Winter yard prep and where to start
It’s coming up to that time of year, the time where most of the blooms in our yards are done and need to be prepped for colder weather and snow. Knowing where to start and what to do can be a daunting task on top of our already busy schedules, we can help you sort out what needs to be done to get started on your winter yard prep.
Plant Prep
Depending on what type of plants you have in your yard, it could either be maintenance-free or need a little bit of care for the survival of your flowers and shrubs. Perennials like Iris, Lilies, Bee Balm, and Peonies should be cut down close to the ground to promote healthy growth the following spring. If any plants had disease over the year, make sure not to put those cuttings in the compost, but dispose of them away from any compost or garden beds to stop the spread of the disease. An example of a disease could be powdery mildew that thrives in wet conditions.
Shrubs should also be prepped, depending on the hardiness of the plant. If stalks are thin and prone to breaking, they should be staked, or tied with twine to help any breakage due to snow. Adding a 2-3” thick layer of mulch over the root area will help insulate for the colder winter months and protect the roots or rhizomes from frost, and add the ability to conserve moisture when the ground is frozen. Most of the time fall can have a good amount of precipitation to prepare plants for winter, but if we have a dry fall, make sure to water well before the ground freezes so the plants aren’t water-deprived.
Pruning
For some plants, it is best to leave pruning until spring. Some plants like Lilacs put a lot of energy into setting themselves up for winter and new growth in the spring. Too much pruning in the fall can disrupt that cycle and lead to the bush struggling or not bloom as full. Waiting until spring after the buds have sprouted can also show you the best spots to prune, and which dead branches to remove. For fruit trees, wait until the tree is dormant, or finished bearing fruit before you prune. Pruning is a great way to keep the tree healthy and controlled to not grow too tall or too far horizontally, which can weigh down branches and lead to breakage.
Leaf Cleanup
If you are able to, consider leaving the leaves that have fallen on your yard. There are many benefits to not raking your lawn such as being a host to butterfly larva, microbes, worms, and providing food for birds. It also helps frogs and toads have a place to survive the winter. Berries left on shrubs are a great source of food for songbirds. If you have to rake your lawn, you can use the debris to cover garden beds or mulch and leave over lawns to improve your lawn health, add to compost, or bag for city fall yard waste pickup.
Water Features and Sprinklers
Making sure to take care of ponds, fountains, and sprinklers in your winter yard prep is a must to avoid any frozen lines. If you have under-ground sprinkler systems, you should blow out the lines to make sure no water is sitting over the winter, which could lead to freezing and broken or cracked pipes.
If you have a fountain, make sure to drain any water from the basin or lines. Unplug and secure the cord for winter properly. After it is completely dry, cover it to prevent any water or moisture from getting in. If portable or a small feature fountain, consider storing it inside a garage or storage area during the winter months.
To safely prep your pond with liner for winter, remove any leaves and debris. You can look into a net to cover your pond before leaves start to fall to avoid mass amounts falling into the water. Plants should be cut back to stalks only and any dying foliage removed. Pumps can either be removed and stored in a warm area inside like a garage or basement if you decide to let it freeze, or cleaned out and stored at the bottom of the deepest part of the pond if you plan to prevent the pond from freezing. Remove any water from the lines for a waterfall or fountain. Add cold water bacteria to the pond to keep it cleaner and will help reduce any toxic gas buildup. You can add a heater to avoid the pond freezing.
Fall is a beautiful time, with changing color and cooling temperatures. Yard cleanup is another excuse to be out in our yards and enjoying the last bits before freezing temps and snow. If you don’t have the time to prep your yard for winter, contact us and we would be more than happy to help.
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About Me
I am the Owner of Inherit Designs Landscaping. Since 2003, my team and I have been providing sustainable garden solutions to the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria. I personally hold two certifications in horticulture and permaculture and take great pride in the service I offer my clients. My family and I live on our organic flower farm called Little Bee Blooms, run by my wife. Together we are continually conducting research gardens and experimenting in many aspects of horticulture and permaculture to improve our knowledge and the operation of our businesses.