little preparation this autumn can make things a lot easier next spring. This is especially true if you’ve just had a brand-new landscape installed. Here’s what you should know about preparing new landscaping for the winter.
Importance of Yard Prep
Whether you love traditional landscaping or prefer the natural beauty of xeriscapes, you need to remember plants are living things. Even the hardiest plants require a little TLC after transplanting. This is especially true in the sometimes-harsh environment of Colorado. Without that care, you may be disappointed that some of your beautiful trees, shrubs, or flowers don’t return once spring has sprung.
That’s why autumn yard prep is so important. A little time now will help your beautiful new landscape survive the winter and thrive in the spring when things warm up.
Tips to Prep Your Yard for Fall
Most autumn yard maintenance can be done in an afternoon or two. Here’s what to consider to make sure your landscaping investment is prepared for the winter:
Mulch Tender and Newly Planted Beds
Adding mulch before winter is the single most important thing you can do for your new garden beds. It accomplishes two things.
First, a several-inch layer of mulch hides perennial stems, bulbs, and roots from hungry animals, reducing the risk that the local wildlife makes new plants into a buffet.
Second, mulch keeps your soil frozen longer, which is important in Colorado’s unpredictable climate. It keeps plants dormant through the inevitable streak of warm days in January or March. They won’t waste resources forming buds that will die back during the next cold snap.
Winterize Irrigation Systems
If you have a permanent or semi-permanent irrigation system installed, late fall is the time to get it ready for winter. Turn off the water at the house, then drain the outside lines. Finally, close any valves on the system to prevent freezes and thaws from damaging the system and causing expensive water leaks.
Fertilize Plants for a Strong Spring Start
Many new plants benefit from fertilization in late fall. Once your plants have lost their leaves or died back to the ground, spread fertilizer around their roots and gently work it into the soil or mulch. Winter snows will melt and carry the nutrients deeper into the dirt, where the roots will find them once the weather warms up.
Prune Plants
Certain fast-growing shrubs benefit from pruning even their first year in the ground. For example, roses often benefit from a light trim before winter hits. Trim them back by about a third of their overall size, prioritizing diseased or dead stems and any stems that cross or rub against each other.
Talk to the Landscaping Experts About Your Yard’s Needs
If you’re getting ready to install a new landscape, you can talk to the experts at Hall Landscape Contractors. Our knowledgeable designers will help you create the yard of your dreams and ensure you know exactly what care it needs in the fall to be as beautiful as possible next spring.