The trees may be bare and the grass brown, but if you want to see a vibrant green lawn and beautiful blossoms return in spring, November gardening should be your top priority. Many plants are tough and can survive the harsh winter conditions. Others need a little TLC. From mulching to pruning, we’ve compiled a list of what you need to do now to keep your yard looking fabulous next spring.

November Gardening Tips

Prune
Remove any annuals that have died out, along with dead leaves. You’ll also want to trim back your perennials. This part often intimidates gardeners who worry they will damage their plants. Don’t fret. Perennials are robust, and trimming them helps them stay healthy and maintain a good shape. So don’t be afraid to add pruning to your November gardening tasks.

Mulch
As mentioned above, you’ll want to remove dead leaves so you can reuse them as mulch. Mulching is a critical part of gardening in November – just make sure not to go overboard. Many people make the mistake of leaving too thick of a leaf cover on their garden, causing root rot. It’s best to remove all dead leaves and then add them back as needed. If you don’t have many leaves, you can also use pine needs or straw.

Fertilize

Check the pH level of the soil and fertilize your perennials accordingly. Some perennials may not require as much fertilizer as others, so make sure to be careful when selecting a product. Too much fertilizer, or the wrong kind, can create floppy, wilting plants. If you’re new to gardening or don’t have the time, adding compost to the top layer of soil is always a safe bet. It will last the whole season and will have a balanced mix of nutrients. Whichever fertilizer you choose, adding it while gardening in November will ensure your plants will make it through the winter and return better than ever in spring.

Water

After spending summer blooming, fall is the time when perennials and shrubs turn their focus below ground. Now’s the time when they will divert their energy away from producing buds to growing their root systems. That’s why it’s essential to give your plants one last drink before the first freeze of fall. They’ll have a solid foundation, and you will enjoy another year of delightful greenery and flowers. While it’s impossible to predict the exact date of the first freeze each year, you should generally aim to water before Thanksgiving.

Protect

You may think plants, unlike humans, can withstand harsh climates. They live outside, after all. However, some plants need help to make it through to spring. Wrapping your plants in burlap or covering them with straw is an easy way to prevent winter burn. If you don’t want to pay for new plants year after year, we highly recommend adding protective coverings to your November gardening to-do list.

Enlist Professional Landscapers

When it’s cold outside and football season is upon us, leave the November gardening tasks to us. Images Landscape will mulch and restore your yard, so you can enjoy your favorite fall activities with peace of mind knowing your garden is in good hands. For more information, give us a call at (248) 866-5442 or contact us for a free estimate. Be sure to check out our Facebook for the latest deals, news, tips, and photos.