As autumn temperatures drop, most visible plant growth slows, but important activity continues below the soil surface. Newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-flowering bulbs may continue to develop roots until the ground freezes. This makes late fall a valuable time to protect plant material and prepare landscapes for fluctuating winter conditions. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Simple Tips for Preparing Your Garden for Winter Weather, by Viveka NeveIn, Updated on November 5, 2024, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/preparing-your-garden-for-winter/).

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Professional winter preparation should be based on site conditions rather than a fixed calendar date. Contractors need to consider soil moisture, plant hardiness, drainage, exposure, and recent weather patterns before applying protective materials. Timing is especially important: completing tasks too early can trap excess moisture or encourage unwanted growth, while waiting too long can make the soil difficult to work. Having the appropriate landscape supplies and gardening supplies organized in advance allows crews to respond when conditions are right.”

1. Mulch Your Perennials

Repeated freezing and thawing can cause frost heaving, which pushes shallow-rooted plants upward and exposes their crowns and roots. Newly divided or recently planted perennials are particularly vulnerable. Applying a protective layer of chopped leaves, straw, or another suitable mulch after the ground freezes can help stabilize soil temperatures.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Winter mulch is meant to moderate temperature changes, not keep the soil warm indefinitely. If it is installed too early, it can create a damp environment and provide shelter for rodents. Contractors should generally wait until the soil surface has frozen, then apply an even layer around vulnerable perennials. Material should remain loose rather than heavily compacted because air pockets contribute to insulation. Crews should also document heavily mulched beds so the material can be reduced or removed gradually in spring before emerging growth becomes trapped beneath it.”

Leaving selected perennial stems standing can provide additional crown protection, visual interest, and habitat for birds. Diseased plant material, however, should be removed rather than left in place.

2. Protect Annuals from Frost

Although annuals complete their life cycle within one season, frost protection can preserve display beds during brief cold periods. Cool-season annuals may continue performing after heat-loving varieties decline, while lightweight frost cloth can protect certain plantings during an isolated temperature dip.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “For commercial properties, protecting annuals should be a deliberate decision based on the remaining value of the display. Coverings need to be secured at ground level without crushing flowers or foliage, and they should be removed once temperatures recover to prevent heat and moisture buildup. Plastic laid directly on plants is rarely ideal because it transfers cold and can damage foliage. Contractors should also continue checking soil moisture; cold weather reduces evaporation, but actively growing annuals may still require water until a hard freeze ends the display.”

Container plantings can be moved to a sheltered area when practical. However, contractors should account for container weight, access, and overnight temperature forecasts when planning this work.

3. Dig Up Tender Bulbs

Tender bulbs and tubers such as dahlias, cannas, and gladiolus often cannot survive winters in regions where the ground freezes. After frost damages the foliage, they can be lifted, dried, labelled, and stored in a cool location that remains above freezing.

FSI Landscape Supply mentions, “The storage process deserves as much attention as lifting the bulbs. Dig beyond the root zone to reduce cuts and bruising, brush away loose soil, and inspect each piece before storage. Damaged or soft material can introduce rot to an entire batch. Avoid washing bulbs immediately before storage because retained moisture may encourage decay. Breathable boxes and clean, dry packing materials are useful gardening supplies for separating varieties and allowing limited airflow. Clear labels should include the plant name, colour, and original location, making spring installation much more efficient.”

Stored bulbs should be inspected periodically so deteriorating material can be removed before it affects neighbouring stock.

4. Pamper Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs—particularly recent installations—need adequate moisture before freeze-up. Dry autumn conditions can leave evergreens and young woody plants vulnerable to winter desiccation. Mulch can conserve moisture and moderate changes in soil temperature, provided it is kept away from trunks and stems.

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “A deep, measured watering is generally more valuable than frequent shallow watering because the objective is to moisten the active root zone. Contractors should check the soil rather than assuming rainfall has penetrated deeply enough. When applying mulch, create a broad, level ring and leave space around the trunk flare. Mulch piled against bark can hold excess moisture, conceal damage, and encourage disease or pest activity. On exposed sites, properly installed burlap screens can reduce drying winds, but they should not be wrapped tightly around evergreen foliage.”

Damaged branches may require attention before snow and wind worsen existing weaknesses. Broad structural pruning, however, should be scheduled according to the species and appropriate pruning season.

5. Bundle Up Roses

Rose varieties differ significantly in their tolerance of winter conditions. More vulnerable types may benefit from soil mounded around the base, followed by a protective layer of leaves, straw, or mulch once dormancy and consistently cold conditions arrive.

FSI Landscape Supply explains, “Successful rose protection begins with correct identification. Contractors should not apply the same treatment to every rose on a property. Before the ground freezes, roses should receive adequate water, but late fertilization should be avoided because it may promote tender growth. Protective soil should be clean and well-draining, and additional mulch should remain secure without becoming densely packed. Exposed sites may need a simple containment system to prevent the material from blowing away. In spring, protection should be removed progressively as temperatures stabilize.”

Winter garden preparation is not simply a seasonal cleanup. It is a coordinated process involving plant assessment, moisture management, material selection, and accurate timing.

FSI Landscape Supply concludes, “A well-prepared landscape enters winter with protected roots, properly hydrated woody plants, and fewer preventable risks. Contractors who match their landscape supplies to actual site conditions can use mulch and other protective materials more effectively while avoiding unnecessary labour. The result is a cleaner spring transition, stronger plant recovery, and more predictable performance across residential and commercial properties.”