{
  "id": 18476103,
  "title": "These are the 5 steps I swear by for getting my yard ready for winter",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/these-are-the-5-steps-i-swear-by-for-getting-my-yard-ready-for-winter",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-06T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/gardening/these-are-the-5-steps-i-swear-by-for-getting-my-yard-ready-for-winter"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "To prepare your yard for winter, begin by clearing away any clutter and debris. This includes leaves, tools, toys, and other gardening items that may have been left out during the summer. Raking the leaves helps prevent damage to the grass and lawn, while removing extra clutter ensures a cleaner, healthier environment. Next, focus on protecting delicate plants from harsh winter weather. Exotic or tropical plants are particularly sensitive, so consider wrapping them in horticultural fleece or bubble wrap to shield them from frost. These household items are often readily available and can be used over multiple seasons. One last mow may be necessary before winter sets in, depending on your location and the grass growth. The Farmers Almanac suggests continuing to mow as long as the grass continues to grow, typically until daytime high temperatures consistently fall below 50°F. Applying a layer of compost or bark mulch around the roots of plants in your yard's borders provides insulation against frost and helps maintain healthy soil. A 2-3 inch layer acts as a protective blanket for the soil, preventing damage from harsh winds and heavy rains. Lastly, ensure that any lawn, yard, or patio furniture you've used over the summer is cleaned, covered, or stored. Leaving furniture unattended during winter can lead to rust, excessive wear, or even rotting, so it's crucial to address this task before the cold weather arrives.",
  "summary": "The winter can be brutal on your yard, especially if you're unprepared. Here's the 5-step checklist I follow every year to make sure my yard survives the frost and returns in spring.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}