While winters in California are milder compared to other parts of the country, colder temperatures, occasional frost, and heavy rains can still impact your garden. Properly winterizing your trees and backyard ensures your plants stay healthy and ready to thrive come spring. Here’s how to prepare your landscape for the cooler months.
While many trees in California can handle winter just fine, young or tropical trees like citrus, avocado, and jacaranda may need extra protection.
✔ Cover trees with frost cloth, burlap, or old sheets on cold nights. Remove them during the day.
✔ Mulch around the base (2–4 inches thick) to insulate roots and retain warmth.
✔ Water before a frost—moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.
Tip: Avoid using plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and cause freezing damage.
Winter is the best time to prune many trees, but not all.
✔ Prune deciduous trees (apples, pears, plums) in late winter when they are dormant.
✔ Hold off on pruning citrus and frost-sensitive trees until after winter to avoid stimulating new growth that could be damaged by cold.
✔ Remove dead or damaged branches to prevent storm-related breakage.
Tip: Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease spread.
With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, most trees and plants need less water in winter.
✔ Reduce watering frequency for established trees and shrubs to prevent overwatering.
✔ Water deeply but less often for drought-tolerant plants like succulents and California natives.
✔ Check soil moisture before watering—if the top few inches are still moist, hold off.
Tip: Turn off automatic irrigation systems during rainy weeks to conserve water.
Mulch acts as a natural blanket, protecting tree roots from temperature fluctuations.
✔ Spread 2–4 inches of mulch around the base of trees and garden beds.
✔ Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.
✔ Use organic mulch like bark, wood chips, or compost for added soil benefits.
✔ Move potted plants to a sheltered spot or wrap containers with burlap to insulate roots.
✔ For lawns, avoid excessive foot traffic on wet or frosty grass to prevent damage.
✔ Cover delicate shrubs with row covers or frost blankets on extra cold nights.
Winter storms can bring strong winds and heavy rain, which may harm trees and structures.
✔ Stake young or newly planted trees to provide support.
✔ Remove weak or overgrown branches that could break during storms.
✔ Secure patio furniture, garden décor, and lightweight structures before a storm hits.
Tip: Keep an eye on drainage areas to prevent water pooling around tree roots.
Winter is a great time to enrich the soil and prepare for a strong growing season.
✔ Apply organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer to nourish plants before spring.
✔ Check for pests and diseases—winter is a good time to treat infestations before they spread.
✔ Plan new plantings—winter is ideal for planting bare-root fruit trees and California natives.
Winterizing your trees and backyard in California doesn’t require extreme measures, but small efforts can make a big difference in plant health and spring growth. By protecting sensitive plants, adjusting watering, and maintaining proper care, you’ll ensure a thriving landscape year-round.
For expert tree care advice and high-quality plants, visit Norman’s Nursery—your trusted partner for all things gardening!