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.

Where are the robot mowers? They're coming.

Roomba’s have been around for 30 years. Where are the robot lawnmowers? The truth is they have been far more popular for 15+ years across the pond in Europe and are quickly gaining popularity in the states.

Here in the U.S. robot mowers have been targeted to be set up for large properties in middle america but they are moving to the city quickly (especially Chicago). This is largely due to the fact that the technology has advanced to the point that it is simple to install now and it is easy for a homeowner to run these apps themselves.

That said, these devices are not the silver bullet for yard maintenance. They take care of the mowing, but there is still a need for weekly maintenance like trimming, weed pulling, edging, etc. Ironically, while this seems like a no-brainer for landscapers and home-owners alike it is a paradigm shift because the lawn will be cut daily rather than weekly. Most robot lawn mowers on the market are intended to mow the lawn everyday which results in a healthier fresh-cut look– everyday. Because of the frequency of mowing the clippings are far less so they are not trotted into your house and the ultra-fine clippings are a great natural fertilizer.

Let’s talk about working with the grass rather than against it. For one, robot mowers are electric which is better for the environment in general and you don’t have to worry about the brown spot on your grass from spilled gasoline. Another overlooked part of daily mowing is that you are encouraging internal lawn growth. It’s the same concept as cutting plant suckers in your vegetable garden. You want to encourage slower growing grass and cutback fast growing grass for a more uniform and green lawn.

These devices are a new fresh take on the way we maintain our lawns and it’s an exciting time for the industry. Visit our site for more information.

Wooden toy robot stands in a grassy area, with rain falling.

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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:

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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

Where are the robot mowers? They're coming.

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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