The first time I learned the hard way about winter lawn prep, it was early November in Denver. We’d just moved into a new home, and everything still felt new—new yard, new tools, new routines. I figured I had a few more weeks before the real snow hit. But Colorado had other plans. One surprise freeze later, our sprinkler system cracked, our ornamental grasses drooped like overcooked pasta, and the lawn looked like it had aged a decade overnight. That winter taught me something valuable: in Colorado, you don’t wait for the snow to winterize. You get ahead of it.
Now, every fall, I walk clients through what I wish I’d known back then. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time homeowner, getting your yard ready before the deep freeze sets in is one of the best things you can do for long-term health and curb appeal. Here’s how to approach it—like a local who knows better.
Start with the Lawn: Don’t Let It Sleep Hungry
Grass may stop growing above ground in the cold, but below the surface? Roots are still doing their thing. Fall is your last chance to feed that underground network. Start by mowing one final time—just don’t scalp it. Cut it slightly shorter than usual, around 2–2.5 inches. That helps prevent snow mold while keeping enough blade length to protect the crown of the grass.
Once mowed, it’s time to aerate. Colorado soil—especially along the Front Range—compacts easily. Aeration gives roots room to breathe and allows water and nutrients to get where they’re most needed. Follow up with a high-quality fall fertilizer, something with higher potassium and lower nitrogen. This combo strengthens roots without triggering a late-season growth spurt that’ll just get zapped by frost.
Garden Beds Deserve a Proper Sendoff
Perennials, shrubs, and beds need their own kind of goodbye. Cut back most perennials after the first hard frost. But don’t be too aggressive—leave ornamental grasses and plants with seed heads (like coneflowers) standing. They add winter texture, feed the birds, and look beautiful dusted with snow.
Clear out annuals, fallen fruit, and dead plant matter. Left untouched, this debris can invite pests and disease that overwinter and reemerge stronger come spring. It’s not just a cleanup—it’s pest prevention in disguise.
And if you’ve got mulch? Top it off. A fresh 2–3 inch layer helps regulate soil temperatures, protects plant crowns from freeze-thaw cycles, and slows moisture loss. Just keep it a few inches away from the base of stems and trunks so things don’t rot underneath.
Protect Your Irrigation Before It’s Too Late
Ask anyone who’s had a burst pipe in January: winterizing your sprinkler system is not optional in Colorado. If you have an underground system, schedule a professional blowout by late October or early November. DIY kits can work for raised beds or surface-level drip systems, but deep lines require pressurized air to clear them properly.
Drain and store hoses, shut off outdoor water spigots, and insulate any exposed plumbing. A $10 foam faucet cover can save you hundreds in plumbing repairs. It’s one of those boring tasks that future-you will be ridiculously grateful for.
Don’t Forget Trees and Shrubs
Young trees, especially deciduous ones, can benefit from some added protection. Wrap the trunks with tree wrap to prevent sunscald—a strange but common issue in Colorado where sunny winter days and cold nights damage bark.
Water deeply in late fall, especially if it’s been a dry season. Roots need moisture to stay insulated against winter wind and frost. Aim for a slow soak rather than frequent light watering.
Add a Bit of Spring Insurance
Fall is actually a great time to plant bulbs and even trees or shrubs. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root development, which means they’ll be well-established by the time things warm up in spring. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all good bets—and there’s something satisfying about knowing your yard has a head start, even under the snow.
Wrapping Up
Winter yard prep isn’t about perfection—it’s about being thoughtful. I’ve seen too many Denver yards struggle through spring because winter caught them off guard. But with a bit of planning and elbow grease, your lawn and garden can emerge healthier, cleaner, and stronger.
And if you’re ever unsure about what’s worth doing, remember that story from my first year. One missed freeze cost us a lot more than a Saturday’s worth of yard work. These days, I help friends and neighbors avoid that kind of stress—not as a sales pitch, but because we’ve all been there.
Bonus Tip: Want to make your prep easier next year?
Take photos of your yard now and jot down what worked and what didn’t. It’s amazing how much you forget by spring.
If you ever want guidance, swing by or drop us a message. We’re happy to walk you through what’s worth doing, what can wait, and how to keep your yard Colorado-tough through winter.
