Getting Your Landscape Ready for Winter
As the air turns crisp and we head into late October, it’s time to think about “tucking in” your garden for the season. While it might feel like there is plenty of time left, starting your fall maintenance now ensures a healthy, vibrant landscape when spring returns.
In the video below, Johan shares fundamental tips for preapring your gardens for winter and setting them up for a great spring.
At A Touch of Dutch Landscaping, we believe fall cleanup doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here is our professional guide to getting your gardens winter-ready.
1. Cutting Back Perennials
The first step in any fall cleanup is addressing your perennials. We typically begin by cutting down plants like Lilies and Hostas.
Pro Tip: Don’t let that plant material go to waste! We add all our clippings to a compost pile. In two years, that “waste” becomes “black gold”—nutrient-rich compost that can be reused to feed your gardens.
2. Managing Leaves and Ground Covers
There is often a debate about whether to leave fallen leaves in the garden. While some leaf cover is natural, a layer that is too thick or too wet can create a breeding ground for mice and other rodents.
We generally prefer to rake the leaves out of the garden beds—including areas with ground covers like Periwinkle—using a standard leaf rake. These leaves also head to the compost pile to be recycled for next year.
3. The Ornamental Grass Dilemma
Ornamental grasses provide beautiful texture and seed heads for birds during the early fall. However, once the heavy snow hits, these grasses often collapse, making spring cleanup much more difficult.
Our Recommendation: Enjoy them as long as you can, but we suggest cutting them down by mid-November. This keeps the garden looking tidy and prevents a matted mess come springtime.
4. The Benefits of Fall Mulching
Most homeowners find they have a bit more time in the fall than during the hectic spring rush. This makes autumn the perfect time for mulching.
Application: Once your perennials are cut back, apply 3 to 4 inches of fresh mulch.
Don’t Worry: You can go right over the top of your cut-back perennials. They are hardy enough to push through the mulch in the spring.
Why Prep Now?
Taking these steps in October and November doesn’t just make your property look beautiful throughout the winter; it sets you up for success. When the snow melts, your gardens will be clean, protected, and ready to grow.
Need a hand getting your property ready for the winter? Contact A Touch of Dutch Landscaping today to schedule your professional fall maintenance!
