Old man winter is almost here! It’s important to put your landscape to bed before the winter season. Here are the top five things to remember before the snow flies:

1.  Winterize your irrigation system.

Winterizing your irrigation system prevents costly damage and repairs. A sprinkler winterization or “blowout” clears the irrigation lines of excess water before the ground freezes. By skipping this service, the pipes, sprinkler heads, valves and even the water meter is at risk for damage- causing major headaches down the road. The best time to get this service done is during the month of October or before the first frost.

2.  Burlap trees and vulnerable plants.

Newly planted trees and those at risk for heavy wind or sun exposure can be wrapped during the winter months. Burlap is the best barrier for arborvitae and evergreens, as it blocks the cold while allowing the trees to still breathe. Small shrubs, boxwoods and even perennials benefit from the extra protection. Any questions regarding the best method of protection for your plants should always be addressed to a tree specialist or landscape professional.

3.  Move patio furniture into storage.

Pavers, stone and any kind of hardscaping is susceptible to weathering from items left outside during the wintertime. For example, metal patio furniture can leave rust marks on your hardscaping that are very difficult to remove. Same for painted or stained decks, and wooden railings. In addition to your patio, keep in mind items left in the grass like hose boxes, flower pots or lawn furniture, as these items can cause divots and discoloring to your landscape.

4.  One last mow.

The last cut of the year is an important! In Michigan, this can be done typically in late October/early November, depending on the level of moisture in the soil. Cutting your grass during this time not only strengthens the individual blades of grass, but prevents long grass from becoming tangled, which can cause fungal outbreaks in the spring (snow mold).

5.  Fall cleanup services.

Clearing out gardening debris, dead plants, excessive leaves, and weeds, will help your garden look fresh next blooming season. Excess material in your garden beds harbor bacterial and mold growth, discoloring foliage and potentially killing plants entirely. To go the extra mile, try adding a new layer of mulch to the beds after cleanup to keep the soil warm and help your plants adjust to the change in temperature.