Prepare your Landscape for the Winter Freeze
The Washington, DC metro area experiences a unique mix of weather: bursts of warm fall days, sudden cold snaps, wet winters, and unpredictable freeze–thaw cycles. These conditions make proper winterization essential for protecting your lawn, plants, and hardscapes from seasonal damage. With a few strategic steps—some DIY-friendly, others best left to experts—you can help ensure your landscape emerges healthy and vibrant in spring.
1. Give Your Lawn a Strong Pre-Winter Foundation
- Fertilize in Late Fall: Cool-season grasses common in the DMV (like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass) benefit from a late-fall winterizing fertilizer. This helps roots store energy through winter.
- Keep Mowing Until Growth Stops: Continue to mow regularly until grass stops growing. Aim for a final height around 2.5–3 inches—short enough to prevent matting under snow, but long enough to protect the roots.
- Remove Leaves Before They Smother Grass: The DC area’s heavy tree canopy means leaf buildup is a major issue. Remove leaves or mulch them into the lawn. A thick leaf cover can lead to snow mold, thinning, or yellowing in spring.
When to hire a pro: If you’re battling wet leaves, excessive volume, or yard slopes that make cleanup difficult, contact Shorb. We can clear everything quickly and safely.
2. Prepare Shrubs, Trees & Perennials for Cold Weather
- Prune Safely (But Not Everything!): Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches that could snap under winter storms.
Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, forsythia) now—doing so removes next year’s flowers. - Mulch Roots to Protect Them: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around trees and perennial beds. This helps:
- Regulate soil temperature
- Prevent frost heave
- Conserve moisture during dry winter spells
- Protect Sensitive Plants: DC winters aren’t brutally cold, but the region does experience rapid temperature swings that stress plants.
Use:- Burlap wraps for newly planted shrubs
- Anti-desiccant sprays for broadleaf evergreens
- Wilt protection for boxwoods prone to winter burn
When to hire a pro: If you’re unsure what to prune—or you’re working near large trees or structural branches—call Shorb! We have certified arborists and landscape professionals to ensure your safety and plant health.
3. Safeguard Irrigation, Gutters & Drainage Systems
- Winterize Irrigation Lines. Frozen water in underground irrigation piping can crack lines or valves. Key steps:
- Drain the system
- Blow out lines with compressed air
- Shut down the controller
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause:
- Ice dams
- Overflow onto walkways
- Water pooling near the foundation
- Check French Drains, Swales & Downspout Extensions:
- Winter rains and snowmelt can overwhelm clogged or improperly graded drainage systems. Make sure water can flow away from your home’s foundation.
When to hire a pro: If you have a complex irrigation system, or suspect drainage issues (pooling water, soggy spots, erosion), contact Shorb. Our drainage specialists can diagnose and fix problems before winter intensifies them.
4. Protect Hardscapes From Freeze–Thaw Damage
- Seal Pavers and Stonework (Optional but Helpful). Winter moisture can seep into cracks and expand when frozen. A breathable sealer helps protect:
- Walkways
- Patios
- Decorative stone
- Avoid Rock Salt on Pavers and Decorative Concrete. Rock salt can cause:
- Surface flaking
- Color fading
- Joint sand erosion
- Instead, use:
- Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
- Calcium chloride
- Sand for traction
When to hire a pro: If your patio or retaining wall already shows signs of movement, cracking, or poor drainage, contact Shorb now to avoid far more expensive repairs in spring.
5. Prepare Outdoor Living Spaces
- Store or Cover Furniture: Moisture and freeze cycles can crack plastic, fade fabrics, and weaken wood.
- Shut Off Outdoor Water Sources
- Drain hoses
- Shut off hose bibs
- Disconnect all attachments
- Clean Outdoor Grills, Firepits & Kitchens: A deep cleaning before winter avoids mold, rust, and grease buildup.
When to hire a pro: Shorb’s landscaping professionals can save you time, protect your investment, and prevent costly damage.
Final Takeaway
Winterizing landscaping in the Washington, DC area isn’t just about surviving cold weather—it’s about preventing the region’s unpredictable winter patterns from causing long-term damage. With thoughtful preparation and the help of Shorb, your landscape will be ready to thrive come spring.
We recommend contacting us when:
- You have large trees that need pruning: Tree damage is a major winter risk—professionals ensure safety.
- You’re unsure how to treat sensitive shrubs: Boxwoods, hollies, laurels, and new plantings benefit from expert winter prep.
- Your lawn has struggled all season: Pros can perform aeration, overseeding, and soil analysis before winter sets in.
- You have complicated drainage challenges: This region’s clay-heavy soils mean drainage issues need expert solutions.
- Your irrigation system needs blowout or repair: DIY attempts often fail to fully clear lines, risking burst pipes.
