Winter Resilience: Preparing Your Yard for Snow and Ice Jul 27, 2025

As winter approaches, your yard becomes a crucial part of home maintenance that often needs extra attention. B&G Lawn Care understands the importance of preparing your outdoor space for the harsh winter months. While a beautiful winter wonderland sounds lovely, snow and ice can cause significant damage to your lawn and landscape if not properly managed. In this blog, we explore actionable steps to enhance your yard's winter resilience and ensure it thrives even as temperatures plummet.

Begin by focusing on a thorough cleanup. Clearing fallen leaves and debris from your yard is a fundamental first step. When left unattended, these elements can trap moisture and promote disease under the snow. Raking up leaves and removing dead branches not only protects your grass but also prepares your garden beds for winter mulching.

Pruning is another critical task before the first snow. Trimming dead or weak branches can prevent them from breaking under the weight of ice and snow. Proper pruning also helps manage plant health during dormancy and ensures robust spring growth. Pay special attention to trees and shrubs near your home, as these can pose a hazard during heavy snowstorms.

A major part of winter lawn care involves fertilization. Applying a winterizing fertilizer in late fall is pivotal. This fertilization provides essential nutrients that grass roots need to withstand the cold and remain healthy. At B&G Lawn Care, we recommend slow-release fertilizers to maintain the lawn's health without stimulating growth that could be vulnerable to frost damage.

Aerating your lawn is advantageous before winter freeze sets in. Aeration alleviates soil compaction and improves water infiltration, which is particularly beneficial during snowmelt. It ensures that when the snow and ice thaw, water reaches the root systems effectively rather than pooling and potentially causing ice damage.

When it comes to snow removal, strategic planning makes all the difference. Designate specific areas where you can pile snow to avoid smothering your plants and causing damage. Additionally, be cautious of de-icing products. While salt can be effective on driveways and walkways, it is detrimental to grass and plants. Opt for non-toxic, pet-friendly de-icing alternatives to protect your lawn.

Lastly, consider protective measures for sensitive plants. Burlap wraps or winter plant covers can shelter certain shrubs and perennials from the brutal cold and drying winds. For added resilience, applying a layer of mulch around the base of plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

In conclusion, preparing your yard for winter with these preventative measures can stave off potential damage and set your landscape up for a vibrant recovery in spring. At B&G Lawn Care, we are committed to providing reliable and professional lawn care and snow removal services to help you maintain a stunning and healthy yard year-round. Now is the time to implement these strategies to ensure your outdoor space stays resilient through snow and ice.

For further assistance or to schedule a consultation, contact B&G Lawn Care today. Let us help you keep your yard in peak condition this winter and beyond.