Winter Clean-Up: My Tried-and-True Tips for a Cozy Winter Yard

Winter clean-up has always been a favorite seasonal ritual of mine. There's something deeply satisfying about tidying up the yard, knowing it will help everything come back stronger in the spring. Here’s what I do every year to get my outdoor space winter-ready:

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Rake the Leaves: I used to think fallen leaves were pretty, but after seeing how they can suffocate the grass, I now make it a habit to rake them up regularly. Plus, there's nothing like the crunch underfoot as you work your way across the lawn!

Trim and Prune: I learned the hard way that overgrown branches can cause trouble in the winter. So, I always trim back shrubs and perennials, careful not to overdo it, to keep everything healthy and ready for the cold.

After a long winter, trying to start your lawn mower can be very frustrating. Before you put your lawn mower away for the winter, you should do a few simple maintenance tasks (i.e. add Fuel stabilizer and begin next season with an octane booster). This will allow you to save time in the spring, extend the life of your lawn mower, and save money in the long run.

When it is time for you to clean up your yard in the spring and prepare it for the summer. Use this landscaping to-do list for spring to get a jump on summer.

1. Cutbacks on Grass and Perennials

One of the most common mistakes people make when caring for perennials is not cutting them back. It makes them grow too big and ugly and can cause them to crowd out other plants. Because ornamental grass dies every year, it must be removed so that new grass can grow. If it isn't removed, it will look like a mess and distract from a well-defined neat landscape design.

2. Clean up the leaves, trash, and other junk.

During the winter, leaves, branches, and twigs pile up and must be cleaned up before mowing the lawn. To let the grass breathe, it's important to remove leaves and other debris. A thorough spring cleaning makes beds ready for fresh mulch and annual flowers and clean looking garden beds for summer.

3. Deep Edge Planting Beds And Tree Rings

Deeply edging around plant beds and tree rings is like putting a frame around landscaped areas.

A hand spade or mechanical shaper makes a clear line between your grass and beds. It needs to be done before pre-emergent and fresh mulch is placed.

If the edge is cut deep, it w9ill prevent weeds in your garden beds because weeds and grass will have difficulty getting into a landscaped bed with a spade finish. It also makes it easier to mow up to the edges of flower beds, and it is much less likely that damage will happen.

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Trees planted in grassy yard with mulch rings; a wooden fence in the background.

4. Use a pre-emergent herbicide.

Existing weeds are not removed by a pre-emergent. Instead, it stops weeds from growing in the first place. If you do this step regularly, you won't have to use weed killers as much later in the year.

Applying pre-emergent early in the season, when the soil temperature is still below 50 degrees, is best. If you use the herbicide too late, you might have to fight weeds all spring and summer.

5. Add a new layer of mulch.

After pre-emergent has been spread, a new layer of mulch can do wonders for a landscape that has been damaged by winter.

Mulch is essential to maintaining your commercial landscaping, and adding a new layer of mulch in the spring has several benefits. It can stop weeds from sprouting and growing and keep the soil moist and cooler as the temperature rises.

Taking care of your landscaping not only adds to the value of your property but also makes it safe for people who visit, work, or live on it.

We offer a wide range of commercial landscaping services at 606 Land & Snow. Our team works diligently and gives our clients, customers, employees, residents, and guests the best first impression possible.

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Man pruning a rose bush against a white fence. He wears gloves and kneels.

Rake the Leaves:

I used to think fallen leaves were pretty, but after seeing how they can suffocate the grass, I now make it a habit to rake them up regularly. Plus, there's nothing like the crunch underfoot as you work your way across the lawn!
Trim and Prune:

I learned the hard way that overgrown branches can cause trouble in the winter. So, I always trim back shrubs and perennials, careful not to overdo it, to keep everything healthy and ready for the cold.
Tidy the Garden Beds:

Clearing out the old plants and weeds from my garden beds feels like tucking them in for a long nap. A fresh layer of mulch adds a cozy blanket that keeps the soil and roots protected.
Aerate and Fertilize:

Provide us with the images of the site so we can assess the scope of work and provide an accurate estimate for removal and restoration services.
Tool Care:

After years of neglecting my tools and dealing with rusted blades, I’ve finally learned to clean and store them properly. It’s a small step that makes a big difference when spring rolls around.

There’s a certain peace that comes with a well-prepped yard through winter. It’s like wrapping up the season with a bow, knowing your hard work now will lead to a beautiful spring revival.

Winter Clean-Up: My Tried-and-True Tips for a Cozy Winter Yard

1. Cutbacks on Grass and Perennials

2. Clean up the leaves, trash, and other junk.

3. Deep Edge Planting Beds And Tree Rings

4. Use a pre-emergent herbicide.

5. Add a new layer of mulch.

Rake the Leaves:

Trim and Prune:

Tidy the Garden Beds:

Aerate and Fertilize:

Tool Care:

Winter Clean-Up: My Tried-and-True Tips for a Cozy Winter Yard

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