What goes on a pre-winter landscape checklist?

A comprehensive pre-winter checklist protects your landscape investment and prevents costly spring damage. Start these tasks in late September through October, before the first hard frost hits New Brunswick.

Lawn Care Preparation is critical for spring recovery. Give your lawn a final cut at 2.5 inches — shorter than summer height but not scalped. This prevents snow mold and vole damage under heavy snow cover. Remove all fallen leaves promptly, as they'll smother grass and create fungal problems in our humid Maritime climate. If you haven't done fall fertilization yet, apply a high-potassium fertilizer by mid-October to strengthen grass roots for winter survival.

Garden Bed Winterization protects plants from New Brunswick's harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Cut back perennials after they've gone dormant, leaving 2-3 inches of stem. Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around trees and shrubs, keeping it away from trunks to prevent rodent damage. For tender roses, mound soil 6 inches around the base and wrap climbing varieties with burlap. Plant spring bulbs before the ground freezes — tulips and daffodils need 12-16 weeks of cold to bloom properly.

Tree and Shrub Care prevents winter damage and ice storm breakage. Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches on deciduous trees while they're dormant. Wrap young trees with tree wrap or burlap to prevent sun scald and frost cracking. For areas prone to heavy snow loads, consider wrapping upright evergreens like cedars with burlap or netting to prevent branch breakage.

Irrigation and Water Features must be winterized to prevent freeze damage. Shut off outdoor water valves and drain all hoses. If you have an irrigation system, schedule a professional blowout by early November — burst pipes cost thousands to repair. Drain fountains and water features, or run pumps continuously if they're designed for winter operation.

Hardscape Protection prevents costly spring repairs. Clean and seal natural stone surfaces before winter if needed. Store patio furniture or cover it securely. For interlocking pavers, ensure proper drainage to prevent ice heaving. Check that downspouts direct water away from patios and walkways where ice buildup could cause damage.

Tool and Equipment Maintenance saves money and ensures spring readiness. Clean and oil all tools before storage. Drain fuel from mowers and trimmers, or add fuel stabilizer. Service snow removal equipment — check belts, spark plugs, and oil levels before the first snowfall.

Final Cleanup Tasks set you up for spring success. Remove any diseased plant material that could harbor problems over winter. Store garden hoses indoors to prevent cracking. Apply winter protection to tender shrubs like rhododendrons and boxwood using burlap screens to block drying winter winds.

For major tasks like tree pruning, irrigation winterization, or installing winter protection systems, consider hiring professionals. Need help finding a landscaper for winter prep? New Brunswick Landscaping can match you with local professionals who understand our Maritime climate challenges.