At Magnolia Landscapes LLC, we know December can feel like the off-season for your yard. But it’s the perfect time to tackle essential landscaping tasks for a vibrant spring. This post provides valuable December landscaping tips for homeowners looking to boost curb appeal and garden health. Whether you’re in a mild climate or facing early winter, these tips offer practical advice.
As temperatures drop, mulch your perennials with shredded leaves, bark, or straw. This insulates roots against fluctuating temperatures and hard frost. Spread a thick layer around the base, but avoid smothering the crowns.
Wrap tender plants with burlap for warmth and wind protection. Some plants handle dormancy well, but others need more care tips. Consider wrapping tree bark with decorative foil to deter critters.
Foil also gives potted plants extra protection from cold weather, primarily against wind chill. Trapped dead air within the cover provides better insulation than foil’s thin reflectivity.
Evergreen trees need hydration, even in cooler temperatures, especially before the ground freezes. Water deeply about once a week, aiming for about an inch of water if rainfall is inadequate.
December is a good time to plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils if your ground isn’t frozen. It’s a jumpstart on your spring garden.
This is also the time for important gardening tasks, including turning your compost pile and cleaning and oiling hand tools.
Consider how you will use and maintain garden beds at your rental properties before starting to work with bulbs there. Bulb planting can add color and appeal for both tenants and owners.
Mulching around newly planted trees helps lock in moisture and reduce freeze damage. It also suppresses weeds and aids in root development. This helps young shade trees adapt to winter winds and full sun.
Stake small plants for protection. Wrapping the soft bark of young trees, especially fruit trees, with foil shields them from pests.
Falling leaves provide a chance to nourish soil before spring. Turn compost regularly to feed worms and microbes, keeping soil nutrient-rich.
Assess drainage before winter to ensure proper water flow through garden beds. This prevents waterlogged landscapes during cold weather when proper flow is critical. Take note of how various plants hold water and adjust accordingly.
December offers lawn care tasks to ensure a healthy lawn. Mulching leaves and maintaining soil now minimizes work in spring. Neglecting winter plant care and other garden tasks can negatively affect fruit production come summer and fall.
Don’t neglect your tools. Keep them dry, organized, and ready for unexpected winter tasks. Keeping them sharp also discourages spider mites who feast on dead leaf debris and enjoy living on rusty tool edges. Now’s the perfect time for tool prep with these simple tasks:
Monitor weather forecasts for hard freeze alerts. Move tender potted plants indoors to prevent damage. Consider lightly watering root balls to help protect against rapid drops in ground temperature. Root temperatures and air temperatures drop differently due to ground insulation and snow cover, so remember to watch weather forecasts for extreme dips or sustained subzero weather.
It is good practice to keep an eye on how these hard freezes are affecting any newly planted trees and to continue care throughout January and February.
December is a great time to boost your curb appeal for the holidays. A live Christmas tree adds a special touch to your landscape design. Strategically placed outdoor lighting enhances your outdoor living space. Winter annuals and holiday plants add pops of color near water features. Remember to find a new purpose for your Christmas tree and other holiday decor after the holidays to be respectful of environmental sustainability and avoiding over-flowing waste centers with compostable items such as live Christmas trees.
These December landscaping tips will prepare your yard for winter. Take care of your outdoor tools and turn your compost regularly to ensure it’s ready for spring. Start January with an organized plan, transforming your December landscaping tips and landscape ideas into a vibrant reality next growing season. Continue to watch your retaining walls for ice melt buildup to prevent damage, especially as temperatures drop after precipitation occurs in early winter and January/February.