Your ultimate guide to winter landscape maintenance

Not sure what lawn maintenance you need to do before and during winter? Don’t worry, here, we outline the basics of winter landscape maintenance to help your garden thrive during this season.

From the final mow to watering requirements, dealing with debris and compacted snow, this is your ultimate guide to winter landscape maintenance.

Want some expert help? Search our leading directory to find experienced lawn care experts in your local area. Simply enter your postcode into the box below.

The importance of winter landscape maintenance

Winter landscape maintenance might not be at the top of your ‘to-do’ list, but there are some critical jobs that should not be ignored.

Spending a bit of time now preparing your garden for the colder weather ahead will help to ensure a healthy, resilient, and visually appealing outdoor space. It’ll also save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

1. Promoting a healthy lawn

Winter can be a tough season for your outdoor space, but by preparing for it, you’ll help your lawn to bounce back when temperatures rise.

A little winter landscape maintenance will encourage strong root development and minimise stress on the grass during this dormant stage.

2. Pest and disease prevention

If neglected, the harsh winter weather can encourage the growth of fungi, pests, and diseases in your lawn.

High winds often bring a layer of debris from fallen leaves, while snowfall compacts the grass and brings excess moisture. That makes the perfect breeding ground for unwanted pests and diseases.

3. Cost savings

By investing time in winter landscape maintenance this year, you’ll save money in the long run.

For example, your lawn will be healthier and more resilient, saving you time and money tackling disease, reseeding, and feeding a nutrient-starved lawn.

4. Aesthetically pleasing

While you may not be stretching out on your sunlounger in winter, your outdoor space can still be enjoyed in other ways, even if just to admire the view and watch the local wildlife.

Taking the time to maintain your outdoor space during winter will help to enhance its overall visual appeal.

Contact a lawn care specialist to help with your winter landscape maintenance

Simply enter your postcode into the box below to see the experts who come highly recommended in your area.

5 top tips for winter lawn maintenance

You now know why it’s important not to neglect your outdoor space in winter. So, let’s go on to look at how to prepare your lawn for winter.

Follow these top tips to help your lawn withstand the harsh winter months ahead:

1. Clearing debris

• A buildup of fallen leaves, branches, and debris on the lawn can suffocate the grass and create an ideal breeding ground for diseases
• Regular raking or using a leaf blower will help to prevent this and allow your lawn to breathe
• A blanket of snow can also be harmful to your lawn if left unattended for prolonged periods. This can be removed from your lawn using a snow blower or shovel

2. Mowing and trimming

• The last mow of the season should be when it stops growing, usually when the temperature consistently sits around 10ºC. This can be anywhere from the end of October to early December
• Set your mower to a lower height than usual. However, don’t cut the grass too short as you can damage the root system
• Don’t mow the lawn if the ground is very soft, wet, or frozen, or during spells of cold, dry winds
• Trim back shrubs, hedges, and trees for a neat finish and to prevent damage from snow accumulation

Tip: Winter is the ideal time to get your lawnmower serviced or repaired ready for the first cut in spring.

3. Fertilisation

• If required, apply a slow-release winter fertiliser just before the first frost to provide essential nutrients to your lawn over the season
• A fertiliser high in potassium will enhance your lawn’s tolerance to the cold

4. Watering

• Your lawn still needs adequate moisture, even in winter
• If there’s insufficient rainfall, give your lawn a light hose in the early morning to allow the grass blades enough time to dry before the temperature drops

5. Aeration

• Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots, which leads to unhealthy grass
• Use a garden fork to create small holes in the ground or hire the services of a lawn care specialist to aerate your lawn for you. This will encourage root growth and a lush blanket of grass the following spring

Tip: A frozen lawn can suffer from compaction and bare patches if subjected to heavy footfall. Encourage family and guests to stick to the paths rather than walk on the grass.

Protecting plants and shrubs during winter

Exotic varieties or tender plants will need a little help to survive the colder season, but there are steps you can take to protect hardy plants and shrubs too.

• Feed. Avoid fertilisers rich in nitrogen late in the season as this will promote sappy growth
• Wrap plants. Fleece, hessian, or straw can be used to insulate plants from cold or wind at the first warning of frost
• Stake. Stake delicate plants for greater protection from strong winds
• Containers. Keep potted plants in dry, sheltered areas of the garden, or group them together for added protection from the elements
• Prune. Prune hedges to taper at the top to minimise snow damage. Shake any excess snow from tree branches
• Weed. Prevent weeds from taking hold by managing them at the beginning of winter, removing them at the root
• Mulch. A 2-inch layer of mulch around trees, plants, and shrubs will help to reduce water loss, compaction, and soil erosion

Finally, cover outdoor furniture or store it safely away for winter, plant a selection of colourful bulbs ready for springtime, and top up the bird feeder to support local wildlife.

Find a local expert to help with your lawn maintenance before winter

If you’re short on time, why not hire a local expert to get your garden in good nick for you? A perfect way to get your lawn ready for winter, these professionals will also be able to help with your summer lawn care and autumn lawn maintenance if you want to make sure your garden is getting the best care all year round.

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