Preparing for winter is not only necessary inside of the home, but outside in the yard. Prepping your yard for the upcoming winter season does not have to feel complicated or stressful when doing so ahead of time. With the right winter preparations, enjoy the brisk cool air and the first snowfall without feeling overwhelmed.

Mow and Rake
Mow your lawn frequently even as the fall months approach and begin to turn the leaves. Mowing more often helps leaves to disintegrate while providing more sun exposure to your lawn. Rake your leaves once or twice each week rather than waiting for all of the leaves from your trees to fall. Set your mower’s blade extremely low to the ground to maximize the amount of exposure your lawn receives. Raking frequently keeps the leaves from becoming muddy and moist, allowing for easier pickup and less mess.

Fertilize
Fertilize your lawn during fall months to promote a healthier lawn once the winter has passed. Fertilizing your lawn during later fall months ensures brown spots and areas where the grass is no longer growing are replenished once the spring begins to arrive. Whenever possible, fertilize your yard just after summer has passed and before you begin seeing leaves falling in bunches. When leaves are covering your lawn it becomes increasingly difficult to properly view and fertilize all of the areas that require attention.

Aerate
Aerating your yard is essential if you have multiple trees, bushes, and areas where plants grow during the spring and summertime. Use mulch to surround your bushes and the trees in your yard to prevent the buildup of bark and large sticks, which may stunt the growth and flourishing of your garden and surroundings once the winter breaks.

Treat Weeds
Treat the weeded areas in your yard towards the end of fall and just before the first frost if possible. Use herbicides that are pet-friendly and non-toxic whenever possible if children and animals still spend time outdoors. Pull weeds surrounding your garden or fencelines to help minimize them after winter has passed. Treating weeds in the fall months prevents them from popping back up and creating eyesores once the warmer weather returns.

Get Organized
Organize your outdoor shed or garage and pack summer and outdoor tools away for the upcoming winter. Place winter items and tools such as shovels, salt, ice picks, and snowblowers towards the front of your storage area for easy accessibility. Remove summer decor and furniture as soon as the fall months become cold where you live to minimize moisture buildup and to prevent mold growth from damaging or ruining your belongings. Only utilize lightweight waterproof furniture and decor if you live in an area that receives heavy snowstorms and massive rainfall throughout the fall and winter months.

Prepping your yard for the winter months is a way to preserve its health for spring and summer once the snow and rain have passed. With enough preparation, relax and find joy in the beauty of your surroundings year-round.