When those harsh New England winters roll in, will your backyard be ready? The work you put into it now not only means an easier management of your yard in the spring, but healthier plants with less ice and snow damage and less wear on your hardscape. Today, we’ll go over the essential tasks you should take preparing your backyard for winter before the first frost hits your neighborhood.

Preparing Your Backyard Plants for Winter

Of everything in your backyard, your backyard plants and garden are going to take the brunt of winter. Give them everything they can to survive now so they can thrive in spring:

• Putting Your Garden to Bed for the Winter: Instead of clearing the ground, deadhead flowers and trim bushes, and leave the debris or mulch to provide a protective layer to the root systems.
• Pruning Trees Before Winter Storms: Before the Nor’easters hit, it’s a good idea to walk your backyard and look at trees that might need pruning. Ideally, this should be done late fall or early spring, but it’s always a good idea to avoid storm damage.
• Wrapping and Spraying Plants: If you’re concerned about shrubs, trees, or other plants you can’t cut back, you can look at using protective wraps or anti-desiccant sprays to keep them from being damaged during winter.

Prepping Your Backyard Grass for the Long Winter

For your lawn, winter is a time to keep it bedded down and prepped for spring, allow it to bounce back faster and avoid dead patches. Dormant overseeding and fertilizing before the snow arrives allows lawns to germinate and slowly prepare for spring. Additionally, you’ll want to inspect the lawn for any items, such as toys or tools, and limit traffic after the frost, ice, and snow have set in. Learn more in our blog, Dormant Overseeding and Winter Lawn Care.

Preventing Winter Damage to Your Hardscape

While you don’t typically think of hardscape—the rocks, pavers, bricks, and other stonework of your backyard—as something damaged by winter, it absolutely can be. The freezing temps and snow and ice hits, you’ll want them cleaned and de-weeded and fill any cracks between stones on the walkways and patios. When the snow and ice do hit, avoid using metal shovels and opt for a good deicer—preferably one that doesn’t contain salt or calcium chloride. Learn more (including dealing with outdoor kitchens) in our blog, Preparing Your Hardscape for the Winter.

If you’re looking for a helping hand with landscape maintenance this fall, winter, or any other season, it’s time to contact Dolan Landscaping. We’re experts on landscape design, construction, and maintenance, including lawn maintenance and spring and autumn cleanup, and can help you prepare your landscape for winter. Learn more on our maintenance and construction pages to discover how we can assist you.