Essential Winter Landscaping Tips to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

Schofield Outdoors Lawn and Landscape
Jan 21
4 min read

Winter can feel like a quiet pause for your garden, but it’s actually the perfect time to prepare your outdoor space for a vibrant spring. Taking the right steps during the colder months helps protect your plants, improve soil health, and set the stage for a flourishing landscape once the weather warms up. This guide shares practical winter landscaping tips that will save you time and effort in spring, while keeping your garden healthy through the cold season.

Eye-level view of a snow-covered garden bed with dormant plants and mulch — Winter garden bed covered in mulch and snow

Clear Away Debris and Dead Plant Material

Before the deep freeze sets in, remove fallen leaves, dead plants, and other garden debris. This cleanup prevents mold, pests, and diseases from taking hold during winter. Use a rake or gloved hands to clear beds and borders, but avoid disturbing the soil too much to protect beneficial organisms.

Remove dead annuals and spent perennials
Rake up fallen leaves, especially if they are wet or thick
Dispose of diseased plant material separately to avoid contamination

This simple step reduces the risk of fungal infections and keeps your garden tidy, making spring cleanup easier.

Protect Your Soil with Mulch

Mulching is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your soil during winter. A layer of mulch insulates roots, retains moisture, and prevents soil erosion caused by wind and rain. Organic mulches like shredded bark, straw, or composted leaves also improve soil fertility as they break down.

Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds
Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot
Refresh mulch layers if they have thinned out over the fall

Mulching helps maintain a stable soil temperature, which supports root health and encourages early spring growth.

Prune Trees and Shrubs Carefully

Winter is a good time to prune many trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Pruning improves plant shape, removes damaged branches, and promotes healthy growth in spring. However, avoid pruning plants that bloom on early spring wood, as cutting them now can reduce flowers.

Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches
Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts
Research specific plants to know the best pruning time

For example, prune apple and pear trees in late winter to encourage fruit production, but wait until after flowering to prune lilacs or forsythia.

Plan and Prepare New Plantings

Winter offers a chance to plan new garden beds or landscape features. Use this time to research plants suited to your climate and soil, and sketch out your design ideas. Preparing the soil now makes planting easier when spring arrives.

Test your soil pH and nutrient levels with a home kit or local extension service
Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil texture
Mark out new beds or paths with stakes and string

Planning ahead ensures you select plants that will thrive and fit your garden’s conditions.

Protect Vulnerable Plants from Harsh Weather

Some plants need extra protection to survive winter’s cold and wind. Wrapping trunks of young trees with tree wrap prevents sunscald and frost cracks. Cover tender shrubs with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from drying winds and ice damage.

Use stakes to support tall or top-heavy plants
Water plants well before the ground freezes to prevent dehydration
Avoid heavy snow buildup by gently brushing snow off branches

Taking these precautions reduces winter injury and helps plants bounce back quickly in spring.

Maintain Garden Tools and Equipment

Winter is a great time to clean, sharpen, and store your garden tools properly. Well-maintained tools work better and last longer, saving you money and effort.

Remove dirt and rust from shovels, pruners, and rakes
Sharpen blades with a file or sharpening stone
Oil moving parts to prevent corrosion
Store tools in a dry, sheltered place

Having your tools ready means you can start spring gardening without delay.

Monitor and Manage Winter Pests

Some pests remain active in winter and can damage plants or stored bulbs. Check your garden regularly for signs of rodents, deer, or insects.

Use physical barriers like wire mesh around bulbs and young trees
Set traps or deterrents for rodents if needed
Relocate bird feeders if they attract unwanted animals near sensitive plants

Early action helps protect your garden from damage that can affect spring growth.

Prepare Lawn and Hardscape Areas

Winter care isn’t just for plants. Your lawn and hardscape areas also benefit from attention.

Rake leaves off the lawn to prevent mold and dead patches
Avoid walking on frozen grass to prevent damage
Clear gutters and drains to prevent ice dams and water buildup
Inspect fences, paths, and patios for repairs needed in spring

Taking care of these areas now reduces problems and maintenance later.

Use Winter Interest Plants to Brighten Your Garden

While many plants go dormant, some add color and texture to your winter landscape. Evergreens, ornamental grasses, and plants with interesting bark or berries keep your garden attractive through the cold months.