This week I asked a professional landscaper what steps I can take to winterize my yard now and enjoy the peace of mind!

As the leaves change color and the temperature starts to drop, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your yard. By taking a few simple steps now, you can prevent damage to your plants and lawn and make springtime gardening that much easier. Here are our top tips on how to prepare your yard for winter.

Rake up leaves as they fall. Leaving a layer of fallen leaves on your lawn can cause the grass underneath to suffocate and die. Plus, when they eventually decompose, they’ll release harmful chemicals into the soil that can damage delicate plant roots. So, grab a rake and get to work!

Have a plan for what to do with all of those leaves after you pile them up. The worst thing you can do is take all of those leaves and bag them up in plastic to send to a landfill. One idea is to add them to a yard compost system. You can also add them to your garden beds to protect any delicate plants from the winter frost.

Mow your lawn one last time. Giving your lawn a final trim before winter sets in will help it stay healthy and green come springtime. Be sure to set the mower blades a bit higher than usual so you don’t damage the grass.

Protect tender plants. If you have any plants that are particularly delicate or susceptible to cold weather damage, now is the time to take measures to protect them. You can do this by moving them indoors or placing them in a sheltered spot in your yard, such as next to a building or under a tree. Mulching around the base of the plant can also help insulate roots and prevent damage from frosty temperatures.

Prepare your garden beds. Once all your plants are tucked away for winter, it’s time to start preparing your garden beds for next year. Begin by turning over the soil with a shovel or tiller so it’s loose and aerated. Then, add some compost or other organic matter to help improve drainage and increase nutrients in the soil. Lastly, mark off where you plan to plant each type of flower or vegetable so you’ll be ready to go come springtime!

Winterize your sprinklers and disconnect all hoses. Depending on your sprinkler system you might have to have your sprinklers blown out or just have the valves open to drain. If you’ve never winterized your own sprinklers it’s best to call a professional to make sure it’s done right. The last thing you want is a burst sprinkler come springtime.

By taking these simple steps, you can winterize your yard and ensure that your plants and lawn are healthy come springtime!