Louisville’s Most Helpful “How-To Guide” for Pools and Landscaping
How to Prepare Your Garden for Kentucky Winters
You know it just as well as we do:
- Winters in Greater Louisville can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to severely cold, plus ice storms that can damage unprepared landscapes.
Proper winter preparation protects your Louisville garden investment. We hope the “How To” guide below will help give you a head start as you begin to get your garden ready for the upcoming winter season, but if you have any questions or need professional help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Fall Preparation Timeline for Louisville
Early Fall (September – Early October)
- Plant spring bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses before soil freezes
- Divide perennials: Split overgrown hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses
- Continue watering: Deep water trees and shrubs until leaves drop
- Apply fall fertilizer: High-potassium fertilizer helps plants prepare for cold
- Plant cool-season annuals: Pansies, mums, and ornamental kale
Mid-Fall (Late October – November)
- Rake and remove leaves: Prevent disease and pest overwintering
- Final mowing: Cut grass shorter for last mow of season
- Mulch application: 3-4 inches around trees, shrubs, and perennial beds
- Tool maintenance: Clean and store garden tools for winter
- Compost preparation: Turn compost piles and add fall leaves
Late Fall (December)
- Wrap vulnerable plants: Young trees and tender shrubs
- Drain irrigation systems: Prevent freeze damage to sprinkler lines
- Apply anti-desiccant spray: Protect evergreens from winter wind
- Final cleanup: Remove any remaining diseased plant material
Louisville Winter Protection Strategies
Ice Storm Preparation
- Prune weak branches: Remove deadwood and crossing branches before winter
- Cable support: Support large limbs on mature trees
- Avoid late pruning: Don’t stimulate new growth before winter
- Emergency planning: Know which trees pose risks to structures
Plant Protection Methods
- Burlap wrapping: Protect evergreens from wind and salt spray
- Rose cones: Cover hybrid tea roses after first hard frost
- Tree guards: Protect young tree bark from sun scald
- Mulch mounds: Extra mulch around tender perennials
Container and Water Feature Winterization
- Move containers: Bring tender plants indoors or to protected areas
- Empty decorative pots: Prevent freeze damage to containers
- Drain water features: Empty fountains and disconnect pumps
- Store hoses: Drain and store garden hoses in unfrozen areas
Proper winter preparation ensures your Louisville landscape survives Kentucky’s variable winter conditions and emerges healthy in spring.