As winter settles in and December brings its festive cheer, it’s easy to forget about garden maintenance. However, December is a crucial month to ensure your garden stays healthy throughout winter and is ready to thrive come spring. Whether you’re in Epsom, Surrey, or the surrounding areas, here are some essential tips to keep your garden in top condition this December.
1. Protect Plants from Frost
Frost can wreak havoc on delicate plants, so taking precautions is key. Use horticultural fleece or cloches to shield tender plants from the cold. For container plants, consider moving them to a sheltered spot or wrapping the pots in bubble wrap to protect roots from freezing.
If you have perennials, cut back any dead foliage to prevent pests from overwintering. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate the soil and keep roots warm.
2. Tidy Up Fallen Leaves
December often sees a final flurry of leaf fall, which can make your garden look untidy and slippery. Clearing fallen leaves from pathways, lawns, and borders not only improves aesthetics but also prevents fungal diseases. Add collected leaves to a compost heap or create leaf mold for an eco-friendly way to enrich your soil later.
At All Seasons Garden Maintenance, we offer professional leaf clearance services to keep your garden clean and safe throughout the season.
3. Care for Your Lawn
While grass growth slows during winter, lawns still need attention. Remove any debris or fallen leaves from the grass to prevent diseases like snow mold. Avoid walking on frozen grass, as it can cause damage.
If weather permits, lightly mow the lawn on a high setting to keep it tidy. You can also aerate compacted areas to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging over winter.
4. Prune Trees and Shrubs
December is the perfect time to prune dormant trees and shrubs. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth in spring. Focus on fruit trees, such as apple and pear trees, to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.
For ornamental shrubs like wisteria, pruning ensures a neat appearance and promotes better flowering. If pruning larger trees feels overwhelming, All Seasons Garden Maintenance can provide professional tree care services to help.
5. Prepare for Wildlife
Winter is a tough time for garden wildlife. Help birds, insects, and small mammals by creating habitats and providing food sources.
Bird Feeders: Fill feeders with high-energy foods like suet, sunflower seeds, and mealworms to support birds through the colder months.
Water Sources: Keep birdbaths ice-free by adding a floating ball or topping them up with warm water.
Shelter: Leave log piles, dense shrubs, or leaf piles for hedgehogs and insects to hibernate.
Encouraging wildlife not only helps local ecosystems but also brings life and movement to your garden during the quieter months.
6. Maintain Garden Tools and Equipment
Winter is an excellent time to clean, repair, and store your garden tools properly. Sharpen blades on shears, pruners, and lawnmowers to ensure they’re ready for spring. Clean pots and seed trays to prevent the spread of diseases.
Store tools in a dry, sheltered location to prevent rusting. Regular maintenance prolongs their lifespan and ensures they work efficiently when you need them.
7. Plan for Spring Planting
December is the perfect time to plan your spring garden. Consider which plants you want to grow and order seeds or bulbs early. Take note of gaps in your borders or areas that need rejuvenation.
For vegetable growers, consider planting garlic, shallots, or onions this month—they thrive when planted in cold soil and will be ready for harvest in summer.
8. Mulch and Feed Your Soil
Enrich your garden beds by applying organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or bark mulch. Mulching protects the soil from erosion, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.
For heavy clay soils, digging in organic matter can improve drainage and structure, ensuring better plant health next year.
9. Inspect Fences, Sheds, and Paths
Winter weather can take a toll on garden structures. Inspect fences, gates, and sheds for damage and make necessary repairs. Treat wooden structures with preservative to protect them from damp and frost.
Check pathways and patios for moss or algae buildup, which can make them slippery. At All Seasons Garden Maintenance, we offer professional patio and deck cleaning services to ensure safety and a polished appearance.
10. Enjoy Festive Greenery
Bring a touch of your garden indoors by using evergreen foliage, holly, or ivy for festive decorations. Create natural wreaths, garlands, or table centerpieces to add a seasonal, eco-friendly charm to your home.
If you have a real Christmas tree, remember to recycle it after the holidays by composting or using a local recycling service.
Why Choose All Seasons Garden Maintenance?
At All Seasons Garden Maintenance, we’re passionate about helping gardens thrive in every season. Based in Epsom, we provide year-round garden care across Surrey, including Ewell, Ashtead, Leatherhead, and Dorking.
Our professional team offers services like lawn care, pruning, leaf clearance, and more to ensure your garden stays beautiful and healthy throughout the year. Whether you need regular maintenance or a one-off tidy-up, we tailor our services to meet your needs.
Contact Us Today
Ready to prepare your garden for winter? Call All Seasons Garden Maintenance on 01372 610566 or 07368 356520 to book your December garden care service. Let us help you create a winter-ready garden that’s ready to bloom come spring!
By following these December garden care tips, you can keep your garden in great shape through the colder months while ensuring it’s ready to thrive when the warmer weather returns. With the help of All Seasons Garden Maintenance, maintaining a beautiful, healthy garden in Surrey has never been easier!
