Winter is approaching, and now is a great time to prepare your yard for the freezing temperatures and weather related abuse it will endure in the coming months. Follow these tips to ensure a healthy yard next spring.
1. Mow: 
Give your lawn one final trimming, leave about 1”-2” high, you don’t want a lot of dead grass to weigh down under the freezing rain/snow but you also want enough to protect the roots.
2. Aerate and Top Dress:
This process should only be done if your lawn needs it. A quick test to find out- take a screwdriver and stick into soil, if the screwdriver goes in smoothly, you probably do not have to aerate. If the soil is hard and the screwdriver takes a bit of force, you may want to consider aerating. You can buy or rent an aerator or just use something you already have. After aerating, you can also top dress with compost, soil, or sand.
3. Spread Winterizing Fertilizer: 
Follow package directions- make sure you get the right type for your particular lawn. Try to find one with weed killer as well. Fertilizing now will give your grass the right nutrients it needs to ensure a quick start in the spring.
4. Reseed Dead Spots:
Make sure you get the same type of grass you already have. Follow package directions and spread seeds in areas that are sparse or dead. Try to eliminate the cause of the dead spots as well (Not good soil, too much shade, not enough water, etc).
5. Kill Weeds: 
Find a good weed killer and spray onto problem areas in gardens, flower beds, etc. You don’t want weeds to be the only thing that survives through the winter.
6. Rake Fallen Leaves: 
Leaves will choke out your grass and delay growth in the spring. After the final leaves fall, be sure to rake the leaves up. You can save some for compost or fertilizer. You can also take a thatching rake and remove any thatch you may have in the lawn. Thatch can choke out healthy grass, so removing it is helpful during growth periods.
7. Remove Dead Growth and Blossoms:
Now is the time to comb through your perennials (plants that last year after year) and remove any dead growths or blossoms so they aren’t left to rot through the winter. It’s not only a great time to cut back perennials but also herbs.
8. Remove Dead or Unwanted Plants:
Fall is also a great time to get rid of any dead or unwanted plants. This means less work in the spring and less items to freeze and collect snow/ice in the winter. Dead plants can rot and attract bugs so the less rotting, the fewer bugs, the healthier the yard.
9. Bury or Remove Vegetable Growth and Till Soil in Gardens:
After burying or removing vegetable growth, be sure to till the soil in the garden so plants and roots are not left to rot. You can add lime if necessary.
10. Layer Compost/Mulch in Garden:
Layer 1-2 inches of compost of mulch in the garden to protect the soil so that it’s ready for spring planting.
11. Shield New Plants With Mounds of Compost/Mulch:
This protects the new plants roots from harsh weather and encourages growth in the spring. It also shields the actual plant from harsh weather as well.
12. Wrap Plants/Shrubs With Straw-Filled Burlap: 
Another great way to protect your plants and shrubs, especially if they are a bit bigger to shield with mounds. Straw filled burlap protects plants susceptible to freezing.
13. Wrap Rose Bushes With Straw-Filled Burlap:
Again, this burlap will protect them from the harsh weather they are about to endure.
14. Prune Trees:
You want to be sure to remove any dead limbs or limbs that may be dangerous if ice/snow collects on them.
15. Protect Tree Bases:
Layer 2-3 inches of mulch around tree bases but not touching the actual trunk.
16. Drain Garden Hoses:
This protects your hoses from freezing over and damaging the hose or pipes.
17. Store Hoses:
Place hoses in a warm, dry place like a shed or garage.
18. Drain Irrigation Systems:
Irrigation pipes are susceptible to freezing and bursting if not drained.
19. Disconnect Irrigation Systems:
Be sure to disconnect the system so it doesn’t accidentally turn on and cause pipes to burst or freeze over. Be sure to leave valves open.
20. Protect Patio Furniture And Outdoor Toys:
Put away or cover your patio furniture and toys like trampolines so they are not damaged in the harsh weather.
21. Winterize All Outdoor Equipment:
Drain gas in lawn mowers and other warmer weather equipment. Be sure to prepare and test any winter equipment you may need.
22. Cover Garden Beds By Driveway:
Cover with plastic to protect the plants and soil from any salt you may have to spread on the driveway during the winter months.
23. Bring Potted Plants Inside:
Bring them into a warmer place like the garage or sunroom. Prevent your potted plants from freezing and dying, this will save you money in the spring.
24. Protect Outdoor Animals/Pets:
Buy warmer pet bedding, repair or build a shelter for them, place straw around the outside of the shelter to make freezes easier on the feet and/or find a warmer place (possibly indoors) for them to stay during severe weather days.
25. Start a Compost Pile:
Now is a great time to start a compost pile so you can have great fertilizer in the spring.
Working in your yard is also a great way to lose weight or get in shape, so get out there and get a head start on your new year’s resolution. Have fun, and here’s to a safe yard this winter and a healthy yard in the spring!
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