Winter Jobs in the Garden: What to do, why it matters and when to call in the professionals

Winter is often thought of as a quiet time in the garden, but it's actually one of the most important seasons for protecting what you have. The UK winter is less about deep snow and more about persistent damp, fluctuating temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles. Conditions that quietly cause damage if ignored.

This guide covers key horticultural and hard landscaping jobs for winter, explaining what to do, why it matters and where professional help can save time, money and frustration.

Winter Horticultural Jobs

Protect Plants from Cold and Wet Conditions

Cold alone rarely kills UK garden plants - wet roots and sudden freezes do.

Mulch borders with bark, compost, or leaf mould.

Why? Mulch insulates roots, prevents soil from freezing solid and reduces waterlogging - all of which stress plants over winter.

Raise pots on feet.

Why? Pots sitting directly on the ground trap water underneath. When that water freezes, it expands and can crack pots or damage roots.

Move tender plants to sheltered locations.

Why? Wind and cold dry plants out faster than frost alone, particularly in pots.

Leave dead growth on perennials.

Why? Old stems act as natural insulation, protecting the crown from frost and heavy rain.

When to call us:

Lifting and storing tender plants like dahlias or cannas.

Protecting large shrubs, palms, or borderline-hardy plants.

Improving drainage where plants repeatedly fail over winter.

Pruning and Plant Care

Winter pruning ia about structure and plant health - but poor timing can weaken plants.

Remove dead or damaged branches.

Why? This prevents disease and reduces wind damage during storms.

Cut back herbaceous perennials once growth does back.

Why? Reduces rot and makes spring growth cleaner and stronger.

Light hedge tidying (weather permitting).

Why? Prevents wind damage and keeps hedges manageable.

When to call us:

Fruit tree pruning (poor pruning affects yield for years).

Renovation pruning of overgrown shrubs.

Tall hedges or any work involving ladders or power tools.

Lawns and Borders

Keep off frosty or waterlogged lawns.

Why? Walking on frozen grass crushes the blades and compacts soil, leading to bare patches in spring.

Clear fallen leaves regularly.

Why? Leaves block light and trap moisture, encouraging moss and lawn disease.

Light aeration of compacted areas.

Why? Helps excess water drain away instead of sitting at the surface and freezing.

When to call us:

Persistent lawn flooding or drainage problems.

Moss-heavy lawns needing renovation.

Border redesign and planting for spring.

Winter Care for Hard Landscaping

Hard landscaping is particularly vulnerable in winter because water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on materials from the inside out.

Paths, Patios and Paving

Sweep leaves regularly.

Why? Wet leaves stain stone and create dangerously slippery surfaces.

Keep drainage points clear.

Why? Standing water beneath slabs freezes and expands, loosening paving.

Avoid pressure washing in winter.

Why? It opens up the surface of stone and concrete, allowing water to penetrate and cause frost damage.

Use sand or gravel for icy areas instead of salt.

Why? Salt accelerates surface breakdown and damages nearby plants.

When to call us:

Loose or rocking slabs.

Frost-damaged pointing or mortar.

Drainage problems under paving.

Decking (Timber & Composite).

Sweep regularly to remove leaves and debris.

Why? Organic matter traps moisture and encourages algae, making decking slippery.

Avoid salt and harsh cleaners.

Why? These break down surfaces and fixings over time.

Check and tighten fixings.

Why? Temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract.

When to call us:

Structural repairs.

Replacing rotten boards.

Anti-slip treatments or full refurbishment.

Garden Furniture and Features.

Clean and dry furniture before covering.

Why? Covering damp furniture traps moisture, leading to mould, rot, or rust.

Use breathable covers.

Why? Breathable fabrics allow moisture to escape while keeping rain off.

Raise furniture slightly off paving.

Why? Prevents standing water from soaking into legs and joints.

Drain hoses and protect outdoor taps.

Why? Frozen water expands inside pipes, often causing splits and leaks.

When to call us:

Timber furniture restoration.

Securing heavy features and ornaments.

Winter shutdown of ponds and water features.

Fences, Walls and Garden Structures.

Check posts and panels after storms.

Why? Saturated ground combined with wind causes movement that worsens over winter.

Oil hinges and gate latches.

Why? Prevents rust and seizure during prolonged wet weather.

Clear vegetation from Walls and joints.

Why? Roots trap moisture and widen cracks when frost hits.

When to call us:

Replacing rotten fence posts.

Wall repairs or rebuilding.

Greenhouse glazing, insulation and strom-proofing.

Why Winter Garden Jobs Matter.

Winter maintenance is about prevention not appearance. Small actions taken now:

Prevents costly repairs in spring.

Extend the life of paving, decking and furniture.

Improve plant survival and performance.

Make spring gardening easier and more enjoyable.

Many winter garden tasks are well within the reach of homeowners, and we encourage that. But some jobs need experience, specialist tools, or simply more time than most people have. If you'd like help we are always happy to advise or take the work on for you.

Winter is preparation. Spring is the payoff.