Winter Backyard Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Landscape Healthy All Season Long
Winter in Northern California may not bring heavy snow, but it still brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and a shift in how your landscape behaves. For many homeowners in Sonoma and Napa, it’s easy to think of winter as a time to “take a break” from outdoor work — but the truth is, winter is one of the most important seasons for backyard maintenance.
At Scott Anderson Landscaping, we help homeowners protect their landscapes year-round. Proper winter maintenance not only keeps your property looking its best through the colder months but also sets the stage for vibrant growth in spring.
Here are our top winter backyard maintenance tips to keep your landscape healthy, resilient, and ready for the year ahead.
1. Inspect and Adjust Your Irrigation System
Even during winter, your plants still need water — just not as much. Overwatering in the colder months can lead to root rot, wasted water, and increased weed growth.
That’s why one of the first steps in winter landscape care is adjusting your irrigation schedule.
Turn down the frequency of watering cycles to match seasonal rainfall.
Check for leaks or damaged drip lines caused by temperature fluctuations.
If you use a smart irrigation system (like the Hunter Hydrawise systems we install), adjust settings to account for lower evaporation and natural precipitation.
Pro tip: In areas prone to frost, drain and protect exposed irrigation pipes to prevent cracking or freezing damage.
2. Keep Fallen Leaves Under Control
Fallen leaves can create a beautiful, seasonal look — but left unchecked, they can smother your lawn and promote fungal growth.
We recommend raking or blowing leaves regularly and using them as mulch around trees and garden beds. Mulched leaves act as insulation, protecting roots from temperature swings and preserving soil moisture.
Avoid letting wet leaves accumulate on pathways or decks — they can become slippery and hazardous during cool, damp mornings.
3. Prune Strategically
Winter is one of the best times to prune deciduous trees and shrubs. Without leaves, it’s easier to see the structure of the plant and remove dead, crossing, or unhealthy branches.
Pruning in winter helps:
Encourage healthy spring growth
Improve airflow and sunlight penetration
Prevent disease and pest issues
However, not all plants should be pruned in winter. Avoid cutting back spring-flowering shrubs (like lilacs or azaleas) until after they bloom, or you may remove next season’s buds.
If you’re unsure which plants on your property need pruning — or how much to remove — our maintenance team can assess your landscape and create a custom winter pruning plan.
4. Protect Sensitive Plants from Frost
Sonoma and Napa valleys can experience surprise frost events in late winter. Frost damage can quickly kill tender plants, so protection is key.
Here’s what we recommend:
Cover sensitive plants (like succulents or young citrus trees) with frost cloth or breathable fabric overnight.
Move container plants close to walls or covered patios for added warmth.
Avoid pruning frost-damaged foliage until spring — the damaged leaves actually help protect the rest of the plant.
For high-value or mature landscapes, we can design frost protection systems or temporary coverings that keep your plants safe without compromising aesthetics.
5. Maintain Mulch and Soil Health
Mulching isn’t just a spring or summer task — it’s essential for winter soil health too. A layer of high-quality organic mulch insulates plant roots, prevents erosion, and regulates moisture levels.
During winter maintenance visits, we typically:
Replenish mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds
Keep mulch at least 2–3 inches deep
Maintain a small gap around trunks and stems to prevent rot
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving landscape — and winter is the ideal time to feed it with organic compost or soil amendments that replenish nutrients lost during the growing season.
6. Clean and Maintain Outdoor Features
Winter is an excellent time to inspect and refresh hardscape areas and outdoor features. Cold, wet weather can expose minor issues before they turn into major repairs.
We recommend checking the following:
Paver patios and walkways: Look for shifting, cracks, or drainage problems.
Outdoor lighting systems: Clean lenses, check bulbs, and test timers.
Fountains and water features: Drain or cover them if not in use to prevent damage.
Outdoor furniture: Clean and store cushions or move them to covered areas.
A few small maintenance tasks now can save significant repair costs in spring.
7. Manage Weeds Before They Spread
Winter weeds thrive when lawns and flower beds are dormant. Tackling them early prevents seed spread and keeps your landscape clean through the season.
Use pre-emergent herbicides in late fall or early winter to stop weeds before they germinate. For existing growth, hand-pulling or spot treatments work best to protect surrounding plants.
At Scott Anderson Landscaping, we integrate eco-friendly weed management into our winter maintenance plans — prioritizing sustainability while keeping properties pristine.
8. Prepare for Spring Growth
While your landscape rests during winter, it’s the perfect time to plan upgrades or improvements. Whether you’re thinking about adding lighting, building a new patio, or refreshing plantings, our design team can help you prepare before the busy spring season arrives.
We often use winter months to:
Design and install new lighting systems
Upgrade irrigation technology
Redesign garden beds for better drainage and plant performance
Plan spring planting schedules for optimal results
By starting in winter, homeowners are ready to enjoy their outdoor spaces as soon as the weather warms up — without delays.
9. Don’t Forget Regular Cleanups
Seasonal debris — like branches, leaves, and pine needles — can accumulate quickly in winter storms. Regular cleanups not only keep your property looking neat but also protect drainage systems from clogging.
We offer winter maintenance cleanups throughout Sonoma and Napa to remove debris, inspect irrigation lines, and prepare your landscape for the next season.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters
Skipping winter care often leads to more work (and expense) later in the year. Small issues like soil compaction, clogged drains, or frost-damaged plants can cascade into larger problems if left untreated.
By investing in winter backyard maintenance, you ensure your property remains healthy, beautiful, and ready for new growth — while protecting the investment you’ve already made in your landscape.
Trust Scott Anderson Landscaping for Year-Round Landscape Care
For over 20 years, Scott Anderson Landscaping has provided full-service landscape design, construction, and maintenance across Sonoma and Napa Valley. We understand how to keep landscapes thriving through every season — from hot, dry summers to cool, wet winters.
When you choose us, you get more than maintenance — you get a partner who knows your property, your soil, and your long-term goals.
Let’s make sure your landscape is ready for spring before the first buds appear.
Contact Scott Anderson Landscaping today to schedule your winter maintenance service or seasonal cleanup.