The article “This Winter Gardening Checklist Will Set You Up for Spring Success” hosted by Better Homes & Gardens provides a strategic breakdown of tasks gardeners and landscape professionals can tackle throughout the winter to ensure a smooth transition into spring. While the guide is rooted in residential gardening, the principles translate effectively to larger-scale landscape maintenance and preparation. For contractors and landscapers, winter is far from a dormant period—it’s a time for groundwork, evaluation, and strategic planning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens, This Winter Gardening Checklist Will Set You Up for Spring Success, By Leanne Potts, Updated on December 4, 2024, https://www.bhg.com/winter-gardening-checklist-8407117 ).

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Winter is one of the most underestimated seasons in landscaping. While everything may appear still above ground, this is when smart contractors get ahead. From refining material inventories to prepping hardscape elements and bulk materials, winter gives us a moment to catch our breath and plan precisely. Think of it as your pre-season training.”

Early Winter Checklist

Several key actions are suggested for early winter: mulching garden beds, cleaning up perennials, planting trees and shrubs (as long as the ground isn’t frozen), and reviewing irrigation systems. This is a foundational phase where landscape professionals can set the tone for the months ahead.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Early winter is all about insulation and protection. Applying mulch—especially shredded bark or cedar—isn’t just about appearance; it moderates soil temperature and retains moisture. For contractors, this is also when supply strategy matters most. Ensuring mulch, soil, and aggregate orders are secured before the deep freeze prevents costly delays in spring mobilization.”

They add, “Don’t overlook tree and shrub planting if the soil allows. The dormancy period reduces transplant shock. We’ve seen seasoned landscapers use this time to stage out spring installations with well-planned hardscape designs. Getting that base layer of materials ready now saves time and ensures soil and ground conditions are optimal when the rush hits.”

Midwinter Checklist

In the heart of winter, it is recommended to keep an eye out for snow damage, brush off heavy snow from branches, prune dormant trees, and feed birds. While some of these tasks may lean toward home gardening, the idea of midwinter maintenance and site observation is crucial for professionals.

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Midwinter is a time for inspections and course corrections. Heavy snow loads on tree limbs or structures can lead to breakage—something no contractor wants to deal with on a commercial property in spring. We advise routine site visits during this period, especially after storms, to monitor damage and begin early scheduling of repair work.”

“Pruning during dormancy is an underrated opportunity,” they continue.

“It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about encouraging healthier growth. Professionals can assess tree architecture and make clean cuts that set up clients’ properties for more vigorous regrowth. Pairing this with soil amendment planning and winter erosion control—using aggregates or geotextiles where needed—keeps high-traffic or sloped areas stable.”

Late Winter Checklist

As the season edges closer to spring, gardeners need to prepare tools, start seeds indoors, plan for planting schedules, and continue with cleanup efforts. For contractors, this is the key window for setting up material logistics and mobilizing equipment.

FSI Landscape Supply mentions, “Late winter is go-time for professionals. This is when your equipment, materials, and staffing need to align. It’s the time to re-check inventories of topsoil, triple mix, and aggregates, and begin staging materials for early contracts.”

“Tool maintenance now prevents jobsite downtime later,” they add.

“Sharpening blades, replacing hoses, checking dump trucks and spreaders—it all adds up to efficiency come March. It’s also a smart time to evaluate which supplies performed best the previous season. Did your de-icing materials meet performance expectations? Were your paver base layers holding up? These reflections help refine your landscape supply strategy moving forward.”

Winter gardening—and by extension, winter landscaping—isn’t just about hibernation, but rather preparation. A well-executed winter plan sets professionals up for less chaos and more control in spring.

FSI Landscape Supply concludes, “Winter isn’t the off-season—it’s the prep season. Professional landscapers who use this time to review supply needs, inspect job sites, and maintain tools are the ones who hit the ground running when spring breaks. With the right materials staged and schedules aligned, you don’t just react to the season—you dominate it.”

They emphasize, “Landscape supplies are the silent workhorses of winter. From erosion control to soil insulation and pre-staging hardscapes, understanding how to use them strategically is what separates a good landscaper from a great one.”

Contractors and landscape professionals know that success in spring starts months before the snow melts. This winter checklist is more than a seasonal guide—it’s a reminder that preparation, backed by the right materials and timing, is everything.