Preparing Your Garden for Winter: A Seasonal Checklist

Short answer: clear fallen leaves before they smother the lawn, cut back and protect vulnerable planting, check patios and paths for slip hazards from moss and algae, and make sure drainage is clear before the heaviest autumn and winter rain arrives.

Lawns

A lawn left under a thick layer of wet leaves through autumn can develop bare, damaged patches by spring, since the leaves block light and trap moisture against the grass. A final cut slightly higher than usual, combined with regularly clearing leaves, gives a lawn the best chance of coming through winter in good shape.

Planting and borders

Cut back perennials that have died back for the year, lift anything tender that won't survive a frost, and mulch borders to protect roots and suppress weeds over winter. If you're considering a change from natural turf to something lower-maintenance, our guide comparing artificial grass and natural turf is worth a read before spring.

Patios, paths and drainage

Damp autumn weather is exactly when moss and algae take hold on paving, and it's genuinely a safety issue once temperatures drop and surfaces stay wet — a mossy patio or path gets significantly more slippery in the cold. Check that drainage channels and gullies around patios are clear, since a blocked drain that's manageable in summer rain can cause standing water and ice once winter arrives. Our patios and driveways team can also advise if a hard landscaping project is worth planning for next spring.

Outdoor structures and lighting

Fences, gates, pergolas and any timber structures are worth a quick check for loose fixings or rot before winter winds and rain test them properly. If outdoor lighting isn't already on a weatherproof, properly certified circuit, it's worth having checked — our electrical team can advise on safe outdoor electrics alongside any wider landscaping work.

The payoff

None of this is complicated work, but doing it in autumn — rather than dealing with the consequences in a wet, cold February — makes a real difference to how quickly a garden bounces back once spring arrives.

This is general seasonal guidance for the South East of England, and the right timing for your own property depends on its specific condition, aspect and exposure. Get in touch if you'd like us to take a look before the weather turns.