How to Prepare Your London, Ontario Yard for Winter

Seasonal · 5 min read

London winters are hard on a yard — the Lake Huron snowbelt, repeated freeze-thaw cycles and road salt all take a toll. A little preparation in the fall protects everything you invested in over the growing season and gives you a healthier, faster green-up come spring. Here's a practical late-fall checklist for London, Ontario homeowners.

Lawn: Final Cut and Feed

Give your lawn a final, slightly shorter cut before the snow flies so long blades don't mat down and invite snow mould. A late-fall application of the right fertilizer helps the roots store energy for a strong spring. Rake or mulch heavy leaf cover off the grass — a thick wet leaf mat smothers turf over winter. If your lawn struggled this year, fall is also the time to plan spring sod repairs.

Garden Beds and Plants

Cut back spent perennials, but leave ornamental grasses and seed heads for winter interest and the birds. Refresh mulch to insulate roots through freeze-thaw swings — 2 to 3 inches is plenty, kept away from trunks. Newly planted trees and shrubs benefit from a deep watering before the ground freezes and, for vulnerable evergreens near driveways, protection from salt spray and snow load.

Hardscaping and Drainage

Walk your interlock and walkways and note any heaving or settling to address in spring. Make sure downspouts carry water well away from the foundation and that low spots aren't pooling where they'll turn to ice. Clear gutters of leaves so meltwater drains instead of backing up and freezing.

Line Up Snow Removal Early

The single most important winter task is booking snow removal before the first storm — seasonal routes in London fill up by October. A seasonal contract means you simply wake up to a cleared driveway all winter. See how it works on our snow removal page, and read why timing matters in our guide to when to book snow removal in London. A free quote now secures your spot.