As November settles in, the vibrant fall colors begin to fade — and that’s your signal to get your property ready for the cold months ahead. Winter can be tough on lawns, plants, and outdoor spaces, but with the right preparation, you can protect your landscape and set it up for a healthy, green comeback in the spring. MM Landscaping is here to share expert tips on how to prepare your yard before the first freeze hits.
Why Late-Fall Preparation Matters
Your landscape may appear to be slowing down this time of year, but there’s still plenty happening below the surface. Roots continue to grow even as temperatures drop, and the steps you take now will determine how well your grass, plants, and trees bounce back after winter. Neglecting November maintenance can lead to compacted soil, damaged turf, or frost-bitten plants that struggle to recover.
A little extra effort before winter goes a long way in preventing costly repairs and replacements later.
Lawn Care Essentials for November
Before the ground freezes, give your lawn one last round of care.
- Final Mow: Cut the grass slightly shorter than usual—around 2.5 inches—to reduce matting under snow.
- Aerate: Loosen compacted soil so roots can breathe and absorb nutrients.
- Fertilize: Apply a slow-release winter fertilizer to strengthen roots and store nutrients for spring growth.
- Overseed if Needed: Fill in bare spots to ensure a thicker, healthier lawn come springtime.
MM Landscaping recommends scheduling your final lawn service early in the month for best results before consistent frost sets in.
Protecting Plants & Trees
Don’t let your hard work in the garden go to waste over winter.
- Mulch: Add a thick layer around plants and trees to insulate roots and retain soil moisture.
- Wrap Young Trees: Use burlap or tree wrap to protect against harsh winds, frost, and animal damage.
- Prune Carefully: Trim back dead or diseased branches, but avoid heavy pruning that can expose plants to cold injury.
- Cut Back Perennials: Remove spent growth to reduce pests and give your garden a clean start for spring.
Irrigation System Winterization
One of the most important November tasks is preparing your irrigation system for freezing temperatures. Water left inside pipes can expand and crack components, leading to expensive repairs. MM Landscaping offers professional irrigation blowouts and winterization services to ensure your system stays protected all season long.
Clean-Up & Maintenance
A final clean-up can make all the difference in how your property weathers the winter:
- Rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent mold and lawn smothering.
- Clear out gutters to avoid water buildup and ice dams.
- Store garden tools and hoses in a dry, sheltered space.
- Clean and cover patio furniture or outdoor equipment.
Taking care of these details now means less work — and fewer surprises — when spring arrives.
Let MM Landscaping Handle the Heavy Lifting
Getting your landscape winter-ready takes time and expertise. From leaf clean-up and mulching to irrigation system blowouts, MM Landscaping provides complete fall and winter preparation services tailored to your property. Our goal is to keep your outdoor spaces beautiful, healthy, and stress-free all year long.
Schedule your November winterization service today — and head into winter with peace of mind.
