info@gotochampion.com

OUR HOURS



CALCULATORS

Your November Landscape Guide to Winter Prep in Southwest Ohio

Your November Landscape Guide to Winter Prep in Southwest Ohio

November brings the last days of mild weather to Southwest Ohio, and that means it’s time for the final steps in getting your yard ready for winter. You might have tackled many fall jobs already, but these next few weeks are perfect for those crucial winter prep tasks. We’ve created this guide to walk you through exactly what your landscape needs right now.

 

Our local experts from the Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio areas have shared their best advice to help both experienced gardeners and new homeowners protect their outdoor spaces. With these proven tips, you’ll set your lawn and garden up to weather the cold months and bounce back beautifully in spring.

Table of Contents

 

I. Winter-Ready Lawn Care
A. Final Mowing
B. Last-Chance Fertilizing
C. Clean and Protect
D. Last-Minute Seeding Options 

 

II. Getting Garden Beds Through Winter
A. Quick Cleanup and Cutbacks
B. Smart Mulching
C. Winter Protection 

 

III. Protecting Trees and Shrubs Now
A. Last-Minute Check-Up
B. Smart Pruning Choices
C. Winter Protection Steps
D. Winter Water Needs 

 

IV. Final Landscape Tasks for November
A. Check Your Drainage
B. Water Features and Irrigation
C. Hardscape Protection
D. Tools and Equipment 

 

V. Get Ready for Winter With Champion 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Winter Prep in Southwest Ohio

I. Winter-Ready Lawn Care

November means it’s time for those final, crucial steps to protect your lawn through winter. Let’s focus on what your yard needs right now.

A. Final Mowing

How you cut your grass these last few weeks really matters.

 

 

Jesse Weidner, owner of Weidner Landscape Solutions, shares why: “Gradually reduce mowing height to about 2 inches by the end of the growing season. This helps prevent winter lawn diseases like snow mold.”

 

 

Your November mowing guide:

  1. Keep mowing until the grass stops growing
  2. Lower your blade gradually to 2-2.5 inches
  3. Mow when the grass is dry
  4. Pick up any leftover leaves as you go

     

B. Last-Chance Fertilizing

Now’s the time for that final feed before winter.

 

 

Sabrina Dunham of Dunham’s Lawn Care, LLC notes, “Fertilization reduces weeds, helps the yard in resisting diseases and pests, improves lawn growth, and protects the soil.”

 

 

What to do:

  1. Apply “winterizer” fertilizer before the ground freezes
  2. Choose a product high in nitrogen and potassium
  3. Spread evenly on a calm, dry day
  4. Water lightly if no rain is expected

C. Clean and Protect

Getting your yard clean before winter hits is crucial.

 

 

Ryan Dunham of Dunham’s Lawn Care, LLC emphasizes, “Removal of leaves, weeds, twigs, litter, or other debris will help to minimize any diseases that may occur in the Winter.”

 

 

Do these jobs now:

  1. Clean up leftover leaves – they can smother grass under snow
  2. Remove sticks and debris
  3. Clean out your gutters one last time
  4. Store or cover lawn furniture

 

D. Last-Minute Seeding Options

If you haven’t overseeded yet, you’re cutting it close, but you still have options. While early fall is best, you can try dormant seeding. This means putting down grass seed just before the ground freezes. The seed will wait in the soil until spring warmth triggers growth.

Tips for late seeding:

  1. Choose hardy grass types that grow well in Southwest Ohio
  2. Make sure seed touches the soil
  3. Keep the area clear of leaves
  4. Be patient – you won’t see results until spring
  •  

Need supplies for these final lawn care tasks? Stop by any of our four Champion locations. We stock winter fertilizer, grass seed, and all the tools you’ll need to get your lawn ready for winter.

II. Getting Garden Beds Through Winter

Your garden beds need special attention now to protect plants through the cold months ahead. A little work in November means healthier plants come spring.

