How to Prepare Your Harrisonburg Landscape for Winter

Winter prep protects your landscape investment. Do it right and plants survive cold weather. Skip it and you'll have damage in spring.

Timeline for Winter Prep

Start in October. Finish by mid-November. Before first hard freeze.

In Harrisonburg, first freeze usually hits late November. Don't wait until then.

Lawn Care Before Winter

Final mow: Cut grass slightly shorter than summer height. Not too short though.

Fall fertilizer: Apply winterizer formula in October. Strengthens roots for spring.

Aerate: If you didn't aerate earlier. Last chance before ground freezes.

Tree and Shrub Care

Water deeply before ground freezes. Evergreens especially need this.

Mulch around roots. 2-3 inches. Insulates against freeze-thaw cycles.

Prune dead branches. But don't prune healthy growth. That happens in late winter.

Clean Up Tasks

Remove all leaves from lawn. Thick layers kill grass over winter.

Cut back perennials. Leave 4-6 inches of stem.

Clear gutters. Leaves and debris cause ice dams.

Protect Sensitive Plants

Burlap wrap for small evergreens. Protects from wind and snow.

Move containers to sheltered spots. Or bury pots in ground.

Cover tender plants with mulch after first freeze.

Equipment and Systems

Drain irrigation systems. Frozen lines burst.

Store or cover outdoor furniture. Winter weather damages it.

Clean and store garden tools. Oil metal parts.

Professional Winterization

Pros handle irrigation blow-outs. They also apply commercial-grade winterizer. Plus they spot problems you might miss.