How to Keep Your Landscape Healthy Through the Winter

Winter can be hard on any yard. Between cold nights, heavy rain, and patches of frost, your landscape takes a beating. The good news? A little early prep keeps everything protected and looking great when spring returns.

Winter landscaping isn’t just about keeping things alive. It’s about saving time, money, and stress later. Here at Graham Landscape & Design, we help homeowners across Lane County stay ahead of the season—from irrigation winterization to complete yard planning.

Why Winter Landscaping Matters

Once temperatures dip, the ground tightens up and plants slow down. Roots can freeze. Pipes might burst. Even lawns can get compacted from too much moisture.

We often see:

• Frozen roots that weaken or kill plants.
  
• Cracked irrigation lines from ice buildup.
• Soil that compacts and blocks airflow.
  

Tackling winter landscaping chores early means less recovery work in spring. It’s an easy way to protect what you’ve already built and make sure your yard bounces back strong.

Essential Winter Landscaping Tasks

1. Irrigation System Winterization

Your irrigation system needs attention before the first freeze. Irrigation winterization—draining lines and blowing out leftover water—prevents pipes from freezing and cracking underground. This step saves money and keeps everything working when you turn it back on next season.

2. Tree and Shrub Protection

Pruning in winter helps trees and shrubs stand up to wind and heavy rain. Trim weak or crowded branches so they don’t snap under pressure. Young or delicate plants can use a little extra help—wrap them in burlap or add a windbreak to reduce frost damage.

3. Mulching and Soil Care

A layer of mulch for winter does more than make your garden look tidy. It locks in moisture, shields roots from temperature swings, and slowly feeds the soil as it breaks down. A few inches around your plants now pays off with stronger growth later.

4. Landscape Clean-Up

Don’t skip your winter yard clean-up. Rake out leaves, pull dead plants, and clear debris before it starts to rot. A clean surface helps the soil breathe and keeps pests and mold from settling in.

5. Hardscape and Lighting Checks

Winter’s slower pace is perfect for maintenance. Check walkways, patios, and lighting systems. Fix small cracks or loose fixtures now, and you’ll have fewer surprises when outdoor season starts again.

Planning for Next Season

While your plants rest, take some time to think ahead. Winter is ideal for designing new spaces, updating irrigation, or planning big projects. Winter landscaping isn’t just about protection—it’s about preparation.

Getting ideas down now means your project can move fast once the ground thaws. By spring, you’ll be ready to go while others are still making calls.

How a Professional Can Help

Good winter landscaping takes the right timing, tools, and a bit of know-how. At Graham Landscape & Design, we handle:
Full irrigation winterization and system blowouts

• Seasonal pruning in winter and clean-up
  
• Soil enrichment and mulch for winter care
• Complete winter yard clean-up services and planning

We’ve spent years helping Lane County homeowners protect their landscapes through every season. Our approach is simple—care for what you have, and plan for what’s next.