As you look outside it’s raining, cold, possibly snowing and you are thinking “all I want to do is stay indoors.” Your yard is the last thing on your mind. However, there are many things that can be done for your yard.

Leaves. There are lots of leaves that continue to fall from the deciduous trees. Letting leaves stay on the grass is not beneficial for a healthy lawn. Raking is needed all winter long. Raking also gives you the opportunity to exercise and get outdoors.

Dead Heading. Perennials die back in the winter. So dead heading is necessary. Taking a pair of hand pruners and cutting dead limbs is the best way to dead head. Perennials such as a Hosta or Day lily (Hemerocallis), the dead leaves and stems

Pruning. Some things you may want to wait on due to cold weather to avoid frost, but many shrubs and trees can be pruned. Due to no leaves on many plants you can see where the branches need to be removed. Now is a great time to prune your apple trees. It is best to prune these when dormant.

Fertilizing. Just like humans need to be fed continuously so do your plants. There are great winter fertilizers to help vegetation through the winter months. If the plant doesn’t seem to be putting out new leaves or the grass isn’t growing you may wonder why to fertilize? The purpose of winter fertilizer is to help promote healthy roots and strengthen plants against disease. Phosphorus and Potassium are needed for this to occur. Come spring time your lawn and shrubs will be looking rather healthy.

Moss. Now that it’s wet outside why not go out and remove moss by pressure washing. Moss is actively growing on your patio, stairs, decks, and siding. Remove by pressure washing. Make sure to wear your rubber boots, rain coat and pants to avoid getting soaked.

Those are just a few things you can do to keep your landscape looking and feeling good.

The winter time is a great time to get out and inspect your landscape. Some questions to consider is How is my drainage? What things would I like to change? Am I happy with the design? Are there cracks in my patio or driveway?
Answering these questions may make you realize a revamp of my landscape is necessary or wanted. The winter months would be a great time to sketch up a drawing or write down ideas. If needing any help with a design, a licensed landscape contractor like Natureworks LLC is a great source to contact. After a design is decided on why not get started right away. Don’t wait for the spring or summer. Get all the dirty things done in the winter, that way in the spring and summer all you do is enjoy your new landscape.

Natureworks offers all these services. We look forward to answering any questions you may have. Our phone number is 503-582-0510
Have a wonderful first week of December.