The transition from summer to fall always catches me by surprise. We usually have a fairly long Indian Summer here in Southeastern Wisconsin, which means September and October bring lots of sun and warm temperatures, making me forget that we are on borrowed time. Then, one day, Old Man Winter decides to come calling and I am mad at myself for not making sure I’ve got all my ducks in a row, as they say, to meet the winter ahead. This year I decided to make a list to prepare myself for all the “stuff” I want to take care of before the snow flies. I thought you might benefit from my list, so here we go.
10 sustainable strategies to help ensure a safe and secure eco-healthy winter
1 - Leaf Clean Up
Year after year, deciduous trees go dormant and begin to drop their leaves in the fall. This is the earth's way of insulating sleeping soil. In turn, leaves break down, returning moisture and nutrients to the soil, creating an eco-environment that hums with life, all courtesy of your trees. So why do we need the back-bending burden of raking and removing? The falling blanket of leaves can create a canopy too thick for landscaped lawns and gardens to receive life’s basic elements: air, water, and nutrients, which are needed even in winter. Therefore, we can be stewards of sustainability by assisting nature with mulching or composting the leaves to retain the nutrients and refrain from filling the landfills with bags and bundles. Mulching mowing practices help self-compost the soil while blowing leaves and creating piles for compost create a rich soil blend that works great for distributing in gardens or where it is most needed in spring.
Since raking can be a daunting task, I like to create opportunities to play while the work is being done! My family and I build fires, drink cider and roast hot dogs and marshmallows while the raking takes place. We create an obstacle course with our leaf piles and include a game of hide-and-seek by exchanging an object or toy to find in the pile or behind a tree. Then we rake the piles together so we can jump in or run through them. This is a particularly fun game for our dogs. We have also gathered the caps from acorns (or acorns themselves) and pinecones for fun craft projects or collect the best and brightest leaves to dip in beeswax for festive home decorations, hostess gifts, or use as fire starters.
2 - Pruning and Mulching
Leaf cleanup isn’t the only landscaping needed to create a healthy fall outdoor environment. Pruning of plants and shrubs helps prevent winter damage and encourages healthy spring growth. Trim away dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs to avoid the excess of falling or rotting branches. This will help contain the spread of pests and diseases over the winter months and help your plants store energy for a vibrant bloom next season! Check the varieties of ornamental perennial plants and trees for the proper pruning methods.
Fall is a great time to add mulch to garden beds. The rule of a green thumb is to keep mulch depth between 1 -2 inches. Mulching too thick creates breeding grounds for molds and mildews to thrive and prevents plants from proper airflow. Natural, hardwood varieties of mulch from locally sourced resources are highly recommended. While pallets and coconut are considered sustainable, they come from unknown sources that can carry invasives or chemical compounds that become part of your environment.
When mulching trees, avoid creating a volcano-shaped cone around the base of the tree trunk. “Volcano Mulching” makes it difficult for tree roots to breathe, like planting a tree too deeply in the ground. The roots will grow into the mulch instead of down into the ground as they should, creating lifelong and life-threatening damage and root girdle (roots that grow in a circular or spiral pattern around the trunk of the tree, slowing down and eventually cutting of the flow of sap).
3 - Aerate and Seed - Mow and Feed
Before the ground freezes, plan for a greener spring season by putting your lawn into a nutrient-rich, deep sleep. Fall is a perfect time to condition the soil and keep it loose for the best-growing conditions. Mechanical or microbial aeration is recommended at least once a year in climates where freezing and thawing combined with heat and drought compact soil. Grass and plants need space to expand roots for healthy growth. Aeration also breaks down thatch areas and promotes a healthy flow of air, water, and nutrients where plants need it. It also contributes to building a living soil profile and healthy microbial ecosystems. Over-seeding in conjunction with aeration in fall is the perfect combination for repairing any seasonal damage and introducing the quality of luxurious new disease-resistant grass varieties mixed throughout the lawn. Overseeding keeps the lawn fresh and vibrant. The seed nestles dormant, waiting for a growth surge when spring arrives, taking advantage of the rain and temperatures young grass needs most.
