How to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring During a Chicagoland Winter

Winter in the Chicagoland area can be tough on your landscape. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and road salt all take a toll on lawns, plants, and hardscaping. While many homeowners think landscaping starts in spring, the truth is that proper winter preparation plays a huge role in how healthy and attractive your property looks once warmer weather arrives. Taking the right steps during winter can prevent costly damage, reduce spring cleanup time, and help your landscape bounce back faster. Here’s how Northbrook Illinois homeowners and Chicagoland homeowners can prepare their landscape for spring—even in the middle of winter.

Snow-covered shrubs and plants protected during winter in the Chicagoland area to prevent cold weather damage.

🌷 Protect Plants and Shrubs from Extreme Cold

Harsh winter conditions can damage plants if they’re not properly protected. Evergreens, young shrubs, and delicate plants are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures and drying winter winds.

Adding a fresh layer of mulch around the base of plants helps insulate roots and maintain soil moisture. Burlap wraps or wind barriers can also protect shrubs from snow accumulation and wind burn. It’s important to avoid piling snow directly onto plants, as heavy snow can break branches and compact soil. Professional landscapers understand which plants need extra protection and which can withstand winter conditions, helping prevent unnecessary plant loss before spring.

Proper snow removal techniques to protect lawns and walkways during Chicago winters.

❄️ Be Mindful of Snow and Ice Management

Snow removal is necessary during Chicagoland winters, but how snow is managed matters. Piling snow repeatedly on the same areas of your lawn can suffocate grass and lead to dead patches once the snow melts. De-icing products also play a major role in lawn health. Traditional rock salt can damage grass, plants, and nearby soil while also causing corrosion to walkways and hardscaping. Using pet- and plant-safe de-icing products helps minimize damage and keeps your landscape healthier for spring.

Professional snow removal services are trained to manage snow and ice efficiently while reducing long-term damage to lawns and landscaping features.

🚾 Prevent Soil Compaction and Drainage Issues

Winter soil may be frozen on the surface, but repeated foot traffic, vehicles, or heavy equipment can still compact the ground. Compacted soil prevents proper drainage and restricts root growth, which can cause problems once the ground thaws.

Poor drainage often becomes noticeable in spring when melting snow and rain create standing water. Winter is a great time to assess areas where water tends to pool and plan improvements like grading or drainage solutions before spring arrives. By identifying these issues early, homeowners can avoid lawn damage and muddy conditions during the spring thaw.

🌳 Know What Can Be Pruned During Winter

Winter can actually be a good time for certain types of pruning. Many trees benefit from dormant-season pruning because it promotes healthy growth and reduces the risk of disease spreading.

However, not all plants should be pruned in winter. Flowering shrubs, for example, may lose their spring blooms if trimmed too early. Knowing what to prune—and what to leave alone—is key to encouraging strong growth and vibrant landscaping in spring. A professional landscaper can evaluate your property and safely prune trees and shrubs without harming future growth.

Well-maintained lawn and landscaping designed to prepare for spring outdoor projects.

🌿 Plan Spring Landscaping Projects Early

Spring is the busiest season for landscaping companies in the Chicagoland area. Homeowners who plan ahead during winter often receive better scheduling options and faster service once the weather warms up.

Winter is the perfect time to plan:

• Spring cleanups

• Mulching and edging

• Lawn repair and overseeding

• Hardscaping projects

• Landscape redesigns or upgrades

Scheduling early allows landscaping professionals to prepare materials and ensure your property is one of the first ready for spring.

If you’re looking to protect your lawn this winter or want to be ready for spring, professional landscaping and snow removal services can help.

CONTACT HERRERA LANDSCAPING & DESIGN INC TODAY

for year-round landscaping and winter care! (224) 425-3446