 

A. Quick Cleanup and Cutbacks

 

 

Jesse Weidner from Weidner Landscape Solutions has some timely advice: “Deadhead flowers and trim back perennials after they die back to avoid disease and promote new growth in spring.”

 

 

What needs cutting now:

  • Remove dead annual plants
  • Cut back perennials that have turned brown
  • Leave ornamental grasses standing – they add winter interest
  • Keep seed heads on coneflowers and black-eyed susans for the birds

 

B. Smart Mulching

 

 

Nathan Robinson, our Englewood Location Manager, knows mulch matters more than ever right now: “Fall is a great time to mulch. Mulch insulates plant roots, which will help slow the freezing and thawing process in winter. Slowing this process will help protect your plants from heaving, which can break the roots.”

 

 

Your mulching checklist:

  1. Add 2-3 inches of fresh mulch around plants
  2. Keep mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks
  •  

Choose from our quality options:

  • Premium bark mulch for lasting protection
  1. Leaf mulch for natural nutrition
  2. Hardwood mulch for durability

Winter Protection

Some plants need extra help handling Ohio winters.
Take these steps now:

  1. Wrap sensitive shrubs in burlap
  2. Build simple protection for roses
  3. Add extra mulch around newer plants
  4. Consider temporary wind breaks for exposed areas

III. Protecting Trees and Shrubs Now

Your trees and shrubs are big investments in your landscape. These November tasks will help protect them through the harsh winter months ahead.

 

A. Last-Minute Check-Up

Take a good look at your woody plants now, while you can still spot problems.

 

 

Sabrina Dunham points out, “Many plants shed their leaves and begin to enter a state of dormancy during the Winter months.”

 

 

This makes it the perfect time to:

  1. Look for broken or damaged branches
  2. Check for signs of disease
  3. Spot crossed branches that need removal
  4. Mark any spring pruning jobs while you can see the structure

B. Smart Pruning Choices

Not everything should be pruned now.

 

 

Ryan Dunham of Dunham’s Lawn Care, LLC explains, “This dormancy period creates optimal conditions with many benefits for pruning and other tree care services.”

 

 

What to prune in November:

  1. Dead or damaged branches
  2. Overgrown summer-flowering shrubs
  3. Trees with dead wood
  •  

What to leave until spring:

  1. Spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and azaleas
  2. Maple trees (they’ll drip sap if pruned now)
  3. Healthy growth that doesn’t pose a risk

 

C. Winter Protection Steps

Now’s the time to protect your trees and shrubs from winter damage:

Young Trees

  1. Wrap trunks to prevent sun scald
  2. Stake if needed for wind protection
  3. Add mulch around (but not touching) the trunk
  •  

Shrubs

  1. Create burlap screens for wind protection
  2. Add extra mulch around roots
  3. Protect evergreens from winter burn

 

D. Winter Water Needs

Don’t forget about watering until the ground freezes:

  1. Deep water newly planted trees and shrubs
  2. Focus on evergreens – they need extra water now
  3. Water on warmer days when the ground isn’t frozen

 

IV. Final Landscape Tasks for November

Let’s tackle those last crucial jobs that protect your whole landscape through winter. Getting these done now saves headaches when the cold hits.

 

A. Check Your Drainage

Water problems in winter can seriously damage your landscape. Jesse Weidner advises, “Check drains: Ensure that drainage areas and downspouts are clear to prevent water buildup and soil erosion during rain or snow.”

Do these checks now:

  • Clean out gutters one final time
  1. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the house
  2. Clear any drainage ditches
  3. Check that water flows away from plant beds

 

B. Water Features and Irrigation

Don’t let winter destroy your water features.

