Fall Cleanup Tips to Protect Your Landscape Over Winter
Montana’s winters are beautiful—but also brutal on unprepared landscapes. As the leaves change and temperatures drop, now is the time to get your yard in shape for hibernation. A smart fall cleanup doesn’t just make your property look tidy—it protects plants, prevents damage, and sets you up for a stronger start in spring. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we’ve put together a checklist to help homeowners across Billings, Laurel, and beyond protect their outdoor investments before winter hits.
1. Rake Leaves Regularly
While golden leaves are scenic, letting them pile up on your lawn can smother the grass and invite mold.
Keep Grass Clear: Rake frequently to allow sunlight and air to reach the turf.
Compost or Mulch Leaves: Use chopped leaves as garden mulch or add them to compost piles for nutrient-rich soil later.
Avoid Wet Leaf Buildup: Matted, soggy leaves can cause fungal issues like snow mold once the snow falls.
2. Trim and Prune Selectively
Fall is the ideal time to cut back many plants, but some need a gentler touch.
Remove Dead Growth: Cut back perennials that have died off for the season.
Shape Shrubs: Light pruning of deciduous shrubs helps them maintain form, but avoid heavy cuts on evergreens.
Leave Some for Wildlife: Consider leaving a few seed heads and ornamental grasses for birds and winter interest.
3. Winterize Your Irrigation System
Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles can burst pipes if your irrigation isn’t properly shut down.
Schedule a Blowout: Horizon’s professional irrigation winterization services safely clear lines to prevent freezing.
Drain Hoses and Spigots: Disconnect and store hoses, and shut off exterior water lines.
Check for Leaks: Catching issues now can save you from costly surprises in the spring.
4. Protect Vulnerable Plants
Some shrubs and young trees need extra help to survive winter’s harshest weather.
Wrap Evergreens: Use burlap or tree wraps to prevent sunscald and windburn.
Add Mulch: Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs (but not touching the trunk) to insulate roots.
Stake Young Trees: Support newly planted trees to prevent damage from wind or snow load.
5. Clean and Store Garden Tools and Equipment
Don’t leave your tools out to rust or freeze.
Clean and Sharpen: Wash and oil blades, empty fuel from mowers, and store everything in a dry location.
Drain Sprayers and Hoses: Make sure all liquid-based tools are emptied before storing.
6. Cut the Grass—One Last Time
Give your lawn a final cut before winter sets in.
Lower the Blade Slightly: Trim grass to about 2–2.5 inches to avoid snow mold.
Avoid Cutting Too Short: Scalp your lawn, and it may struggle to recover come spring.
Consider Aerating: If the ground hasn’t frozen, late fall aeration can reduce compaction and help nutrients reach the roots.
7. Plan for Spring Now
Fall is also a great time to think ahead.
Plant Bulbs: Spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils need to go in before the first hard freeze.
Schedule Projects: Book early with Horizon for spring installations, irrigation upgrades, or landscape redesigns.
Take Notes: Jot down what worked well this year and what didn’t—you’ll thank yourself later.
Let Horizon Help You Winter-Proof Your Landscape
A thorough fall cleanup is one of the most valuable things you can do for your yard in Montana’s climate. Horizon Landscape & Irrigation is here to help with professional services, advice, and seasonal maintenance tailored to our unique environment.
Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule your fall cleanup or irrigation winterization today—so your landscape can rest easy and come back stronger in spring.
