How to Prepare Your Lawn & Landscaping for an Illinois Winter (Save Money & Prevent Damage) ❄️

Illinois winters are no joke. Between freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls, ice storms, and long stretches of cloudy weather, your lawn and landscaping take on months of stress. Homeowners in the Chicagoland and Northwest Suburbs often don’t realize how much winter actually affects their property until spring rolls around and they’re facing dead patches of grass, damaged shrubs, cracked hardscapes, or flooded areas that could have been prevented.

The good news? Preparing your property now can save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in spring repairs. With a little planning, and the help of professionals like JGM Landscaping Inc., your lawn, plants, and hardscapes can come out of winter healthy and ready for a strong spring comeback.

Below are the most important steps every Illinois homeowner should take before winter hits.

Close-up of fallen autumn leaves mixed with small rocks on the ground, showing debris buildup that should be cleared before winter to prevent lawn damage.

1. Clean Up Leaves & Debris Before the First Snow Fall 🧹

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is leaving piles of leaves on the lawn all winter. While it seems harmless, those wet, compacted layers create the perfect habitat for:

    •    Snow mold

    •    Harmful fungi

    •    Rodents and insects

    •    Grass suffocation

    •    Patchy bare spots in spring

When snow falls on top of a layer of wet leaves, the moisture gets trapped and sits on your lawn for months. That’s why homeowners who skip fall cleanups often end up needing expensive spring lawn repair, overseeding, or even full restorations.

Hiring JGM Landscaping Inc. for a fall cleanup ensures your lawn is cleared, aerated, and prepped properly before freezing temperatures arrive.

Close-up of salt buildup on the edge of a lawn and pavement, showing how de-icing salt can damage grass during Illinois winters.

2. Protect Your Lawn from Salt Damage

Salt damage is extremely common in Illinois because of the heavy use of de-icers on sidewalks, driveways, and roadways. Salt can cause your grass to:

    •    Turn yellow or brown

    •    Die off near pavement edges

    •    Struggle to grow back in spring

To prevent this, you can:

    •    Put down burlap or plastic barriers near sidewalks

    •    Use pet-safe ice melt

    •    Rinse salt-exposed areas during warm stretches

    •    Add gypsum in spring to repair salt-affected soil

If you use professional plowing or de-icing services through JGM Landscaping Inc., ask them about eco-friendly or lawn-safe products that minimize long-term damage.

3. Cut Your Grass Shorter for the Final Mow 🌱

Your final mowing before winter plays a HUGE role in preventing snow mold and fungal growth.

Ideal final mowing height: 👉 2 to 2.5 inches

Cutting your lawn slightly shorter keeps it from matting down under heavy snow. It also reduces moisture retention, which is what fungal issues thrive on. Many homeowners skip this step or cut the lawn too short too early, which can stress the grass. JGM can handle the final mow as part of your winter preparation service, ensuring your lawn enters dormancy healthy and protected.

4. Schedule Dormant Pruning for Trees & Shrubs 🌳

Winter is actually the BEST time of year to prune many trees and shrubs because:

    •    They’re dormant (less stress on the plant)

    •    Disease spread is minimized

    •    Structural issues are easier to see

    •    Spring growth becomes fuller and healthier

Dormant pruning also prevents branches from breaking under heavy snow or ice — a common cause of property damage in Chicago suburbs. Homeowners often don’t know which plants need dormant pruning, but the experts at JGM Landscaping Inc. can evaluate your property and prune safely and correctly.

Close-up pf icy paver stones showing cracks and separation caused by the winter freeze-thaw cycle, highlighting the importance of protecting hardscapes.

5. Protect Your Hardscapes: Patios, Pavers, & Walkways 🧱

Hardscapes are just as vulnerable to Illinois winters as lawns. The freeze–thaw cycle causes expansion and contraction, leading to:

    •    Shifting pavers

    •    Cracks in concrete

    •    Loose stones

    •    Water pooling in spring

Before winter, you should:

    •    Seal paver patios

    •    Repair any lifted or sunken stones

    •    Clean debris from joints

    •    Make sure water drains properly

It’s also important to shovel snow the right way. Avoid metal shovels or sharp tools on pavers — they cause scratches and cracks. If you’re unsure how to maintain your hardscape, JGM can help inspect, repair, and protect your outdoor surfaces.

6. Address Draining Problems Before the Ground Freezes 🚾

Drainage issues won’t fix themselves over winter — they get worse. Standing water becomes a thick layer of ice, causing:

• Slip hazards

• Damage to lawns

• Damage to walkways or foundations

• Mosquito breeding in early spring

If you notice:

• Water pooling

• Muddy or soggy patches

• Runoff toward the house

• Flooding near patios or driveways

…this is the perfect time to fix it. JGM Landscaping specializes in drainage solutions like French drains, grading, dry wells, and downspout rerouting. Fixing drainage before the freeze prevents far bigger problems later.

Close-up of grass with light snow and frost on top, showing how winter conditions can stress lawns in Illinois.

Conclusion

Winter can be harsh on your landscape — but the damage it causes is completely preventable withe the right preparation. Take care of the proper problems now so you can enjoy a healthier, cleaner, and hassle-free landscape when everything thaws.