St. Louis Landscaping: Your Complete Winter Preparation Checklist

December 06, 2024

St. Louis Landscaping: Your Complete Winter Preparation Checklist

St. Louis landscaping winter preparation timeline showing monthly tasks from October through January, including mowing, winterization, snow preparation, and spring planning stages.

Did you know that 62% of St. Louis landscapes suffer winter damage due to improper preparation? As the leading St. Louis landscaping company, Allen Outdoor Solutions has protected thousands of local properties from our region’s harsh winters, where temperatures can plummet to an average of 21°F (-6°C).

Before diving into preparation steps, let’s look at what makes St. Louis landscaping unique:

  • Temperature fluctuations of up to 40°F in 24 hours
  • Average annual snowfall of 17.7 inches
  • Clay-heavy soil that’s prone to freeze-thaw damage
  • Zone 6a/6b plant hardiness considerations

Related: Read our guide on How St. Louis Soil Affects Your Landscape

Essential End-of-Season Landscape Maintenance

Professional Lawn Care Checklist

✓ Final mowing at 2-2.5 inches (ideal for St. Louis winters) ✓ Complete leaf removal (prevents 83% of winter lawn diseases) ✓ Winter fertilization with 24-0-10 blend ✓ Pre-winter weed treatment

Tree and Shrub Protection

Expert Tip: “The most common mistake we see in St. Louis landscaping is inadequate winter shrub protection,” says Mark Allen, founder of Allen Outdoor Solutions.

  • Structural pruning (before December)
  • Anti-desiccant application for evergreens
  • 3-4 inch mulch layer application
  • Branch support installation

Related: View our Tree and Shrub Care Services

Protecting Your Landscape Investment

Critical Protection Strategies

According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, these St. Louis native plants need special winter protection:

Plant Type Protection Method Timing
Hydrangeas Burlap wrap Before first frost
Roses Rose cones Mid-November
Perennials Mulch crowns Late fall

Hardscaping Preservation

Prevent the average $2,800 in winter hardscape damage with these steps:

  1. Professional sealant application
  2. Drainage system cleaning
  3. Crack inspection and repair
  4. Snow removal plan implementation

Professional Winter Services

Our St. Louis landscaping experts recommend these professional services:

⭐ Winter Protection Package

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Professional winterization
  • Anti-desiccant treatment
  • Winter mulching

⭐ Early Spring Planning

  • Design consultation
  • Material pre-ordering
  • Contractor scheduling
  • Permit processing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I start winter preparation for my St. Louis landscape? A: Begin preparation in early October when temperatures start dropping below 50°F consistently.

Q: How much does professional winter landscape preparation cost in St. Louis? A: Services typically range from $300-$1,200 depending on property size and specific needs.

Q: What’s unique about St. Louis landscaping in winter? A: Our region’s clay soil and dramatic temperature fluctuations require specialized protection strategies.

Take Action Now

Don’t let your landscape become part of the 62% that suffer winter damage. Contact Allen Outdoor Solutions for professional St. Louis landscaping services:

📞 Call: (314) 647-4800 🌟 Free Consultation ✅ Custom Protection Plan 💯 100% Satisfaction Guarantee