As the crisp fall air rolls in and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to think about winter prep for your landscape. While your lawn might be the last thing on your mind in the colder months, preparing your outdoor space now will set it up for success come spring. Westside Professional Landscape is here to help you ensure that your landscape is ready for the winter ahead.
Why Winter Prep Matters
Winter prep is essential to protect your plants, lawn, hardscapes, and overall landscape from the harsh effects of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. A little attention now can help your landscape recover quicker in the spring, saving you time, money, and potential damage in the future.
Protect Your Lawn
Your lawn is one of the most vulnerable areas during the winter months. The first step in winter prep is to keep your lawn healthy. Here are a few tips:
- Mow your grass one last time: As the temperature drops, you’ll want to give your grass a final trim. Make sure it’s cut at a higher setting to prevent it from getting too short, which could damage the grass during the winter.
- Rake fallen leaves: Removing fallen leaves is crucial to prevent them from smothering your grass. Piles of leaves can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for mold, damaging your lawn.
- Fertilize: Fall is the perfect time to apply fertilizer. This will give your grass the nutrients it needs to survive through the cold months and come back strong in the spring.
Protect Your Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs provide beauty and structure to your landscape. However, during the winter, they can be exposed to severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. Take these precautions:
- Wrap vulnerable trees: Some trees, especially young ones, can be susceptible to damage from snow and ice. Consider wrapping them in burlap or tree wrap to protect their bark.
- Prune dead branches: Removing dead or diseased branches now will reduce the risk of these branches breaking under the weight of snow and ice.
Maintain Your Hardscapes
Hardscapes, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls, are an investment in your landscape. Winter weather can take a toll on these surfaces, so it’s important to prepare them:
- Clean and seal hardscapes: Before the first snowflake falls, clean your patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Once they’re clean, apply a sealant to protect these surfaces from water infiltration and ice damage.
- Clear debris: Remove any debris, such as leaves and sticks, from your walkways and patios to prevent slippery surfaces when snow or ice hits.
Protect Your Garden Beds
Your garden beds, whether they are filled with annuals, perennials, or vegetables, need special care during the winter months. Here’s what you can do:
- Mulch your garden beds: Apply a thick layer of mulch to garden beds to insulate the soil and protect your plants from freezing temperatures.
- Cover delicate plants: If you have tender plants that can’t survive freezing temperatures, consider covering them with frost blankets to help them weather the chill.
Prepare for Snow and Ice
Winter prep isn’t complete without making sure you’re ready for snow and ice management. At Westside Professional Landscape, we offer reliable snow and ice management services to keep your walkways and driveways safe throughout the winter. Whether it’s salting, snow removal, or walkway shoveling, we’ve got you covered.
Get Help with Your Winter Prep
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm hits to start preparing your landscape for winter. With the help of Westside Professional Landscape, you can ensure that your property is properly prepared for the cold months ahead. From lawn care to hardscape maintenance, we offer a variety of services to keep your landscape in top shape.
Contact Us Today!
Ready to get started? Reach out to Westside Professional Landscape today for expert advice and services for your winter prep. Visit our site or give us a call at 585-594-8420 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your landscape and ensure it’s ready for whatever winter brings!
