, taking a few steps now can save you a lot of stress later on.

Here’s your foolproof, step-by-step guide to getting your landscape ready for winter. From cutting back the grass to protecting your plants, I’ve got you covered.

1. Give Your Grass Some Breathing Room: Maintain Taller Grass

It might seem like a no-brainer, but cutting your grass too short for winter is a mistake I’ve made in the past. Grass that’s cut too short won’t be able to handle the stress of cold temperatures. The sun’s not as strong, and the chilly air can leave your grass weak and susceptible to frost damage. You want to make sure your lawn is prepared to take on the winter months without breaking under the pressure.

What to Do:

• Raise the mower blades: I recommend raising the height of your mower so that the grass stays between 2.5 to 3 inches during the winter months. This gives the grass enough protection against the cold while still allowing it to breathe.
• Why this helps: The longer blades will help insulate the roots and minimize exposure to frost, giving your lawn a better chance of coming back strong in the spring. Think of it like bundling up in a cozy sweater when the cold weather hits!

2. Clean Up: Remove Debris from Your Landscape

It’s tempting to let leaves and pine straw gather in a corner of your yard, but trust me—this is a recipe for disaster. If you leave debris on the ground, you risk smothering your grass and creating a perfect breeding ground for mold, fungi, and other pests. Not to mention, the longer these elements sit there, the more difficult it becomes to clean up later.

What to Do:

• Clear leaves and branches: As you walk around your yard, take a few moments to pick up leaves, fallen branches, and any other debris that may have accumulated.
• Why this matters: Removing debris ensures your grass gets the sunlight it needs and reduces the chance of disease spreading in your yard. Cleanliness isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthy foundation for your landscape.

3. Mulch: A Layer of Protection

Adding mulch to your plants, shrubs, and trees is like wrapping them in a warm blanket before bed. It insulates them from the cold and provides them with essential nutrients, especially when the temperatures drop and rainfall becomes scarce.

What to Do:

• Apply 1-2 inches of mulch: Lay a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Don’t pile it up directly against the stems or trunks, as this can cause rot. Instead, spread it evenly around the base.
• Why this helps: The mulch acts as insulation, keeping moisture in the soil and protecting the roots from the harsh winter freeze. It’s also a slow-release fertilizer, helping your plants stay nourished even when you’re not actively tending to them.

Check out: Too Much Mulch: Can It Kill Your Plants?

4. Annual Plants: Time to Say Goodbye (or Move Them Inside)

You’ve probably noticed that annual plants don’t stick around through the winter. No matter how much you love them, the cold weather will eventually claim them. But all is not lost—if you’re attached to your annuals, there’s a way to save them for next year.

What to Do:

• Pull up annuals: Remove dead or dying annuals from the ground. This will give your other plants room to breathe and prevent pests from taking up residence.
• Transplant into pots: If you’ve got a favorite annual that you just can’t let go of, consider transplanting it into a pot and bringing it inside. Place it in a sunny spot until spring, and you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty for a little longer.
• Why this matters: Annuals can’t survive the winter outdoors, but with a little care, you can give them a fighting chance to thrive again next year.

5. Cover Vulnerable Plants: Protect Your Greenery from the Chill

If you’ve got plants that are particularly sensitive to frost or freezing temperatures, consider giving them an extra layer of protection. Frost can do a real number on delicate plants, so covering them up during the coldest nights is a smart move.

What to Do:

• Cover plants with frost protection fabric: I swear by frost blankets. You can pick them up at most garden centers, and they work wonders for keeping plants safe. Simply drape them over your plants when a frost is expected or during particularly cold spells.
• Why it works: The fabric acts like a buffer, trapping heat around your plants and preventing frost from setting in. Just make sure to remove the covers during the day to let your plants get some sunlight.

6. Watering in Winter: Less Is More

Watering your plants in the winter is a tricky business. While it’s important to keep the soil moist, overwatering can lead to root rot, especially when the temperature dips below freezing. The key is to strike the right balance.

What to Do:

• Water deeply, but less often: During the fall, make sure your plants are well-watered before the first hard freeze. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Once the ground freezes, the plants will be able to rely on the moisture in the soil.
• Why this helps: The deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, where they’re more insulated from the cold. It’s like stocking up on water before a long winter nap.

7. Pruning: Time to Trim Back

Winter is a great time to trim back certain plants and trees. By pruning them now, you’re helping them avoid damage from snow and ice, and encouraging healthy growth when spring rolls around.

What to Do:

• Prune dead or damaged branches: If you see any branches that are broken, diseased, or weak, go ahead and cut them back. This will prevent them from becoming a hazard when heavy snow or ice builds up.
• Why this helps: Pruning removes potential stressors and allows the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth come spring. It’s like giving your plants a clean slate for the new season.

8. Get Ready for Next Spring: Think Ahead

While you’re in “winter prep mode,” take a moment to think about your spring landscape. Use this downtime to plan any changes or improvements you want to make in the new year. Whether it’s adding new plants or redesigning a garden bed, now’s the perfect time to sketch out your ideas.

What to Do:

• Make a plan for next spring: Start brainstorming what you want to plant or change around the yard. Research plants that will thrive in your region and fit into your landscape design.
• Why it matters: Winter is the perfect time to plan for the future. When the weather warms up, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and make your landscape even more beautiful.

Wrapping It All Up: Your Landscape’s Winter Makeover

Getting your landscape ready for winter isn’t just about protecting your plants; it’s about preparing for a smooth transition into the next season. By taking the time now to mow, clean, mulch, and cover vulnerable plants, you’re setting yourself up for success. When spring arrives, your landscape will be healthier, more vibrant, and ready to bloom.

So, grab your gloves, pull on your boots, and get started. Your future self—and your plants—will thank you for the extra care and attention you gave your landscape. Winter is tough, but with the right preparation, your yard will come out the other side stronger than ever.

Winterizing Your Landscape: A Quick Checklist

Task	Why It Matters	What to Do
Raise Grass Height	Prevents frost damage and stress on the lawn.	Set mower blades to 2.5 – 3 inches.
Remove Debris	Reduces the risk of disease and allows sunlight to reach plants.	Clear fallen leaves, branches, and debris.
Add Mulch	Insulates roots and retains moisture.	Apply 1-2 inches around plants.
Transplant Annuals	Protects plants from frost and extends their life.	Move potted annuals inside.
Cover Vulnerable Plants	Provides extra protection from freezing temperatures.	Use frost fabric for extra insulation.
Prune Damaged Branches	Prevents further damage from snow and ice.	Trim back broken or diseased branches.

Now, go ahead and give your landscape the winter makeover it deserves. You’ll thank yourself when everything blooms beautifully come spring!