Holiday breaks aren’t just about food and quality time with family—for many, a few days off can also be a much-needed time to catch up on lawn care and household chores. If you haven't yet found a perfect time to tackle your to-to list before winter fully sets in, take this moment to finish off the lawn, garden, and landscape with a few manageable tasks.
1. Give Your Lawn One Last Mow
Trimming your grass one final time keeps it healthy and reduces the risk of mold growth under snow. Aim for a slightly shorter cut than usual, but don’t scalp it—around 2-3 inches is a good target. This height helps the grass withstand winter stress while discouraging pests.
- Clean your lawn mower blade before starting for a precise cut.
- Avoid mowing if the ground is too wet to prevent ruts.
- Collect and compost grass clippings to avoid leaving debris on the lawn.
2. Rake and Mulch Those Leaves
Fallen leaves may look pretty, but it quickly becomes a weekly chore. Leaving them to pile up can suffocate your grass, so if you lapsed, now's the time to get it done. Raking or mulching improves airflow and prevents pests from settling in. It’s a simple task that makes a huge difference (it's on our 'annual chores for kids' list).
- Use a mulching mower to shred leaves into natural fertilizer.
- Rake on a regular basis to keep the lawn clear.
- Add excess leaves to a compost pile for a sustainable approach.
3. Winterize Your Irrigation System
Draining and shutting off your irrigation system protects it from freezing temperatures. Burst pipes or cracked sprinklers are expensive headaches you can easily avoid with some preemptive care.
- Turn off the water supply and drain any remaining water.
- Blow out sprinkler lines with compressed air to remove moisture.
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation for extra protection.
4. Aerate and Fertilize the Lawn
Aeration helps loosen compacted soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Coupled with a fall fertilizer application, your grass will have a strong foundation for the spring.
- Rent an aerator or use a hand tool for small spaces.
- Apply a fertilizer with potassium to boost root strength.
- Water lightly after fertilizing to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
5. Store Tools and Equipment Properly
Lawn care tools can rust or break if left out during the winter months, and a fair share of you leave them on the back table, or on the side of the garage until spring. Cleaning and storing them correctly extends their life and keeps them ready when you need to use them again.
- Remove dirt and debris from shovels, pruners, and other tools.
- Sharpen blades to save time next season.
- Store equipment in a dry place, preferably hanging or in a toolbox.
6. Check and Protect Garden Edges
Winter can damage garden borders and edges if they’re not secure. A quick inspection and a bit of maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the spring.
- Reposition any loose stones or edging materials.
- Replace broken or rotted wooden borders.
- Mulch around the edges to protect plants from frost heaving.
7. Inspect Lawn for Problem Areas
This is a good time to assess your lawn for bald spots, pooling water, or areas prone to erosion. Tackling issues as you complete your seasonal chores can make spring recovery much easier.
- Look for patches of grass that didn’t grow well this season.
- Lay dormant seeds that can overwinter in the yard. This is good for many cold climates.
- Mark areas with drainage issues for future correction.
- Consider overseeding to strengthen sparse sections.
8. Clean Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which may damage your lawn and create muddy messes. Cleaning them now will feel like a major sense of accomplishment, plus it'll save you time and stress later.
- Remove leaves, twigs, and debris by hand or with a gutter scoop.
- Check for signs of sagging or blockages.
- Direct downspouts away from your lawn to prevent erosion.
9. Prep Winter Protection for Delicate Plants
If your yard includes perennials or delicate shrubs, they’ll need some TLC before the cold sets in. Proper protection helps them survive and thrive come spring.
- Cover plants with burlap or frost blankets.
- Use stakes to prevent coverings from touching foliage directly.
- Apply extra mulch around the base for insulation.
- If you have leaves in your yard, use a leaf blower to gather them in the landscape as needed.
10. Sharpen and Calibrate Spreader Equipment
If you use a spreader for seed, fertilizer, or ice melt, now’s the time to clean, sharpen, and calibrate it. Properly maintained equipment makes it easier to guarantee even application.
- Wash off old fertilizer or seed remnants.
- Tighten screws and replace worn parts.
- Test spreader settings on a driveway or tarp before storage.
