Summer is over, the leaves are starting to change color, and at the nursery, we’ve noticed that customers are wondering what they still need to do before winter sets in. With just one afternoon of work in October, you’ll be all set for winter. This is the checklist I go through myself at home, and the one I also share with customers.

1. Final pruning

Give your hedge a light trim in early October. Don't cut it back too far—you already did that in June. Just trim off the suckers so the hedge stays neat all winter long.

2. Remove leaves from the base

A thick layer of fall leaves under your hedge traps moisture and can cause mold. Just rake those leaves away, or use them as mulch elsewhere in the garden.

3. Fertilizing with lime and potassium

Applying potassium fertilizer in the fall makes the plant more resistant to frost. Lime helps correct the soil's acidity, especially in sandy soil. Lightly sprinkle it on and water it briefly.

4. Keep watering during a drought

Evergreen hedges also lose moisture through evaporation in January. If we’re in for a dry October or November, be sure to water your hedge thoroughly one last time before the frost sets in. It makes a huge difference.

5. Supports and Braces

Do you have a tall hedge or one that’s still young? A temporary windbreak or a few stakes can prevent a lot of damage during the first winter storms. It takes very little effort, but can make a big difference.

6. Take a close look at pests

Box tree moth, fungus, aphids. Give the hedge a thorough check from side to side. If you address these issues in the fall, you can often prevent bigger problems in the spring.

Take care of these six things in a single afternoon, and you can be sure your hedge will make it through the winter just fine. And if you have any questions along the way, feel free to send me a message—I'd be happy to help.