❄️ 5 Winter Landscaping Tips Every Colorado Homeowner Should Know

Written By Javier Flores

By Flores Landviews — Serving Longmont, Erie, Boulder, Lafayette, Firestone, Frederick & Niwot

Winter may seem like the “off season” for landscaping, but in Colorado, the colder months are one of the best times to prepare your yard for a healthy, green spring. With freeze–thaw cycles, dry air, and heavy snow, winter can damage your yard if it’s not properly cared for — but it also offers opportunities for low-stress improvements.

Here are the top winter landscaping tips every Colorado homeowner should know.

1. Protect Your Plants From Winter Burn

Colorado’s winter sun and dry winds can cause “winter burn,” especially on evergreen trees and shrubs.
To protect plants:

  • Add 2–3 inches of fresh mulch around the base

  • Water deeply before the first freeze

  • Use burlap wraps on sensitive shrubs

  • Prune damaged branches before heavy snow

This reduces stress and helps plants bounce back strong in spring.

2. Clean Up Leaves and Old Debris Before Heavy Snow

Wet leaves and leftover fall debris trap moisture and become moldy under snow.
This can lead to:

  • Fungus growth

  • Rodents nesting

  • Dead spots in the lawn

  • Pest problems in spring

A clean yard isn’t just for looks — it protects the health of your landscape.

3. Winter Is the Best Time to Plan a New Landscape Install

Most homeowners don’t realize that winter is the perfect season to design and schedule:

  • Rock installs

  • Sod installation for spring

  • Grading and drainage improvements

  • New front yard layouts

  • Plant bed redesigns

  • Xeriscape conversions

Why?
Because your yard is dormant, contractors are less booked, and you’ll beat the spring rush. Planning now means your project can start the moment weather warms.

4. Take Advantage of Dormant Season Pruning

Certain trees and shrubs should only be pruned during dormancy.
Winter pruning helps:

  • Reduce disease transmission

  • Improve shape and structure

  • Encourage strong new growth in spring

  • Remove dead or dangerous branches before snowstorms

This is especially important for fruit trees and large shrubs common in Boulder County.

5. Check Your Drainage Before Spring Melt

When snow melts in Colorado, drainage issues quickly become visible.
Winter is the perfect time to check for:

  • Pooling water near the house

  • Low spots in the yard

  • Blocked gutters

  • Hard, compacted soil

  • Erosion areas

Fixing drainage in winter prevents foundation issues and prepares your landscape for new installs in spring.

❄️ Prepare Your Yard for Spring — Start This Winter

Flores Landviews provides landscaping prep, grading, landscape installs, cleanups, and full spring planning for homeowners in Longmont, Boulder, and Erie.

Whether you want to refresh your yard, upgrade your landscape, or fix winter damage, we’re here to help.

📞 Call or text: 720-229-5295

Javier Flores
Next

🪵 Why Winter Is the Best Time to Build a Deck in Colorado