It happens to the best of us: The outdoor Christmas lights come down, the trees and blooms go bare—and before you know it, your front yard is on the back burner. It’s easy to assume there’s not much you can do with your outdoor space once winter settles in. But in the cooler months, an inviting yard is less about blooms and bright color, and more about maintenance and small, thoughtful touches. As gardening expert Adrian Aviles of Athletic Club Flower Shop puts it: “A winter yard feels inviting when it looks intentional, not abandoned.”
Need help getting started? Ahead, Aviles shares five simple winter landscaping tips to keep your yard looking cared-for. From seasonal cleanup to smart lighting, these easy expert ideas will help your yard feel maintained all winter long—all while setting the stage for a stunning spring return.
Focus on Structure First
According to Aviles, a good winter yard is all about shape and form. Clean lines from hedges, stone paths, and fences can help the yard look tidy and intentional when everything else is bare. “Evergreens, trimmed shrubs, and visible hardscaping matter more than flowers this time of year,” Aviles explains. This is a good time to look at which elements still hold their shape and make sure they aren’t hidden by clutter or fallen debris. Even small updates like trimming back shrubs or clearing the edges of a walkway can make your space feel more organized.
Keep the Yard Tidy
A clean yard goes a long way in winter—and usually doesn’t cost a thing. “Clearing fallen leaves, dead plants, and debris does more for curb appeal than adding anything new,” Aviles notes. Winter is also a good time to remove anything that looks messy or forgotten, like soggy leaves along walkways, broken branches, or empty pots.
Add Warmth with Lighting
Lighting can completely transform how a space feels in winter. “Soft outdoor lights instantly make a winter yard feel lived-in instead of dormant,” Aviles explains. Focus on places people see first, like the front path, steps, or entryway. String lights on your porch, neatly placed pathway lights, or even a few small uplights can make the yard feel more welcoming once the sun goes down.
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Use Containers Strategically
Containers aren’t just for summer. “Winter-hardy planters or simple branches in pots add visual interest without maintenance stress,” says Aviles. Containers are an easy way to fill in empty spots where garden beds look bare. Placing a few near doors, patios, or gates helps the yard feel more finished during winter.
Don’t Overdo Watering
When watering a winter garden, less really is more. Aviles warns that “saturated soil does more damage than cold temperatures because roots can’t breathe.” To avoid issues, water less often and let soil dry out between waterings. Your yard will thank you come spring!
Garden in a Winter Wonderland
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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