December Landscaping Guide to Dealing with Plants, Irrigation & Snow

As winter deepens across Chicagoland, December landscaping shifts from outdoor maintenance to preservation and preparation. In our November Landscaping Guide, we covered leaf management, irrigation shutdown, and early snow planning. Now, with colder temperatures and heavier snow on the horizon, the focus turns to protecting plant materials, monitoring snow operations, and ensuring the landscape’s infrastructure is equipped to withstand months of freeze-thaw cycles.

This is a transitional month where attention to detail can prevent costly damage. Frozen irrigation lines, salt-burned turf, and broken branches are preventable problems when addressed early. The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) recommends using December to review long-term plans, update client site notes, and perform selective dormant pruning. Whether you manage a single property or multiple commercial sites, thoughtful December landscaping ensures that when spring returns, your investment hasn’t just survived winter—it’s ready to thrive.

Protecting Plants and Trees During December

In December, the goal of landscaping is to protect plants, trees, and shrubs from freeze-thaw stress, windburn, and ice accumulation. Dormant pruning should begin in December when trees and shrubs enter their rest cycle. Pruning during dormancy allows for clean cuts that minimize disease spread and promote strong spring growth. Start with vulnerable ornamentals and evergreens. Burlap wraps, mulch rings, and windbreaks protect against desiccation, while a light layer of compost provides insulation without suffocating root systems. When mulching, avoid direct contact with trunks and stems—an easy mistake that invites rot and pests.

This is also the time to assess the success or failure of last year’s perennial beds and develop a maintenance plan for the coming season. Make notes on which plant varieties handled the previous winter well and which suffered. December is an ideal planning month for ordering replacement plant material or rethinking high-maintenance species in favor of more resilient native alternatives. A proactive approach combined with small structural supports, such as tying multi-stem shrubs and staking young trees, prevents snow and ice damage later. In short, treat December as your investment protection month for every living part of your landscape.

Irrigation System Maintenance and Monitoring

Even though your irrigation system was likely shut down in November, December landscaping is about inspection and documentation. The ILCA’s sustainable maintenance guidelines emphasize evaluating system integrity during winter months to ensure smooth spring activation. Start by confirming that all zones were fully drained and that backflow preventers are insulated or properly stored. If your property includes rain barrels or cisterns, check for ice formation that could split fittings or hoses. Keep valve boxes dry and free of debris so they remain accessible once temperatures rise.

This is also an excellent time to review site plans and irrigation notes for updates. Were there any recurring dry patches or overwatered areas last season? Document those observations now, and plan for adjustments—either through nozzle recalibration or zone redesign. Pappas Company Landscape & Design recommends working with professionals who can analyze efficiency and propose modern, water-saving controller upgrades before the spring rush. Lastly, inspect grading and drainage near downspouts and paved areas. Freeze-thaw cycles can subtly alter slopes, leading to ponding in spring. Early identification allows for minor regrading or the installation of permeable pavers, improving long-term stormwater management.

Managing Snow and Deicing the Sustainable Way

Snow management is at the heart of December landscaping in the Midwest. The ILCA stresses the importance of evaluating each site for efficiency and environmental safety. Start by confirming that routes, personnel, and equipment are ready before a significant storm. Review your snow plan—detailing plow truck routes, hand-shovel zones, and designated snow storage areas—to minimize disruption and protect both plantings and hardscapes.

For deicing, the focus should shift toward environmentally responsible methods. Coating rock salt with brine or pre-treating surfaces with liquid brine helps the product stay where it’s needed while reducing overall material usage and corrosion. The ILCA also recommends identifying which deicer blends are most cost-effective and least harmful to turf and soil biology.

Additionally, mark curbs, fire hydrants, and garden edges with tall snow stakes to prevent damage to equipment. When storing piles, direct them toward low-lying or permeable areas such as retention basins to reduce runoff and salt infiltration. Keeping snow operations efficient not only saves labor and fuel—it preserves the long-term health of your landscape.

Planning for the Year Ahead

While December often feels like an endpoint, for landscape professionals, it’s the start of the next cycle. This is the perfect time to reflect on what worked throughout the year and begin developing a strategy for spring rejuvenation. Review maintenance records, update contracts, and budget for plant replacements or irrigation upgrades. Sustainable December landscaping means using downtime efficiently—sharpening tools, servicing snow equipment, and job-costing properties to improve efficiency next year.

When the snow melts and green returns to the landscape, every task completed now will pay off in smoother operations, healthier plantings, and lower costs. If you’re ready to strengthen your property’s winter performance and prepare for a thriving spring, contact Pappas Company Landscape & Design to schedule your year-end landscape evaluation.