For those in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is just around the corner. The leaves are deserting the trees, and the frost is ready to take over. The lush green of summertime has begun to fade into hues of brown, red, yellow, and orange. Before the first hard freeze arrives, it’s time to prepare your yard to brace for the winter. If you want to have great outdoor spaces next summer, you’ll have to start working this fall.

Preparing your yard for the harsh winter months is essential to its ability to bounce back in spring. Here are five tips for ensuring your yard remains safe in winter and looks spectacular next year.

1. Prune Your Plants

As the leaves start to change colors and gracefully fall from the trees, it’s time to get to work. Pruning encourages healthy growth and removes dead or diseased branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice. Eliminating dead material keeps the yard neat and also helps prevent pests from infiltrating. Just remember not to over-prune, as some plants — like spring-blooming shrubs — develop their buds in the fall. 

When you’re done pruning, mulch around the base of the plants to protect them from the cold. As you wield your loppers and pruning shears, don’t neglect to protect yourself from the cold, too. Don comfortable outerwear like a Carhartt hoodie, which has a warm lining and water-resistant finish. The extra roomy pockets are a bonus feature if you want your phone close to you while you work. 

2. Fertilize the Grass and Clear It of Leaves

Fall is a great time to fertilize your grass. Make sure the fertilizer is high in potassium and phosphorus so your lawn builds strong roots and withstands the cold. Spread it evenly across the grass according to the manufacturer’s instructions and water it in thoroughly. Don’t forget to rake the area first so there’s no debris to keep fertilizer from settling between the grass blades.

Clearing fallen leaves not only makes the yard aesthetically pleasing, but also provides a good source of compost. Food scraps and other plant remains can be mixed in to create a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for your garden beds. Keep in mind that the wind blows leaves everywhere, so have a look at the gutters and drains as well. 

3. Prevent Water Damage

If your gutters and drains are clogged with leaves, water will start pooling inside them. Eventually, that moisture can run into the walls and ceiling, causing cracks, stains, and even mold. Cleaning out debris from gutters is a messy job, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble down the road. Just be careful while you work and follow ladder safety rules to prevent accidental falls.

Water poses another problem in winter. Frozen water in garden hoses and the pipes they connect to can freeze, causing those pipes to burst. This can result in significant damage — and a hefty repair bill. So disconnect and drain your garden hoses before storing them for the winter. If you have a garden irrigation system, get it professionally winterized and blow out any water using pressurized air. Burst pipes are a costly hazard that can be prevented. 

4. Check for Hazards

Take extra care to check for hazards in the yard if you’re expecting snow or heavy rain in the winter. Inspect your trees for any dead or damaged branches that may fall, causing damage, injury, or power outages. Be proactive and address these issues now, rather than having to deal with fallen trees in the middle of winter.

As a rule, discourage foot traffic on the grass and urge family and visitors to use walkways instead. This not only reduces the risk of slips and tripping, but it also prevents damage to the underlying grass. Once winter weather hits, clear snow and ice accumulation in a timely manner. Salt isn’t good for grass, so keep it on walkways and driveways to prevent salt damage to your yard. 

5. Plan for Spring

Everything you do — or don’t do — in the fall has consequences in the spring. Your yard and its furnishings need to be protected from the upcoming harsh weather. Cleaning your patio furniture and storing it in the garage keeps it in good condition to be used later. Move any container plants to a sheltered area or insulate them with bubble wrap to keep them safe.

After completing all your yard work, make sure your gardening tools are also cleaned and stored safely. This prolongs their lifespan and makes them ready for action come spring. During the winter months, you can consider any improvements you want to make to your yard. Start your research early so you can hit the ground running when the weather gets warmer.

Keeping Your Yard Alive

Just because the trees are bare doesn’t mean your garden can no longer look beautiful. Depending on your climate, you could plant some winter flowers. Evergreens also add color to the surroundings. Believe it or not, it’s even possible to have a vegetable garden in the winter. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts can withstand even a hard freeze.

Winterizing your yard is a labor of love that can pay off in the long run. Once you’ve prepared it to embrace the cold, you can rest assured that your property is safe and secure. Go ahead and snuggle beside the fireplace or go skiing on the slopes! Enjoy your winter knowing that your yard is well-equipped to face the cold.