Winter is Coming: How Residential Properties Should Prepare Their Landscapes

The arrival of winter brings cold temperatures, snow, ice and other harsh conditions that can pose a hazard to your landscaping. Stay ahead of the game and protect your investment with residential winter landscape preparation. From pruning and leaf clean up to irrigation and snow preparation, getting your home ready for winter can lead to healthier plants in spring. Now is the best time for winter landscape preparation. 

Prune Plants 

After the vibrant blooms of summer, you want to prune away any dead or damaged branches before winter. This can help prevent the spread of pests or diseases during the dormant winter months. Pruning also allows the plant to focus its energy on surviving the winter instead of working to sustain weak growth. When done correctly in the fall, pruning stimulates the plant’s natural growth cycle, leading to stronger, fuller blooms and foliage when the warmer weather returns. It helps maintain the desired shape of shrubs and trees, ensuring your garden looks well-manicured and thrives year after year. By pruning in fall, you can help your plants conserve energy, reduce disease risk and prepare for a robust rebirth in spring. 

Clean Up Leaves 

Leaves left on your grass can cause a host of issues. Lawns cannot get adequate sunlight or air circulation when leaves are left all winter, creating a damp and shady environment that encourages mold growth and can lead to dead patches. Leaves can also serve as shelter for pests, such as rodents. To maintain a vibrant and healthy lawn, it’s crucial to regularly rake and remove leaves in the fall. This clean up helps the grass receive the sunlight and oxygen it needs to stay strong through the cold months. 

Irrigate and Winterize Lawn 

Irrigate and apply winterizer fertilizer in fall to prepare your lawn for winter. As temperatures drop, grass roots can dry out, making them vulnerable to cold damage. Moisturize the grass roots with irrigation to help prevent them drying out in the cold. A strong root system leads to faster recovery in spring and a healthy start to the growing season. Winterizer is a type of fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen to improve disease resistance and enhance cold hardiness. It is best to apply winterizer in late fall before the first frost. 

Prepare Landscaping for Snow 

In addition to these tips, there are other steps you can take to prepare your landscaping for winter. Snow and ice can put hefty strain on your landscaping elements. To safeguard your plants and trees from winter damage, consider these protective measures: 

• Wrap delicate trees 

• Cover sensitive plants 

• Mulch garden beds 

• Bring in structures that cannot withstand cold temperatures 

Get Set for Winter 

Rice’s support does not end once the cold sets in. We provide snow and ice removal services to ensure your property is clear and safe. Get your home in the holiday spirit with our holiday lighting services. We offer year-round landscaping so your property will always look its best. 

Contact Rice’s Today for Winter Prep 

If your residential property needs help preparing for winter weather, contact Rice’s today to get started. We can help you with all your residential winter landscaping preparation needs.