Preparing Your Colorado Springs Landscape for Winter: Essential Tips for a Beautiful Spring

As winter approaches in Colorado Springs, it's time to start thinking about preparing your landscape for the cold months ahead. With the city’s varied climate, which can range from sunny days to heavy snowfalls, taking steps now will not only protect your landscape during winter but also set you up for a lush and vibrant spring.

At Freedom Landscapes, we understand how important it is to maintain your outdoor space all year long. Here are some essential tips for preparing your landscape for winter in Colorado Springs.

1. Clean Up Debris and Fallen Leaves

Before winter arrives, be sure to clear your yard of fallen leaves, dead plants, and debris. While it might be tempting to leave leaves on the ground, they can trap moisture, leading to mold growth, attracting pests, or creating diseases in your lawn and garden. Raking up leaves and other organic debris will help your grass "breathe" during the winter and prevent potential problems when the snow melts.

Additionally, trim dead branches from trees and shrubs to prevent winter storm damage. This ensures that branches won't break under the weight of snow and ice.

2. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn

Fall is the ideal time to aerate your lawn, which allows water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil, strengthening the roots for the cold months ahead. Aerating helps combat soil compaction from heavy summer use and prepares your grass for a healthier spring.

After aeration, apply a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to survive winter. A fall fertilization encourages root growth, ensuring a thicker, greener lawn once the snow melts.

3. Protect Your Plants and Shrubs

Colorado's unpredictable weather can be tough on plants, especially those not naturally adapted to the climate. To protect your perennials and shrubs:

• Mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots from freezing temperatures and prevent soil erosion.
• Cover tender plants with burlap or frost blankets to shield them from frost and cold winds.
• Prune selectively: While some trees and shrubs benefit from pruning in the fall, avoid heavy pruning, as this can stimulate new growth that may not survive the winter.
• For plants especially sensitive to the cold, consider wrapping them in protective fabric or moving potted plants indoors.

4. Prepare Hardscapes for Winter

While much of your winter prep may focus on plant care, don't forget about your hardscapes—patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Freezing temperatures and ice can cause cracking and damage to these surfaces, so it’s essential to inspect them before winter.

• Seal cracks in walkways or patios to prevent water from freezing and expanding, which can make small cracks larger over the winter.
• Apply a protective sealant to stone surfaces to help guard against moisture and freeze-thaw damage.
• Store outdoor furniture: If you have outdoor living areas, such as kitchens or seating, cover or store furniture to protect it from snow and freezing temperatures.