Prepping Your Yard for Fall and Winter in Greater Seattle
As the long summer evenings fade and the crisp Pacific Northwest air rolls in, it’s the perfect time to prep your yard for fall and winter. Our mild but wet Seattle climate comes with unique challenges—constant rain, cooler temps, and the occasional freeze. A little work now will protect your plants, keep your yard looking tidy, and set you up for a lush spring.
1. Clean Up and Cut Back
Start by removing spent annuals, weeds, and any plants that have finished for the season. Dead plants left behind can harbor pests and disease—especially in our damp winters. For perennials, trim back what’s done blooming, but avoid cutting too close to the crown. Think of it as giving your garden a fresh haircut before hibernation.
2. Mulch to Protect Roots
Seattle’s winters rarely bring deep freezes, but our constant rain can stress roots and wash away soil nutrients. Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around shrubs, perennials, and trees to insulate and prevent erosion. Bonus: it also suppresses weeds that love our mild climate.
3. Rake and Reuse Those Leaves
Falling leaves may feel endless, but they’re gold for your garden. Rake them off your lawn (to prevent mold and bald spots) and use them as mulch in beds or add them to your compost pile. If you don’t compost yet, shredded leaves can be used as natural insulation for garden beds.
4. Prep Your Lawn
Fall is the best time to give Seattle lawns some love. Aerate compacted soil, overseed thin patches, and fertilize with a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. With our rainy season ahead, your lawn will get the water it needs naturally.
5. Protect Tender Plants
Not all plants love our soggy, chilly winters. If you have container plants or tender shrubs, move them under cover or closer to the house for warmth. For extra protection, use burlap wraps or frost blankets on fragile plants during occasional cold snaps.
6. Divide and Replant Perennials
Got overcrowded hostas, daylilies, or black-eyed Susans? Fall is the perfect time to divide and replant them. They’ll have time to establish roots before winter sets in, and you’ll get healthier growth next spring.
7. Shut Down and Winterize Your Watering System
Before the first frost, disconnect hoses, drain irrigation systems, and insulate outdoor faucets. In Greater Seattle, freezing isn’t constant, but it does happen—and a burst pipe is no fun. If you use a rain barrel, drain it before hard freezes to avoid cracks.
8. Add Fall/Winter Interest
Just because summer blooms are gone doesn’t mean your yard has to look dull. Consider planting hardy ornamentals like hellebores, winterberry, or evergreen shrubs to add color and structure through the colder months.
9. Plan Ahead for Spring
As you tidy up, take notes: what thrived, what didn’t, and where you want to add pops of color. Seattle gardeners benefit from planning early, since our growing season starts quickly once the rain warms up.
✨ Bottom Line: A weekend of work now keeps your yard healthy through the soggy season and gives you a head start for spring. With Seattle’s mild winters, your garden doesn’t fully shut down—it just takes a nap. Treat it well, and you’ll be rewarded when the cherry blossoms return.