Take care of them now:
Fountains

  1. Drain completely
  2. Store pump indoors
  3. Cover or bring in decorative features
  •  

Ponds

  1. Remove fallen leaves
  2. Install a de-icer if you have fish
  3. Keep pump running or store properly
  •  

Irrigation Systems

  1. Schedule a system blowout
  2. Turn off and drain outdoor faucets
  3. Store hoses indoors

 

C. Hardscape Protection

A little work now protects your hardscape investments:

  1. Clean and seal patios if needed
  2. Store or cover outdoor furniture
  3. Protect delicate decorative items
  4. Check for loose pavers or stones
  5. Clear leaves from deck spaces

 

D. Tools and Equipment

Don’t forget about your garden tools:

  1. Clean everything before storage
  2. Drain gas from power equipment
  3. Sharpen and oil tools
  4. Store everything in a dry place
  •  

Want help with supplies or have questions? Stop by any Champion location. We’ve got everything you need for these final winter prep tasks, plus expert advice to make sure you get them done right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Winter Prep in Southwest Ohio

Get answers to the most common November landscaping questions from our local experts.

Q: Is it too late to put down winter fertilizer?

A: No – you can still fertilize until the ground freezes. Choose a “winterizer“ fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium. It helps build strong roots for spring. Stop by any of our four locations for our premium winterizing fertilizer from The Andersons.

 

Q: What’s the best way to protect my garden beds right now?

A: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants but keep it away from stems and trunks. This insulates roots and prevents winter heaving. For extra-sensitive plants, add burlap barriers for wind protection. Our premium mulch options provide excellent winter protection – visit us to find the right match for your beds.

 

Q: Should I keep watering my lawn and plants?

A: Yes, keep watering until the ground freezes, especially:

  • Newly planted trees and shrubs
  • Evergreens
  • Areas you’ve recently seeded Water deeply once a week if we don’t get rain, focusing on root zones.

 

Q: Can I still plant anything this late?

A: While early fall is best, you can still:

  1. Plant spring-blooming bulbs until the ground freezes
  2. Try dormant seeding of grass
  3. Plant container-grown trees and shrubs if you mulch well Just make sure to water thoroughly until the ground freezes.

 

Q: What do I do with all these leaves now?

A: Don’t let leaves sit on your lawn over winter. You can:

  1. Mulch them into the lawn with your mower
  2. Add them to garden beds as mulch
  3. Compost them (except black walnut leaves)
  4. Bring them to Champion for recycling

 

Q: How do I know if I’ve done enough to protect my landscape for winter?

A: Check these key points:

  1. Clean, debris-free lawn
  2. Fresh mulch around plants
  3. Proper drainage away from plants and structures
  4. Protected sensitive plants
  5. Stored or covered equipment and furniture

 

Remember, our team at Champion is here to help with all your winter prep needs. Stop by any of our locations for supplies and expert advice.

V. Get Ready for Winter With Champion

As November’s chill settles over Southwest Ohio, taking these final steps to protect your landscape makes all the difference. Your work now lays the groundwork for a beautiful yard next spring.

 

 

Ryan Dunham from Dunham’s Lawn Care, LLC reminds us why this matters: “Fall cleanup is a great way to help accomplish a healthy and beautiful property all year.”

 

 

Think of these November tasks as an investment in your landscape’s future. Need help getting ready for winter? Stop by any of our four Champion locations.

Our team knows Southwest Ohio landscapes, and we’re here to help you:

  1. Choose the right winter fertilizer
  2. Find the perfect mulch for winter protection
  3. Get expert advice on plant protection
  4. Find the tools you need for last-minute tasks

Remember, every bit of work you do now helps your landscape bounce back stronger in spring.

Whether you’re:

  • Adding that final layer of mulch
  • Putting down winter fertilizer
  • Protecting sensitive plants
  • Cleaning up the last leaves

Each task matters, and we’re here to help you get it done right.

Don’t let winter catch you unprepared. Visit Champion Mulch & Landscaping Supply today. We’ve got everything you need to get your yard ready for whatever winter brings.

Here’s to protecting your landscape now and enjoying a beautiful yard come spring!