Winter in Miami sounds like an oxymoronic phrase but tell that to our landscaping. This isn’t just a time to do some seasonal maintenance, it’s also a good time to prepare for the coming year. With random cold snaps, less rain, shorter days that dimmish UV light, and even some occasional frost, it’s important to know what to expect to get the most out of your property’s garden.

Here’s your Florida winter landscaping guide brought to you by The Billy Goat.

Keep Plants Cozy

Though it may not seem like a very drastic weather change, the key to Miami winter gardening is to protect your plants from the cold.  Any rain that falls takes longer to evaporate and is a lower temperature, all factors that affect the ecosystem of your landscaping. 

The most basic and aesthetically pleasing way to do this is to lay down a nice thick layer of mulch.  This will help moderate temperatures, keeping in the right amount of moisture while providing a warm covering.  It also keeps weeds at bay which is essential for the perfect garden.

Also, consider covering delicate vegetation with a soft cloth.  A nice linen sheet or something that’s breathable is essential if we encounter sleet or hail.  But don’t use plastic!  It will suffocate your plants.

Cut and Prune for the Season

If you haven’t already so, now’s the time: have your grass, trees, and shrubbery manicured for the season.  This allows them to reduce the resources necessary to keep your landscape healthy.  Pruning and keeping vegetation trim allows it to receive the most nutrients where they help most.  

Then, gather debris that you cut off or that fell away during the Fall.

Consider Irrigation

There’s going to be a bit less rain this season, so keep tabs on the precipitation.  There needs to be just the right amount of moisture in the soil for your garden to remain comfortable.   But too much rain, as discussed earlier, tends to gather longer and can damage the landscape.  However, as we’ve said before, mulch makes it all better.

If you have a sprinkler system, change the schedule.  Save your grass from drowning and freezing to death ala Titanic – and yourself some money. 

Have Fun Decorating Your Lawn – But Be Gentle to Your Plants

Decorating for the holidays can be a fun activity for you and your loved ones.  Enjoy the time together, just mind how running extension cords and plugs may affect the surrounding plant life.  Power sources can sometimes snuff out more delicate flora or cut into trees.

Also, consider low-energy lights and decorations.  Your wallet and the environment will be grateful for the holiday gift.

The Billy Goat Keeps Your Holiday Garden Green

Merry Christmas, Happy Channukah, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Happy Landscaping from your friends at The Billy Goat!

Check out The Billy Goat Gallery to see how we manage lawn care in Miami, keeping our clients’ grass green year-round no matter what, and visit our blog for more gardening ideas. 

Or if you have some tips of your own, drop us a line on Facebook, we love to hear from the community.