A high-nutrient, slow-release winter fertilization is key to feeding the lawn before hibernation. Just like certain animals that store food for a long winter’s nap, grass and plants do too. Food resources are needed and used to survive during the winter resting stage. A starving lawn will struggle to thrive in spring and appear to awaken thin, weak, and lacking lustrous color, allowing room for weeds, insects, and disease to take over. Winter fertilizer is one of the most essential care tactics for maintaining a healthy landscape and reducing the need for chemical treatments. After the last feeding, the final mowing of the season should be shorter than the usual 3 -4-inch cut, but not scalped too short! We recommend lowering the mower blade to 1-1/2 to 2 inches to help prevent snow mold growth and deter rodents from burrowing.
4 - Protect Trees, Shrubs, and Delicate Plants
Freezing cold and snow aren’t the only worry when it comes to protecting plants. Sun reflecting off bright wintery white snow can cause burn to evergreen plants and wind burn can be equally damaging. If planting new greenery this fall, consider the delicate nature of your selection, and place them in areas that are more protected if needed. Use breathable wrapping, such as burlap, to shelter roses, and plants that are on the edge of geographic winter zoning recommendations along with evergreens that are susceptible to browning or burn.
Whether keeping new plantings safe or ensuring your existing landscape investment is secure, consider what wildlife is prevalent when it comes to tree and plant care. As food becomes scarce in the colder months, deer and critters may turn to your trees and shrubs for nourishment. Protect young trees by wrapping them with tree guards or mesh fencing. Consider using deer-repellent products to prevent damage to bushes, shrubs, and plants. Taking precautions now will save your landscaping from being damaged by hungry wildlife over the winter.
5 - Holiday Countdown
Now is the time to get yourself ready for the two fall festive holidays--Halloween and Thanksgiving. Keep Halloween simple and sustainable by making decorations that are reusable or even compostable (think hay bales, corn stalks, spider webs, etc.), and light up your jack-o-lantern with an LED light instead of a candle. Make your Halloween costumes by dressing-up as dirty laundry or use some of those Amazon boxes to make a robot or “cow” boy.
For Thanksgiving, buying local organic produce is a superb option to minimize the environmental impact of your food while also supporting local farmers. Waste not, want not: use real (that's right, not disposable!) dishware to serve your Thanksgiving meal, and compost your food scraps. Skip the gallon of artificial snow and instead use natural decorations (think red dogwood twigs, boughs of pine, pinecones, and the like) for a seasonal touch that won't bury you in waste. Use LED lights on your tree, pick up some soy wax candles for safe & sustainable lighting after the sun goes down, and learn how to make a gift-wrapping cloth so you're good to go without paper once the winter holidays come around.
If you plan to put up seasonal winter holiday lighting, use the warmer weather as a buffer to be safer, warmer and prevent slips and falls. As the temperatures drop, climbing ladders and lining roof tops become more difficult. Additionally, fingers become less nimble in the cold and the loss of daylight can cause hasty mistakes. Take advantage of the fall warmer weather for putting up decorations that can be lit later. Also, be mindful that birds and night animals are disrupted by lights that turn night into day. Be mindful of the brightness and placement to help them simply live as nature intended.
6 - Install Snow Stakes
Before winter sets in, stake out your driveway, walkways, and garden beds so they will be marked when the snow comes. Snow stakes make it easier to navigate these areas when the ground is covered, preventing accidental damage to plants or property during snow removal. This small step ensures you and any snow removal services can avoid costly repairs and protect your landscape. Additionally, make it easier for yourself and pets to keep familiar areas for play and other necessary outdoor spaces.
7 - Get Your Winter Gear Ready
Have you ever gone to the hardware store to purchase a shovel, or a snowblower or ice melt after a big storm? If you did and arrived at the store only to realize all the inventory was gone, you will make sure you are well prepared before the first snowfall. Stock up on pet-friendly ice melt to keep your walkways safe without harming your pets or the environment. Check your snow shovels and consider upgrading to an ergonomic shovel to make snow removal easier and protect your back. Be sure your snow equipment is tuned up and in good working condition and that you have plenty of gas on hand.
