The colors are changing, the air is getting cooler, and the first layers of leaves are already covering the sidewalks. No doubt about it, autumn is here! In condominiums, this is also a signal that it’s time to prepare outdoor spaces for winter. Proper grounds closure not only protects lawns and plants but also ensures a spring without unpleasant surprises for residents.
When to start winterizing the grounds?
There’s no fixed date, but the ideal period is between mid-October and the end of November. Starting too early can be unnecessary if plants are not yet dormant, while waiting too long may expose your plants to the first frosts.
Should leaves be raked?
The first instinct might be to grab a rake and compost bags to collect the tons of leaves covering the grounds. But this is not what we recommend.
As much as possible, it’s better not to remove all fallen leaves. Once shredded by the lawnmower, they turn into natural fertilizer that enriches the soil and promotes biodiversity.
Plus, it’s much less exhausting. 
What about flower beds?
No need for a full cleanup, just a few steps to properly prepare them for winter:
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Remove leaves showing signs of disease
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Eliminate weeds
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Trim faded flowers
And to add color next spring, it’s the perfect time to plant bulbs like tulips, crocuses, or lilies.
How to care for plants before winter?
Not all condominium grounds have the same variety of plants, but here are our landscaping teams’ recommendations:
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Perennials: Cut back in autumn if they bloom in spring; wait until spring for those that bloom in autumn.
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Grasses: Can be cut now or left for decorative appeal throughout winter.
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Annuals: Compost them!
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Shrubs: A light trimming is possible to remove dead branches.
Is winter protection necessary for plants?
Some plants are more vulnerable and require special attention:
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Young trees that need protection from frost and rodents
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Newly planted shrubs
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Plants experiencing their very first winter
How to protect vulnerable plants?
Canadian winters can be particularly harsh for trees and shrubs: extreme cold, heavy snow, strong winds. Here are our expert tips:
1. Mulching, a natural cover
As mentioned earlier, we don’t recommend removing all leaves. Covering the soil with straw, fallen leaves, or wood chips helps protect roots. A layer of shredded leaves can create effective insulation against frost and retain soil moisture during winter.
2. Wind protection
For conifers and evergreen shrubs, a burlap or breathable fabric screen helps reduce drying effects from the wind while allowing air circulation.
3. Pruning with care
Light maintenance in late autumn removes dead or fragile branches. This reduces the risk of breakage under snow weight and helps shrubs maintain a nice shape in spring.
4. Protection from animals
During winter, rodents and deer may attack young trees and shrubs. Spirals, cages, or protective nets help limit damage.
Why hire professionals for grounds winterization?
For condominium managers, autumn often comes with tight deadlines and multiple suppliers to coordinate. Entrusting grounds winterization to a specialized team saves time and ensures nothing is overlooked.
Our teams handle every step: shredding leaves, cleaning flower beds, protecting shrubs, final lawn mowing. The result: grounds ready for winter, a spring without unpleasant surprises, and satisfied residents.
If hiring professionals interests you, visit our landscaping services page or submit an online request for a quote.
