· Seasonal · Ortiz Landscaping & Tree Services
A little work in November and early December pays off in April. Winter in central New Jersey brings freeze and thaw cycles, snow, ice and drying winds, and a yard that goes into it prepared comes out of it healthier.
Finish with a clean lawn
Keep mowing while the grass is still growing, and make the final cut slightly shorter than your summer height. Clear leaves before the first snow; a mat of wet leaves under snow is an invitation for snow mold and dead patches. See our guide to fall leaf cleanup.
Water evergreens before the freeze
Evergreens keep losing moisture through their needles and leaves all winter, but they cannot pull water from frozen ground. If fall has been dry, give evergreens, and anything planted this year, a deep soak before the ground freezes.
Protect vulnerable shrubs
A layer of mulch over the root zone moderates soil temperature swings. Shrubs in windy, exposed spots or right next to a driveway can be wrapped loosely in burlap to reduce wind burn and salt spray. Avoid plastic, which traps heat and moisture.
Cut back, or leave standing
Remove diseased foliage and spent annuals. Many perennials and ornamental grasses can be left standing until late winter: they add winter interest, catch snow that insulates the crowns, and seed heads feed birds.
Look up at your trees
Once the leaves are down, dead branches, cracks and limbs hanging over the roof or driveway are easy to spot. Snow and ice add a lot of weight, so winter is when weak limbs tend to fail. Have anything risky looked at before the first storm. Our storm prep guide covers what to watch for.
Hard surfaces and equipment
Drain and store garden hoses, shut off outdoor spigots where possible, and clean patios and walkways so leaves and debris do not stain them over winter. Use de-icers sparingly near lawns and beds, since salt damages roots and turf along the edges.
Want it all handled? Our crews take care of lawn maintenance, mulching and tree services. Call (609) 454-7355 or request a free quote.