Best Ways to Prepare Your Landscape for Winter
As the vibrant colors of fall fade and the cold winds of winter approach, now is the time to protect your landscape so it stays healthy and beautiful year after year. In Omaha, where winters can bring heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring your plants, lawn, and outdoor features make it through to spring in top shape.
Give Your Lawn a Final Mow and Fertilization
Before the first freeze, mow your lawn one last time—slightly shorter than your summer height, but not scalped. This helps prevent matting under snow and reduces disease risk. Apply a winterizing fertilizer high in potassium to strengthen roots and improve cold tolerance.
Remove Fallen Leaves and Debris
A thick layer of wet leaves can smother your grass and promote mold growth. Rake leaves or mulch them with your mower so your lawn can breathe through the winter. This also eliminates hiding spots for pests.
Protect Trees and Shrubs
Wrap young or thin-barked trees like maples to prevent sunscald and frost cracks.
Mulch around the base to insulate roots, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Prune dead or damaged limbs to reduce the risk of breakage from heavy snow and ice.
Cut Back Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
Trim back dead stems and foliage on perennials to reduce disease and give your garden a tidy appearance. Some ornamental grasses can be left standing for winter interest, but cut them back in late winter before new growth starts.
Protect Delicate Plants
Use burlap, frost cloth, or even overturned pots to shield sensitive plants from freezing temperatures. Container plants can be moved to sheltered areas like a garage or porch.
Winterize Your Irrigation System
A frozen irrigation line can be costly to repair. Have your system professionally blown out to remove all water from pipes and prevent damage. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, too.
Care for Hardscape and Outdoor Features
Sweep and clean patios, walkways, and retaining walls before ice and snow set in.
Store outdoor furniture or cover it to extend its lifespan.
Check landscape lighting and replace any burned-out bulbs before the days get shorter.
Plan for Spring During Fall
Fall is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils, as well as to assess your landscape for changes or upgrades. A little planning now can make your yard even more beautiful next year.
Keep Your Landscape Healthy Year-Round
Winter in Omaha can be tough, but with proper preparation, your landscape will be ready to thrive again in spring. If you’d like professional help getting your yard winter-ready, Priority Landscape Construction can handle everything from fall cleanups to tree protection and irrigation blowouts.
Contact us today to schedule your winter preparation service and protect your investment.