Preparing Your Landscape for Minnesota Winters
As Minnesota residents know all too well, winter doesn’t arrive quietly—it barrels in with biting winds, deep snow, and subzero temperatures. For homeowners, that means the outdoor work doesn’t stop with summer mowing or fall leaf removal.
Instead, it shifts toward preparing landscapes to endure the cold months ahead. Without proper preparation, lawns can become patchy, trees may suffer structural damage, and spring recovery can be slow and costly. Whether you’re dealing with a small suburban yard or a large property in Wayzata, understanding how to prepare your landscape before winter hits is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring a healthier, greener yard come spring.
In this article, we’ll walk through the most critical components of winter readiness. We’ll cover winterizing your lawn before the first snow, and how to protect trees and shrubs from freezing temperatures and wind damage. We’ll also explore why fall fertilization plays a key role in your lawn’s health, methods for managing snow accumulation on branches and structures, and how to strategically plan landscaping projects during the off-season.
By learning what steps to take and when to take them, you’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions for your property!
How to Winterize Your Lawn Before the First Snow
Proper lawn winterization starts long before the snow begins to fall. The most effective time to prepare your grass for winter is in late fall, while it’s still actively growing but before the ground freezes. Begin by clearing fallen leaves and debris, which can smother grass and invite mold and disease. Mowing one final time at a slightly lower setting helps reduce snow mold and promotes better air circulation. Aeration also plays a critical role—it relieves soil compaction and allows nutrients, water, and oxygen to penetrate deeply into the root zone.
Once aerated, apply a high-quality winterizing fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients help fortify root systems and improve the lawn’s resilience against frost. It’s also important to address any existing lawn issues before winter, such as thatch buildup or bare spots, which can worsen under heavy snow. Using a slow-release fertilizer ensures the roots continue absorbing nutrients even as growth slows. Grass blades may go dormant, but the roots stay active beneath the surface throughout much of the winter season.
As your final step, water the lawn deeply before the ground freezes. This ensures the root zone is hydrated and better able to withstand winter desiccation. Whether managing weed control or scheduling core aeration, the team at lawn care professionals like Ben’s Lawn Care can help your lawn transition smoothly into dormancy.
Protecting Trees and Shrubs from Cold Damage
Woody plants such as trees and shrubs are vulnerable to extreme winter conditions. Cold injury often results from fluctuating temperatures, heavy snow, and harsh wind, especially on younger or newly planted trees. One of the most effective strategies for protection is mulching. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps insulate roots and maintain more consistent soil temperatures throughout the winter.
Wrapping trunks of young or thin-barked trees with commercial tree wrap protects against sunscald and frost cracks, which often occur on the southwest side of the tree due to rapid temperature shifts. Additionally, windbreaks or burlap screens can shield shrubs from winter burn caused by drying winds, especially evergreens like boxwoods and arborvitae. Avoid pruning in late fall, as this can stimulate new growth that won’t harden off in time for winter.
Snow accumulation on branches can lead to structural damage if not addressed. Tie branches loosely together using soft rope to minimize breakage, and brush off heavy snow with a broom using upward motions. Strategic protection during winter helps trees and shrubs emerge healthy and intact when spring returns. For more long-term solutions, incorporating landscaping elements that block wind and enhance drainage can provide built-in defense year-round.
The Importance of Fall Fertilization for Lawn Health
Fall fertilization is a critical but often overlooked step in preparing a healthy, resilient lawn. As temperatures cool and growth above ground slows, grassroots enter their most active phase. This is the ideal time to deliver nutrients that support root expansion, energy storage, and disease resistance. Using a fertilizer high in nitrogen, combined with adequate potassium and phosphorus, gives turfgrass the boost it needs to survive the winter and green up faster in spring.
Research shows that lawns fertilized in the fall develop deeper roots, stronger crowns, and improved color retention. These benefits carry over into the next growing season, reducing the need for early spring fertilization. It’s best to fertilize after aeration, when nutrients can easily reach the root zone. Choose a slow-release formulation to provide steady nourishment over several weeks, avoiding sudden growth spurts that could be vulnerable to frost.
Timing is crucial—apply the fertilizer while the lawn is still green and before the first deep freeze. Doing so allows the nutrients to be absorbed efficiently without encouraging unwanted top growth. A well-fertilized lawn not only tolerates cold better but also crowds out weeds and recovers more quickly from snow compaction and ice damage.
Managing Snow Load on Branches and Structures
Heavy, wet snow can wreak havoc on your landscape, especially when it builds up on tree branches, shrubs, and outdoor structures. Snow accumulation adds significant weight, which can snap limbs, bend trunks, and damage pergolas, fencing, and even roofing. One of the most effective management practices is proactive pruning. Remove weak, dead, or overextended branches before the snow season starts to reduce risk and improve structural integrity.
During snowfall, avoid the urge to shake branches or knock snow off with force. Instead, use an upward sweeping motion with a broom to gently remove snow without breaking brittle limbs. For structures, inspect for weak joints and ensure all outdoor features are reinforced or anchored securely. Installing support stakes or guy wires for vulnerable plants can also prevent winter collapse, especially for newly planted trees or tall shrubs.
Ice is often more damaging than snow, particularly when it forms a solid crust over limbs. Never attempt to remove ice by force, as this can cause tearing and permanent damage. Let it melt naturally or use non-corrosive deicers in key areas where safety is a concern. Careful planning and proper care during and after storms help prevent irreversible damage and expensive spring repairs.
Planning for Spring: Off-Season Landscaping Tips
Winter is an excellent time to plan and prepare for your next landscaping project. While the ground may be frozen, the off-season allows time to assess your current landscape, set goals, and design changes that can be implemented in early spring. Reviewing what worked well in the past year—and what didn’t—can guide your plant choices, layout adjustments, and material upgrades. This is also the time to order hardscape materials or book contractors before schedules fill up.
Take advantage of downtime to sketch out ideas, research plant varieties, and evaluate drainage or grading issues revealed during snowmelt. A winter planning session helps avoid rushed decisions and provides a head start when warmer weather returns. Winter’s dormancy also allows for easier identification of landscape gaps and dead zones that need visual interest or erosion control.
How Ben's Lawn Care Can Help Prepare Your Landscape for Minnesota Winters
Preparing your property for winter requires more than just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Ben’s Lawn Care has the tools, experience, and knowledge to help homeowners in Wayzata and surrounding areas protect their lawns, trees, and landscapes before snow and ice take hold.
With a full range of services including lawn care, mulching, pruning, snow load prevention, and professional landscaping design, Ben’s Lawn Care helps clients minimize winter damage and maximize spring readiness. To learn more or request a consultation, contact us or reach out directly at 763-258-9340.