In Indiana, winter isn't just cold — it's unpredictable. One week you're raking leaves, the next there's six inches of snow on the ground. Taking the right steps in late fall can mean the difference between a landscape that survives winter and one that struggles come spring.
The final mow of the season matters more than most people think. Gradually lower your cutting height over the last two or three cuts of fall, ending at about 2 to 2.5 inches. Grass left too long mats down under snow and invites snow mold — a fungal disease that leaves dead patches in spring. Too short, and the crowns are exposed to freezing. That 2-to-2.5-inch range is the sweet spot.
A late-fall fertilizer application — sometimes called "winterizer" — is arguably the most important feeding your lawn gets all year. Apply it after the grass stops growing but before the ground freezes, usually in November for North Central Indiana. The nutrients get stored in the roots and fuel early spring green-up before you even think about fertilizing again.
Young trees, roses, and some shrubs need extra protection from Indiana's freeze-thaw cycles. Wrap the trunks of young trees with tree guards to prevent sun scald and rodent damage. For shrubs near the house, watch for snow sliding off the roof — it can snap branches. A simple burlap wrap or wooden A-frame over vulnerable plants makes a big difference.
Water left in hoses, irrigation lines, or outdoor faucets expands when it freezes and can crack pipes and fittings. Disconnect all hoses, drain irrigation systems, and shut off outdoor water valves. For gas-powered equipment, either run it dry or add fuel stabilizer — old gas sitting in a carburetor all winter is one of the most common reasons mowers won't start in the spring.
A light layer of shredded leaves mulched into the turf is fine — it adds organic matter. But a thick, wet mat of whole leaves smothers the grass and promotes disease. Either mulch them into the lawn with a mower or rake and remove them before the first lasting snow. Your spring lawn will thank you.
Don't want to spend your weekends on fall cleanup? We handle full-service fall and winter preparation for properties of all sizes. Reach out and we'll get you on the schedule before the first freeze.
Fall cleanup and winter preparation done right. One call and your yard is ready for whatever winter brings.