Ben & Annie’s Top Tips to Prepare Your Yard for the New Year

As the new year fastly approaches, there’s no better time than now to add to your new year's resolutions list and start thinking about ways to prepare your yard for the months ahead. A well-maintained yard not only adds beauty and value to your home, but it also greatly contributes to the overall health and well-being of the local community and environment while providing a safe space for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Read below to find Ben & Annie’s top tips to help you get your yard ready for the new year. 

Plant a tree (or two)

Between the cooler weather and the dormant period, there’s no better time than the new year to plant trees throughout your yard. This time of year allows the tree to focus on root growth rather than leaf growth—helping the tree have a stronger foundation and be better equipped to withstand the challenges of the growing season. In addition, planting a tree during the winter months allows you to take advantage of the bare branches and see the structure of the tree more clearly. This can help you choose the best location for the tree and ensure that it has plenty of room to grow.

Clean up debris

A crucial step in preparing your yard for the new year is to remove any leaves, branches, and other debris that have accumulated over the fall and winter months thus far. This will help prevent pests from taking up residence and will make it easier to see any potential problems that need to be addressed. Put on your gardening gloves, pull out the lawn and leaf bags and gather up any out-of-place debris to make sure your yard is extra prepped and ready for the new year.

Prune shrubs and trees

Pruning is an important step in maintaining the health and appearance of your shrubs and trees. On days when the temperature isn’t too cold, remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plants to encourage new growth. It's best to prune in the winter while the plants are dormant, as this will minimize stress on the plants.

Check your irrigation system

After the freezing temperatures pass during the late winter and early spring, you’ll want to make sure that your irrigation system is in good working condition before the hot summer months arrive. This means checking for leaks that may have happened over the winter, repairing any damaged parts and adjusting the timing and frequency of watering as needed.

Add some color

Winter can be a dull time for your yard, so consider adding some color with annual flowers or plants that will bloom in the spring. Pansies, violas and primroses are all good choices for adding a splash of color to your yard in the early months of the year.

Protect your plants

If you have tender plants that are sensitive to cold temperatures, be sure to provide them with some extra protection during the winter months. This could include covering them with blankets and other insulating materials, or bringing them indoors if necessary.

Prepare for pests

Pests can be a big problem in the spring and summer, so it's a good idea to take preventive measures now to keep them at bay. This includes applying pest control products, removing any standing water that could attract mosquitoes and sealing any cracks or openings where pests might enter your home.

Start the new year with a new yard

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your yard is ready to welcome the new year and all the seasons to come. A little bit of effort now can go a long way in keeping your yard looking beautiful and well-maintained year-round—while also remaining conscious of the local environment and reducing your carbon footprint. At Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, we make it our mission to help redefine the homebuilding process by spreading awareness about the importance of trees and the significant impact they have on the communities around us. For more information about our mission, or for any additional questions, feel free to give us a call at (210) 670-5297 or contact us online anytime—and have a Happy New Year!