November Gardening and Lawn Tips for Minnesota: Get Winter-Ready

By November, most of Minnesota has already felt its first frost—and maybe even a light dusting of snow. But it’s not time to hang up your gardening gloves just yet. This transitional month is all about wrapping up fall maintenance, protecting your plants, and planning ahead for next season’s landscape design projects.

At Otten Bros, we’ve been helping Minnesotans grow and protect their landscapes since 1953. Whether you’re winterizing your garden landscaping, caring for low-maintenance plants, or thinking about upgrading your backyard landscape ideas, here’s what you should be doing this November.

1. Finish Garden Cleanup (If You Haven’t Yet)

If you haven’t done your final garden cleanup, now’s the time. Cut back perennials, remove annuals, and clean up any fallen leaves or plant debris.

Why it matters:

• Prevents pests and disease from overwintering

• Reduces mold growth under snowpack

• Prepares beds for early spring growth
  

Leave ornamental grasses and some seed heads (like coneflowers or black-eyed Susans) for winter interest and wildlife—especially near paver walkway designs or outdoor living spaces.

2. Mulch Around Perennials and Trees

Apply a thick layer (2–3 inches) of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and the base of trees. This helps regulate soil temperature and moisture throughout winter.

If you’ve done any recent residential landscaping or planted new trees this fall, mulch is critical for root protection.

Tip: Use composted leaves or natural bark mulch available at Otten Bros for an eco-friendly, nutrient-rich option.

3. Protect Containers and Fragile Planters

If you have ceramic or terra cotta planters on your concrete patio or front walkway, bring them into the garage or shed. Freeze-thaw cycles can crack containers left out in the cold.

You can also:

• Move frost-sensitive plants indoors (see our Fall Indoor Plant Care)

• Empty and clean pots for spring reuse

• Cover container beds with burlap or frost cloth
  

4. Final Lawn Tasks Before Snow

If snow hasn’t stuck yet, there’s still time for some final lawn care:

• Keep mowing until the grass stops growing

• Mulch fallen leaves with your mower to enrich the soil

• Avoid walking on frosted or frozen turf to prevent damage

• Store garden hoses, shut off outdoor faucets, and blow out irrigation systems
  

If you’re experiencing standing water or drainage issues, consider consulting our landscape design company about options such as landscape drainage, grading, or installing a concrete block retaining wall for erosion control.

5. Protect Evergreens and New Plantings

Young trees, evergreens, and broadleaf shrubs can suffer winter burn from harsh winds and cold temps.

To protect them:

• Water thoroughly before the ground freezes

• Wrap trunks with tree guards to prevent sunscald and critter damage

• Apply burlap barriers around sensitive shrubs

• Use anti-desiccant sprays for evergreen foliage
  

Incorporating low-maintenance plants into your low-maintenance yard design reduces winter prep stress year after year.

6. Store Tools and Prep for Next Season

November is the perfect time to winterize your tools and clean up your garden area:

• Clean and oil hand tools

• Drain and store hoses

• Service lawnmowers and trimmers

• Restock fertilizers, mulch, or bulbs while they’re still available
  

Also, don’t forget to sweep off your stepping stone walkway designs, paver patios, and walkways to reduce slip hazards.

7. Plan Your Spring Projects

While outdoor tasks wind down, November is an excellent month to start planning for spring landscape design improvements. Whether you’re dreaming of:

• A new retaining wall

• Upgrading your front yard landscape design

• Adding outdoor living spaces

• Installing custom retaining walls for elevation management
  

…our experienced landscape designers at Otten Bros can help you get a jumpstart before the busy spring season.

As one of the top landscape design companies and landscaping companies in MN, we offer expertise in:

• Luxury landscape planning

• Easy backyard landscape designs

• Drainage solutions, like landscaping and water drainage systems

• Sustainable garden landscaping with native and drought-resistant plantings
  

Final Thoughts

November is your final chance to wrap up the growing season and set your landscape up for winter success. From protecting perennials to prepping patios and planning for spring, smart fall maintenance makes a big impact on your garden’s health and appearance.

Whether you’re looking for expert advice on low-maintenance landscape design, planning a new retaining wall, or need help solving drainage issues, Otten Bros is here for you every step of the way.