Introduction

Winter may seem like a time when gardens sleep, but what you do in late fall determines how well your landscape will emerge in spring. Preparing your yard for Maryland’s cold, wet winter protects turf and plants, prevents damage and provides winter interest. It also offers an opportunity to plan improvements for the coming year. Here’s how to safeguard your yard and enjoy its beauty even when temperatures drop.

Plan Ahead and Start Early

Begin winter preparations as soon as summer heat fades. CBS Baltimore notes that the earlier you start, the more nutrients your lawn can absorb before dormancy. Waiting until late fall risks nutrient loss as the ground freezes. Use the fall months to assess your yard, schedule services and purchase supplies like mulch, burlap and plant covers.

Soil Care and Fertilization

Healthy soil is crucial for winter survival. Test your soil’s pH to determine if amendments are needed. Many Baltimore soils are acidic; adding lime in fall can help adjust pH. Apply a winterizer fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients strengthen roots and increase cold tolerance. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as it can spur tender growth prone to frost damage.

Pruning and Plant Care

Contrary to popular belief, avoid heavy pruning in fall. CBS warns that fall pruning can stimulate new growth that winter will destroy. Instead, wait until late winter to prune most trees and shrubs. Remove dead or diseased branches anytime to prevent hazards. Protect tender perennials and young shrubs by applying a thick layer of mulch around their root zones. Wrap burlap around vulnerable evergreens to shield them from desiccating wind.

Leaf and Debris Removal

Leaves left on the lawn all winter block light, trap moisture and promote disease, causing dead spots. Rake regularly or use a mulching mower to chop leaves into small pieces that decompose quickly. Remove spent annuals and vegetable crops to eliminate overwintering pests and diseases. Compost debris or dispose of it responsibly.

Aeration and Mulching

Aerate your lawn in fall to relieve compaction and improve drainage. Apply compost or shredded leaves after aeration to feed the soil. Mulch garden beds with shredded bark, straw or shredded leaves to insulate roots and moderate soil temperature. Apply mulch after the first frost to avoid inviting rodents and insects. Leave space around trunks to prevent rot.

Water System Preparation

Freezing water can burst pipes and damage irrigation systems. CBS recommends shutting off outdoor water lines, draining hoses and allowing time for drainage. Disconnect and store hoses. Drain rain barrels or direct overflow away from foundations. Blow out sprinkler lines or hire a professional to winterize irrigation systems. Empty and clean birdbaths and fountains, or add heaters to provide winter water for wildlife.

Protecting Plants from Frost and Salt

Sensitive plants may need extra protection. Cover flower beds with burlap or frost blankets during severe cold. Use cloches or overturned buckets for individual plants. Raise pots off the ground and move container plants to sheltered locations. Near walkways, use barriers or mulch to shield grass from road salt. If salt damage occurs, flush the area with water during warm spells.

Winter Interest and Wildlife

A winter landscape doesn’t have to be dull. Plant evergreen shrubs like inkberry and conifers to provide year‑round color. Ornamental grasses retain their plumes and sway in the wind, adding movement. Berry‑producing shrubs like winterberry and holly provide food for birds and bright splashes of color. Leave seed heads of perennials like coneflowers and black‑eyed Susans standing to feed birds and add texture. Install bird feeders and water sources to support wildlife during cold months.

Conclusion

Preparing your yard for winter ensures that turf and plants survive cold temperatures and bounce back in spring. By starting early, amending soil, avoiding late pruning, removing leaves, aerating and mulching, winterizing water systems and protecting sensitive plants, you’ll prevent common winter damage. Adding evergreens and grasses gives your garden winter charm and supports wildlife. HMD Landscaping can help with fall clean‑ups, aeration, irrigation shutdown and winter protection. Contact us today to schedule your winter landscaping services and ensure your yard is ready for the cold season.