10 Easy Steps to Prepare Your Yard for Winter in Southern California

Winter prep landscaping in Los Angeles and Riverside areas doesn't have to be complicated. Follow this straightforward checklist to protect your landscape and avoid costly winter damage.

Step 1: Reduce Watering by 30-40%

Cut back your irrigation schedule. Southern California plants need much less water in winter, and overwatering kills more plants than cold temperatures.

Step 2: Get Frost Protection Ready

Buy frost cloth for citrus trees and tropical plants. Riverside and inland LA areas can hit freezing temperatures that kill expensive plants overnight.

Step 3: Clean Gutters and Drains

Remove leaves and debris so winter rains don't flood your garden beds. Standing water kills plants fast in Southern California's clay soils.

Step 4: Prune Dead Branches

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged growth from trees and shrubs. This prevents fungal diseases that spread quickly in winter's humid conditions.

Step 5: Apply Winter Mulch

Add 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to insulate roots and retain moisture. This protects against both cold snaps and dry spells.

Step 6: Fertilize Cool-Season Lawns

If you have fescue or ryegrass, apply winter fertilizer in December. Skip fertilizing warm-season grasses like Bermuda until spring.

Step 7: Check Irrigation for Leaks

Inspect all sprinkler lines, drip emitters, and timers. Fix leaks now before they waste water and damage plants during winter storms.

Step 8: Plant California Natives

Winter is the best time to plant drought-tolerant natives. They'll establish strong roots during the rainy season and need less summer watering.

Step 9: Service Garden Tools and Equipment

Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools. Store hoses to prevent freeze damage and service mowers before winter storage.

Step 10: Plan Next Year's Garden

Use winter months to research new plants, plan improvements, and order seeds for spring planting when selection is best.

Pro Tip: Start these steps in November and finish by mid-December. This timing protects your landscape before Southern California's peak storm season while taking advantage of cooler working weather.

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