As the leaves fall and temperatures start to dip, many homeowners start shifting their focus indoors. But before you get too cozy, don’t forget about your yard. Winterizing your landscape isn’t just for perfectionists—it’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy, low-maintenance property year-round.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a weekend warrior with a rake, this guide will show you how to winterize your landscape the easy way. With a few strategic steps and the right materials, you can protect your investment, avoid costly spring repairs, and keep your yard looking sharp all year long.
And if you’re in New Jersey, the team at Kirk Allen Landscape Supply is your go-to source for the mulch, stone, and soil products that make winter prep simple and affordable.
Why Winterizing Matters (Yes, Even in NJ)
Many people assume New Jersey’s winters are mild enough to skip winter prep. But the reality is:
- Freezing temps, ice, and snow can seriously damage plants, soil, and hardscapes.
- Heavy winter rains and wind cause erosion and shift loose material.
- Neglected lawns and gardens often require major work (and budget) in the spring.
Taking a little time in late fall or early winter to winterize your yard can make a big difference come spring.
Step 1: Clean Up the Right Way
Clearing leaves is the most obvious fall task—but how you do it matters.
What to Remove:
- Dead leaves, branches, and annuals
- Weeds and debris around garden beds
- Any diseased plant material (Don’t compost these—dispose of them properly)
What to Keep:
- Healthy perennials and ornamental grasses can be left alone for winter interest and habitat.
- Mulched leaves can be used as a protective top layer in garden beds.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid raking your lawn bare. A thin layer of shredded leaves or light mulch can actually protect grass roots through cold snaps.
Step 2: Cut Back & Prune (But Not Too Much)
Fall is a great time for light pruning—but be cautious.
What to Cut Back:
- Dead or diseased branches
- Woody perennials like lavender and salvia
- Herbs and vegetable garden remnants
What Not to Touch:
- Spring-blooming shrubs like hydrangeas and lilacs—pruning now can remove next year’s blooms
- Trees with sap flow (like maples)—they bleed if pruned too late in the year
Instead of overdoing it, focus on clearing space for air circulation and removing any material that could attract pests or disease.
Step 3: Add Fresh Mulch for Winter Insulation
Mulch is your landscape’s winter coat. And just like you wouldn’t go outside in January without one, your plants shouldn’t either.
Why Mulch Before Winter?
- Insulates roots against temperature swings
- Prevents soil erosion from snowmelt and heavy rain
- Reduces weed germination in early spring
- Adds a polished, tidy look to dormant beds
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we recommend adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch around your garden beds in mid to late fall. Avoid piling mulch directly against tree trunks or plant stems—it can trap moisture and encourage rot.
Best Mulches for Winter:
- Shredded hardwood mulch – long-lasting, nutrient-rich
- Natural bark mulch – clean, organic, and insulating
- Dyed black or brown mulch – helps retain heat and color in winter
If your mulch looks faded or thin, fall is the perfect time to top it off.
Step 4: Protect Vulnerable Plants
Not all plants are built for New Jersey winters—especially non-natives or those in containers.
Easy Protection Strategies:
- Wrap shrubs with burlap to guard against drying wind
- Add extra mulch at the base of delicate perennials
- Use landscape fabric or plant domes for sensitive vegetation
- Move potted plants indoors or into a protected garage or shed
If you’ve invested in landscaping over the summer, don’t let winter undo your hard work.
Step 5: Prep Your Soil for Spring (Yes, Now!)
Healthy soil = healthy plants. Fall and early winter are surprisingly good times to improve your soil.
- Add compost or organic matter to garden beds
- Mix in leaf mulch or aged bark fines for nutrients
- Test your soil pH and amend accordingly
Frozen ground makes this impossible in mid-winter, so getting ahead now means you’ll be ready to plant sooner in spring.
Need quality soil or compost? Kirk Allen Landscape Supply stocks screened topsoil, compost blends, and more—available for pickup or delivery across NJ.
Step 6: Secure Hardscapes and Drainage Areas
Don’t forget the non-living parts of your landscape.
What to Check:
- Stone paths and walkways – Remove any debris between pavers that could shift during freeze-thaw cycles.
- Gravel driveways or beds – Rake smooth and replenish low spots with fresh gravel.
- Drainage areas – Clear leaves and mulch from swales or stone-lined runoff paths.
💡 Bonus Tip: Consider using decorative stone like river rock or red stone in drainage-prone areas to reduce washout and improve curb appeal—even in winter.
Step 7: Winterize Garden Tools & Systems
Your landscape won’t be the only thing affected by the cold. Be sure to:
- Drain and store hoses to prevent freezing and cracking
- Shut off irrigation systems and blow out lines
- Clean and oil garden tools so they’re ready for spring
A little prep now can save you a lot of frustration later.
Get Your Winter Landscape Materials Locally
Need mulch, soil, gravel, or stone for your winter prep project?
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we provide:
- Premium hardwood and dyed mulches
- Screened topsoil and garden mixes
- Bulk stone (pea gravel, river rock, red stone, etc.)
- Affordable NJ delivery and pickup options
Whether you’re a homeowner prepping your yard or a landscaper servicing multiple properties, we make it easy to get what you need, when you need it.
📞 Call us at 973-347-3117
🌐 Order online: https://www.kirkallenlandscapesupply.com
Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Now Saves a Lot Later
Winterizing your landscape doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a solid plan and the right materials, you can protect your investment, avoid spring surprises, and maintain a beautiful, functional outdoor space—even when the snow falls.
Start small—clear what needs clearing, mulch where needed, and protect what’s vulnerable. And if you need help selecting materials or planning your prep, Kirk Allen Landscape Supply is here to help.
