If you haven’t already done so, November is the perfect time to take care of your yard and garden preparations for winter. There are many ways you can prepare your outdoor space upcoming colder weather, so let’s go over five of them here.
1. Rake Up Fallen Leaves
As annoying as it can be, raking up fallen leaves on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do to take care of your yard in the fall. If the leaves are left alone, they can create thick layers or mats that may damage your lawn. If you get large amounts of rain or snow in your area, the fallen leaves can also be difficult to remove after they get wet. Do your future self a favor and remove the leaves regularly to avoid this problem! Raked leaves can often be lightly shredded and used in compost.
2. Prune Trees (If They’re Ready)
Gently pruning trees during their dormant period (after their leaves have fallen) can help remove dead or dangerous branches and promote new growth in the spring. In some colder regions, trees will lose all of their leaves by late November and be ready to be lightly trimmed back. However, pruning before trees are fully dormant may result in more damage than good. If this is the case, it might be smart to wait until late winter or early spring to prune.
3. Winterize Sprinklers and Pipes
You will want to winterize your sprinkler systems and spouts before the temperature starts to drop below freezing. This will prevent damage that can happen throughout the cold weather months. To do this, drain the system (including hoses) and store external compartments in storage for the winter. You may also want to use insulated covers to protect outdoor spouts from damage.
4. Clean Up, Organize, and Weed
November is also a good time to take care of clean-up-related tasks. In addition to raking up fallen leaves, clear out garden areas that may be overgrown or full of weeds. Take the time to cut back plants for the winter, choose what to bring inside, or organize the garden shed. When spring comes, you and your garden will be ready to go!
5. Mow the Lawn Relatively Short
Long grass can become unmanageable, matted, and even moldy after repeated exposure to winter rain and snow, so it’s typically a good idea to mow the grass to between 2-3 inches tall before winter. Doing this will keep your lawn healthier and more protected during snowfalls and freeze/thaw cycles.
Is your yard prepared for the winter months? If you find yourself scrambling to get some of the yard maintenance done before the first frost, contact a local landscape maintenance company in your area!