How to Prepare Your Lawn and Beds for a Harsh Montana Winter

Montana winters aren’t just cold—they’re brutal. Heavy snow, fluctuating temperatures, and biting winds can take a toll on your lawn, garden beds, and soil health. That’s why late fall is the perfect time to take action. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we help homeowners across Billings, Laurel, and beyond winterize their landscapes so they bounce back strong come spring.

Here’s your guide to preparing your lawn and planting beds for the months ahead.

1. Give Your Lawn One Last Cut
Your final mow of the season should trim the grass to about 2 to 2.5 inches in height. Cutting it too short makes it vulnerable to frost damage; too long, and it could mat under snow and cause fungal problems like snow mold.

Don’t forget to:

Sharpen mower blades for a clean cut

Remove leaves and debris to prevent smothering

Edge walkways to keep borders tidy under snow cover

2. Aerate and Fertilize Before the Freeze
Aeration helps loosen compacted soil and allows moisture, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots. Following aeration with a winterizing fertilizer gives your grass the nutrients it needs to survive dormancy and green up faster in spring.

Look for fertilizers high in potassium, which boosts root strength and cold resistance.

3. Cut Back Perennials and Mulch Garden Beds
Deadhead and trim perennials down to a few inches above the soil. This prevents disease and pest infestations from overwintering in old stems. Then apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch to protect the roots of plants from extreme cold and fluctuating temperatures.

Mulch also suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Choose natural options like bark, shredded wood, or straw (especially around vegetable beds).

4. Wrap Vulnerable Shrubs and Young Trees
In areas with strong wind exposure or heavy snowfall, burlap wraps or tree guards can protect against:

Branch breakage from snow accumulation

Bark splitting due to freeze-thaw cycles

Wildlife damage from deer or rodents

Water deeply before the ground freezes to help trees and shrubs hold moisture during the dry winter months.

5. Drain and Blow Out Irrigation Systems
One of the biggest winter landscaping mistakes? Forgetting to winterize your sprinkler system. Water left in irrigation lines can freeze and crack pipes, costing hundreds in repairs.

We recommend a professional blow-out service to fully evacuate water from underground lines and valves. Don’t forget to:

Disconnect hoses

Shut off outdoor water access

Insulate hose bibs and outdoor faucets

6. Plan Ahead for Spring
Winterizing isn’t just about protection—it’s also about preparing for next year. Take note of areas that need better drainage, additional mulch, or planting upgrades. Fall is also a great time to plant bulbs like tulips and daffodils so you’ll have early color come spring.

Let Horizon Help You Weather the Winter
Your landscape is an investment—don’t let Montana’s winter undo your hard work. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we offer fall clean-up, irrigation winterization, and seasonal landscaping services that help you rest easy through the coldest months.

Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule your winter prep service today and ensure your lawn and beds come back better than ever next year.