Preparing Your Landscape for Winter: 5 Steps to Protect Your Investment and Keep It Beautiful All Season

As Minnesota transitions from golden leaves to glistening frost, your landscape needs one last round of care before the deep freeze sets in. A few thoughtful steps now can prevent costly spring repairs and keep your property looking its best through winter.

Whether you manage a large estate or a cozy backyard retreat, these five key actions will help protect your investment and set the stage for a seamless spring.

1. Give your Yard a Clean Slate

Start by clearing leaves, branches, and debris from your lawn and planting beds. This simple step prevents mold, fungus, and suffocation in the turf.

A late-season cleanup also keeps your property looking tidy through the holidays — especially if snow arrives late or melts periodically. Southview’s maintenance crews often combine this cleanup with a final mow to keep grass at an ideal winter height (around 2.5–3 inches).

2. Protect Trees and Shrubs from the Elements

Winter winds and temperature swings can damage bark and dry out evergreen foliage. Wrapping young trees in burlap or using anti-desiccant sprays helps shield them from moisture loss and sunscald.

Apply a fresh layer of mulch around root zones (leaving space around trunks) to insulate soil and moderate freeze–thaw cycles.

Pro Tip: Deer and rabbits get hungry this time of year — adding protective fencing or repellents can save tender branches and shrubs

3. Drain, Disconnect, and Store

Don’t let hidden water cause spring headaches. Before the first hard freeze, disconnect hoses, empty planters, and ensure irrigation systems are fully winterized.

Southview’s irrigation team performs professional blowouts that protect your pipes and valves from splitting — a simple service that can save thousands in repairs later.

4. Prune and Plan for Renewal

Dormant pruning is one of winter’s most overlooked opportunities. Once trees and shrubs lose their leaves, it’s easier to see structure and make precise, healthy cuts.

Southview’s certified crews schedule winter pruning and rejuvenation projects to promote strong spring growth — keeping properties in top condition even when the ground is frozen.

5. Use Winter to Dream and Design

While the ground rests, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next landscape transformation

Our design-build team works through winter creating detailed plans, permits, and material selections — so construction can begin early in spring. Whether you’re envisioning a new outdoor living area, drainage improvements, or a full-property renovation, early design ensures you’ll be first in line when the snow melts.

Your Landscape, Protected for the Season Ahead

A little proactive care goes a long way. From winterizing irrigation to prepping planting beds, these steps protect both beauty and value.

If you’d like help preparing your property — or are ready to start planning your spring project — our team is here to help.