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.

A person wearing gardening gloves holds soil near green plants and brown mulch.

Mulch is one of the best ways to take care of your garden's perennial plants and ensure everything grows well in the spring. Mulch acts as a barrier between your plants and the environment around them. It can distinguish between an incredible landscape and one that doesn't.

Here are five of the most important reasons why you should use mulch!

Mulch Locks in Nutrients.

Mulch keeps soil from washing away when it rains, and it also preserves nutrients in the soil. As the organic matter in mulch runs down, it adds new nutrients to the soil.

Mulch brings earthworms.

Mulch makes it more likely for earthworms to move in near your native plants. Earthworms are a great way to give your soil more nutrients and make your yard's ecosystem stronger and healthier.

Mulch increased the amount of organic matter.

Organic mulches decompose and contribute to the organic matter in the soil. These include tree leaves, grasses, crop residues, wood bark, and wood chips. It raises the number of microbes. Using organic materials from your yard or neighbors' yards keeps them out of landfills and moves nutrients from plants to soil and back to plants.

Mulch stops weeds from growing.

Do you like pulling weeds all through the spring? We did not think so! Mulch is an excellent way to keep weeds at bay and prevent them from spreading through your grass and native plants. By keeping the weeds from getting sunlight, they won't be able to grow into a severe problem.

Decreases the density of soil.

The Texas A&M Forest Service says that vertical mulching is a soil treatment done around a tree's roots to improve how well the roots work and the tree's health. Vertical mulching loosens soils that a lot of foot traffic has packed down, adds nutrients to poor soil, and makes the soil better at letting water go through.

Mulch is a great way to "dress up" your garden, and it also adds essential nutrients and makes the soil stay healthy. Even though it's hard to believe, early spring is coming up and is one of the best times to put down mulch.

If you want to make your garden look prettier in the spring, 606 Land & Snow can help.

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Landscapes with mulch: a pool area, plants with brown mulch, and flowers with tan mulch.

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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

Here are five of the most important reasons why you should use mulch!

Mulch Locks in Nutrients.

Mulch brings earthworms.

Mulch increased the amount of organic matter.

Mulch stops weeds from growing.

Decreases the density of soil.

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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