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.

November landscaping is about preparation, protection, and smart seasonal transition. While many homeowners assume landscaping “ends” when leaves fall, November is actually a critical month for setting the stage for healthy soil structure, winter durability, and spring growth. As Chicago and the North Shore shift into colder temperatures, the priorities shift from active growth to responsible winterizing. Root systems remain active even when the surface goes dormant; turf still responds to soil moisture and compaction, and improper irrigation and leaf management can cause nutrient imbalance and winter damage.