Seasonal Prep - Prep your yard for winter

🌳 Prep Your Yard for Winter: Protect Your Lawn & Garden Before the Frost Hits

Get your yard ready now so it thrives through winter and comes back strong in spring.

Why Winter Prep Matters

As the seasons change, your yard needs a little TLC to handle freezing temperatures, snow, and ice.
Taking a few simple steps now can:

Protect your lawn and plants from harsh winter weather
Save you time and money on spring cleanup
Prevent damage to outdoor tools and structures
Keep your home’s exterior safe and ready for holiday guests

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, grab these essentials:

Leaf blower or rake to clear debris — [Amazon link] | [Home Depot link]
Yard waste bags or a compost bin
Lawn fertilizer for fall feeding — [Amazon link]
Protective covers for patio furniture, grills, or garden beds
Garden hose & nozzle for final watering and clean-up
Outdoor faucet covers to prevent frozen pipes — [Amazon link]

💡 Pro Tip: Keep these tools together in a labeled storage bin or shed corner so next year’s prep is easy and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Winter Prep Guide

1. Clear Leaves and Debris 🍂

Remove leaves from your lawn to prevent mold and dead patches.
Use a leaf blower or rake, then bag or compost the debris.
Clean out flower beds to discourage pests overwintering.

2. Mow One Last Time ✂️

Give your grass a final cut before the first frost.
Keep it slightly shorter than usual to reduce snow mold risk.

3. Fertilize Your Lawn 🌱

Apply a slow-release fall fertilizer to strengthen roots for winter.
This ensures lush, green growth in spring.

4. Protect Plants and Garden Beds 🌸

Cover delicate plants with burlap or frost cloth.
Add a thick layer of mulch around shrubs and perennials to insulate roots.

5. Drain & Store Hoses 🧊

Disconnect garden hoses and drain any standing water.
Store hoses in a shed or garage to prevent cracking.
Add faucet covers to outdoor spigots to avoid frozen pipes.

6. Cover Outdoor Furniture & Grills

Use weatherproof covers or store items inside if space allows.
This prevents rust and extends their lifespan.

7. Final Walkthrough & Inspection

Check gutters (link back to Clean Your Gutters page here).
Look for loose shingles, broken fence posts, or cracks in walkways.
Make a quick list of any repairs to tackle before the snow falls.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Not everyone loves yard work — and that’s okay!
If you’d rather skip the heavy lifting, hire a local landscaping crew.

Benefits of hiring a pro:

✅ They bring all the right tools.

✅ You save hours of your weekend.

✅ They can spot issues you might miss.

Find a local yard cleanup crew here:
Book on Thumbtack | Hire on Angi

Quick Winter Prep Checklist

Rake or blow leaves
Fertilize lawn
Cover plants & mulch beds
Drain hoses & cover faucets
Store furniture & tools
Final yard walkthrough

Print this list and keep it handy so nothing gets missed!

A little effort now means a healthier, more beautiful yard in spring. Grab your tools, prep your space, or hire a trusted local pro before winter weather sets in!