How to Prepare Your Lawn and Hardscape for Fall and Winter
As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall in Annapolis, MD, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your lawn and hardscape from the harsh conditions ahead. Fall and winter can take a serious toll on your outdoor space—but with the proper steps (and help from the pros at Paradise Landscape and Hardscapes), you can set your property up for success and prevent costly damage.
Here’s your go-to guide for preparing your yard, lawn, and hardscape features before the cold sets in.
How to Prepare Your Lawn and Hardscape for Fall and Winter in Annapolis, MD
🍂 1. Schedule a Fall Lawn Aeration Service
Aeration is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your lawn before winter. By removing small plugs of soil, we allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots more effectively.
- Why it matters: Annapolis soil—especially sandy loam and clay loam—can become compacted throughout the summer.
- Pro tip: Pair aeration with overseeding and fertilization for a thicker, healthier lawn in spring.
🍁 2. Don’t Skip Leaf Cleanup
A blanket of fall leaves may look picturesque, but it’s terrible for your lawn. Wet, compacted leaves can smother your grass, invite mold, and block sunlight.
- Solution: Our fall cleanup services include leaf removal, debris hauling, edging, and prepping beds.
- Bonus: Clean yards are less attractive to pests looking to nest over winter.
🧊 3. Winterize Irrigation Systems and Outdoor Water Features
Before the first freeze, be sure to:
- Drain irrigation lines
- Blow-out sprinkler systems
- Shut off water to exterior spigots
- Winterize fountains or water features
If water is left in your pipes or fixtures, it can freeze and burst—resulting in major repairs come spring.
🪨 4. Inspect and Protect Your Hardscape
Cold weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and salt can damage your hardscape features if they’re not properly protected. Be sure to:
- Check for cracks in paver patios, retaining walls, and walkways
- Re-seal surfaces if needed to protect against water penetration
- Remove leaves and debris from drainage areas to prevent ice buildup
- Redirect downspouts away from hardscape edges
If you spot uneven settling or drainage issues, let our team assess the damage before winter sets in.
🌱 5. Apply a Final Lawn Fertilizer
Late-fall fertilization helps your grass store nutrients and energy over the winter months, leading to a stronger green-up in the spring. We use a slow-release, high-nitrogen blend specifically chosen for Annapolis soil and cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass.
❄️ 6. Cut Grass Short Before the First Frost
Gradually lower your mower blade in the last few cuts of the season (but never scalp it!). Shorter grass helps reduce the risk of snow mold and disease while discouraging rodents from nesting.
🧤 7. Consider Mulching or Covering Garden Beds
Your flower beds and perennial plants will benefit from a light layer of mulch before winter. This helps:
- Insulate roots
- Prevent soil erosion
- Retain moisture during dry winter days
Don’t Wait—Get Fall & Winter Ready with Paradise Landscape and Hardscapes
Protect your investment and ensure a healthy, vibrant yard year-round with our expert lawn care and hardscape services in Annapolis, MD. Whether it’s aeration, cleanup, irrigation winterization, or patio sealing, we handle it all, so you don’t have to.
📞 Call us at 443-458-5588 or
💬 Request your free fall lawn and landscape estimate today!
