Unfortunately, wintertime is inevitable so it’s better to start preparing for it in time than to have a completely ruined Backyard in the spring. If you’re an amateur gardener with a beautiful yard, you know how much care goes into it in spring and summer, but your creation requires care in later autumn as well. While most of Australia doesn’t have extreme winters, the days still get cold and nights can get frosty. So how do you prepare your outdoor space for winter?
Clean up dead plants
Dead plants are usually quite beneficial for the garden and leave behind nutrients for the soil, however, some dead plants produce pests, fungi and disease. If you noticed any disease on the plants while they were growing, make sure to get them out of your backyard before winter. A healthy crop will do nicely for protecting the soil, minimizing erosion and providing homes for pollinators. Also, look out for the types of plants suitable for winter.
Tackle invasive plants
If you have any stubborn invasive plants in your backyard, late autumn is the best time to deal with these rebels. And don’t consider them as a viable option for composting. Weeds can survive compost or weed piles, patiently waiting to be redistributed around the garden in the spring. It’s best to remove invasive plants from your garden completely.
Prune perennials
Autumn is the perfect time to trim and landscape your perennials, but not all of them. For instance, spent raspberry canes should be kept on because they provide plenty of nutrients to the plant throughout colder months. To get the most out of your autumn pruning, focus on flowers like roses. Herbs that have low autumn trimming are rosemary, sage and thyme, and when it comes to veggies and fruit, tackle your rhubarb, asparagus and blackberries.
Take care of the lawn
Many think that you don’t have to cut your lawn when the weather gets colder, but be sure to keep up with your mowing schedule as long as there’s a need for it. If you have any trees in your backyard, make sure to rake them up, so they don’t smother the lawn, especially larger leaf varieties.
Protect your trees
If you have any trees that might benefit from a trim, late autumn is the best time to tackle this chore because all the leaves are gone. Bigger trees that you can’t cut yourself will require professional help. Guys from professional tree removal services have the knowledge and tools to trim your beautiful trees and even remove dead or damaged trees from your property. Trees that are not in their best shape (especially if they are big and tall) pose a threat to your property, so they need to be handled before winter. Also, if you have any young trees, make sure to protect their trunks. If you live somewhere higher up where temperatures reach the freezing point, wrap the young trunks with burlap to protect them from cold and hungry rodents.
Amend your soil
Most people choose to perform this action in spring, but autumn is actually a great opportunity to add manure, compost, fertilizers like bone meal, kelp and rock phosphate and other amendments to your soil. In most areas, Australia included, it can be very beneficial to add nutrients at this time, so they have enough time to break down, properly enrich the soil, and become active for new growth by the time spring comes.
When you sprinkle the amendments around, you can cover the soil with mulch or add a cover crop to prevent rain and snow from washing away all the active ingredients necessary for roots (this is especially important for raised beds). This way, you will have done a lot of work necessary for the spring season, and all you will need to do is remove the mulch in spring and you’ll be ready to plant.
Plant some winter foliage
Don’t think you have to leave your backyard bare for winter. Many plants thrive in cool weather like pansies and mums, as well as ornamental kale (these can even ensure frost). If you want to add some colour to your backyard, consider planting Butterfly Bush in the late autumn. In the spring, this plant will be a buffet for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. In autumn, you can also get started on flowers that bloom in spring, like crocus, hyacinth, daffodils and tulips.
Help the animals
Preparing your backyard for winter doesn’t only concern plants. Animals and birds can also benefit from your efforts so make sure to set up feeders. Migratory birds will love your feeders where they can fuel up before their migration. Add a new feeder for the winter, something with a platform that is easy for birds and critters to use. If you don’t need new feeders, it’s also important to keep your old ones clean and safe for animals to use. You can start by emptying the feeders and then follow up by washing them with soapy water and scrubbing them with a brush to remove all bacteria and rot. Dry the feeders, refill them and put them back up for animals to enjoy throughout winter.
Protect your architecture
If you have a deck and pavers in your backyard, make sure to get them ready for cold weather. Even if you don’t get snowfall, it’s crucial to clean and seal the pavers and deck before winter. While organizing your backyard, make sure no leaves and debris can leave stains. The process of sealing and cleaning the architectural elements in your yard can replenish the joints, which will additionally keep them safe from shifting and ensure better drainage.
Turn off the water
Finally, when you’re done using your outdoor water sources for the year, make sure to turn off the water. In case the temperatures drop below zero, it can damage the hoses and pipes. It’s also smart to check out your water harvesting systems. Are the rain barrels ready for cold weather? If you have any water features, clean them from any fallen leaves and drain a portion of water.
Once you perform all of these actions, you can be sure your backyard will push through winter successfully and welcome spring looking more magnificent than ever! Remember, you always don't have to do these all by yourself, you can employ professionals that will help you design, plan and execute the best landscaping strategies to maintain your backyard all season.
