Everyone wants a lush, green lawn in the summertime, but did you know achieving that starts with landscaping now? As we creep closer to winter in Surrey, how you care for your lawn and landscape during fall plays a big role in setting up a healthy, vibrant yard for spring.
Why Seasonal Pre-Winter Landscaping Matters
November and December might not seem like the logical time to start worrying about springtime grass and perennials, but preparing your lawn and garden before winter snow and ice settle in has a huge impact on what your landscaping will look like when spring rolls around.
This is because winter’s cold, wet conditions can weaken grassroots, compact the soil, and even damage plant life if they’re not protected in advance. Focusing on pre-winter preparations helps to ensure that your lawn and garden are strong enough to withstand harsh winter weather and be ready to jump back to life once the frost thaws.
Here’s a rundown of the landscaping services you should take care of in Surrey now before winter comes.
Clear Away the Debris
The reds and oranges of fallen leaves might look like something out of a postcard scattered across your lawn, but leaving them there can be extremely harmful to your grass. Over time, leaf clutter compacts, blocking sunlight, trapping moisture, and encouraging mould growth and pests. This can suffocate the grass, weaken root systems, and lead to dead patches by spring.
So, after you’ve taken in the view and snapped a few pictures, it’s best to have this fallen foliage removed, giving your lawn space to breathe and access to sunlight during those shorter winter days.
Weed, Aerate, and Seed
Your lawn isn’t the only thing that will be looking for nourishment over the winter; weeds will want their fill as well. If you haven’t stayed on top of weeding up until now, fall is the right time to tackle weeds that will compete with your grass for nutrients. Taking care of weeds now helps prevent them from taking over as soon as the weather warms, saving you time and money on spring landscaping.
We often think of aerating and seeding in the spring, but according to experts, fall is the best time to ventilate and seed your lawn. Most of the lawns in Surrey are made up of cool-season grasses, meaning they thrive in two prime growing periods: spring and fall. Aerating your lawn pre-winter loosens up compacted dirt, allowing water and nutrients to reach deep down to the grassroots. When combined with overseeding to fill in thin spots, you increase the odds of your lawn growing back thick and lush in the spring.
Top Dress and Fertilize
Adding a layer of top dressing—compost or organic matter—improves soil structure, helps retain moisture, and provides essential nutrients. This layer acts like a natural blanket, protecting the soil and grassroots from extreme temperature shifts. Fertilizing with a fall-specific formula helps grassroots store up nutrients, giving them the energy they need to stay strong over winter and wake up healthier in spring.
Mulch and Protect Delicate Plants
Winter can be rough on perennials, shrubs, and other tender plants, but applying a layer of mulch can help. Mulching flower beds and around the base of trees helps insulate roots, preventing freeze damage and moisture loss. Mulch also acts as a barrier, reducing soil erosion and keeping roots stable.
Setting Yourself Up for a Healthier, Greener Yard Next Year
Getting winter-ready may seem like a lot of effort now, but it’s worth it. By preparing your lawn, garden, and plants for the colder months, you’re setting up for a healthier, greener, and more resilient landscape come spring.