Now is the time to secure a professional service for removing snow if you are not doing it yourself. Be sure you know the expectations of your needs and how a service is contracted. Here are some questions for you to consider:
Take an inventory of your boots, hat, gloves, scarfs and coats, pants, and socks. Donate any items that are gently used but not needed for this winter season. Replace any items that are worn out or no longer fit. Stock up on hand and feet warmers for those prolonged outdoor sessions.
8 - Prep For Winter Conditions
Beyond snow removal, preparing your home for the winter weather is crucial. Inspect your roof for any damage or areas that may be prone to ice damming, which can lead to water damage. Clean your gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent the formation of ice dams. Keeping your roof and gutters in good condition before the snow flies will help you avoid costly repairs later in the season.
Turn off your outside water spigots, disconnect your hoses and put them away for the winter and drain the water from the lines. Make sure your storm windows are closed and secure. If you have old windows, you may want to consider using a window insulator kit. Same goes with drafty doors. Using draft stoppers on the bottom of doors or hanging insulated curtains can help to keep the cold air where it belongs… outside!
Don’t forget your feathered friends! Put decals and stickers on your windows so birds don’t crash land. Provide high-energy food like peanuts, suet, and black oil sunflower seeds for them to eat. Think about a heated bird bath since water is needed year-round for birds to survive.
Store your outdoor patio furniture, grills, and other seasonal items before the cold sets in. Clean and cover any furniture that stays outside and put cushions, umbrellas, and small accessories away in a dry, sheltered space. Properly storing these items ensures they’ll be in good condition when spring rolls around again. Inspect the condition of decks, playsets, and sheds for preparation of needed repairs or potential winter damage.
Keep an indoor survival kit at the ready too. Winter storms can be just as dangerous as summer storms by knocking out power lines. Don’t forget to make sure you include your fury friends in your plan.
9 - Get Your Car Winter-Ready
Driving in winter can be full of unpredictable moments. This makes it all the more important to get your car ready for the cold so that you can drive without worry. To start, put together a car emergency kit for the winter. This should have the essentials that you might need if you were to become stranded. The American Red Cross suggests including "a warm blanket, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, jumper cables, snacks, and water."
Check your tires for tread, pressure, and wear. Use the penny test to check if your tires have enough tread. Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head pointing down in between the raised portions of your tire’s tread. If you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head, then your tires have sufficient tread. If you can see the top of his head, it may be time to purchase new tires before the snow arrives. Tire pressure is another important aspect to check before driving in winter, so put a tire pressure gauge in your car. The air in your tires will contract in the cold, making them underinflated. You should check your tire pressure once a month and let your tires cool down before checking. Checking your tires for uneven wear and cuts or nicks can also prevent future problems.
Test out the heater and defroster in your car. If you find they are not working as they should, find a mechanic before the snow flies. The heater is essential for keeping you warm if you are stranded, and the defroster ensures that you can see out of your windshield in the event of an ice storm. Have a good supply of windshield wiper fluid on hand with an extra bottle in your car and now is a good time to replace worn wiper blades.
In addition to the mechanics, and personal safety, a car care kit makes a great gift! Especially for a student, or a person with a busy lifestyle who may be pre-occupied with other important issues. It’s a simple offering that says you care. Keeping a shaker of ice melt in the trunk can be a slip saver when an icy condition arises away from home too.
Lastly, keeping a care kit for people living outdoors or living with food scarcity readily available in your car can be an offering that not only brightens a soul, but saves a life.
10 - Schedule Home Maintenance
The easiest time to repair a furnace is before it breaks! A well-maintained furnace is key to staying warm and keeping your energy bills low during the winter months. Schedule a furnace tune-up with a professional to ensure it's running efficiently. Repairs during a storm can take days and leave you freezing. Tune-ups reduce the likelihood of such furnace-related issues. Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run and ensure a cozy home all winter long. Consider having your ducts cleaned to improve air quality in your home.
Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Daylight savings time is a great date to pick for this yearly, life-saving maintenance. This is also the perfect time to replace furnace, refrigerator and dishwasher filters.
At Be Green Pro, we are committed to sustainable methods that advantage not only your property but also our shared environment. To secure a no-worry, reduced-impact winter for you and your property, now is the time to take care of a few essential tasks.
Whether it’s your lawn, trees, shrubs, or pest issues – we’re ready to help you with Eco-friendly solutions. No matter what season.