As the colder months settle in across Solihull and Knowle, most homeowners shift their focus indoors. But ignoring your garden during winter can quickly lead to mess, damage and an unwanted dip in kerb appeal.
Whether you’re planning to sell, let or simply take pride in your home, a tidy, well-kept garden makes a great first impression. And with the right preparation, it can stay neat, safe and attractive all winter long.
In this guide to winter garden upkeep Knowle homeowners can follow with ease, we’ll share practical ways to protect your outdoor space, maintain your home’s exterior, and get a head start on spring.
Why winter garden upkeep matters
It’s tempting to put garden care on hold until spring. But winter neglect can undo all the hard work you put in earlier in the year. Overgrown borders, soggy lawns and weather-damaged furniture can quickly bring down the look of your property.
Seasonal upkeep isn’t just about appearance, it helps with:
- Preventing slippery paths and trip hazards
- Avoiding damage to fences, patios and garden structures
- Protecting plants and soil from harsh conditions
- Keeping up your property’s value and kerb appeal
Even small gardens in Knowle benefit from a little TLC before winter fully sets in.
Preparing your garden for winter: where to start
Start by walking around your garden and making a note of what needs attention. Break the job into manageable tasks, and aim to tackle them before the first hard frost.
Here’s your essential checklist for preparing your garden for winter.
1. Tidy borders and flowerbeds
Remove spent plants, fallen leaves and debris from borders. This helps prevent rot, pests and disease. Cut back perennials, but leave seed heads on ornamental grasses if you want winter interest.
Mulch flowerbeds with compost or bark to protect roots and improve soil condition ahead of spring.
2. Protect delicate plants
Move tender potted plants, like fuchsias or citrus trees, into a greenhouse or sheltered spot. Wrap containers in fleece or bubble wrap to protect roots from freezing.
If you don’t have space to move pots, group them together and place them against a south-facing wall for extra warmth.
3. Cut back hedges and trees
Now’s a good time to trim hedges and remove dead or low-hanging branches. This keeps the garden tidy and reduces the risk of damage during storms.
If larger trees are close to your property or neighbouring fences, it may be worth booking a professional tree surgeon before the bad weather sets in.
4. Clean patios, paths and decking
Damp leaves and moss can make outdoor surfaces slippery. Use a stiff broom or pressure washer to clear patios and paths.
Treat decking with a non-slip coating if needed, and make sure drains and channels are clear so water can flow freely.
5. Store or cover garden furniture
Leaving garden furniture exposed to the elements will reduce its lifespan. If possible, move furniture into a shed or garage. Otherwise, use waterproof covers and secure them tightly.
The same applies to barbecues, planters, ornaments and tools, if it’s not frost-proof, store it safely.
6. Maintain fences, gates and sheds
Cold, wet weather can cause wood to warp, crack or rot. Inspect fencing and gates for damage and apply wood preservative or paint where needed.
Check that sheds are watertight and secure. Replace worn felt on shed roofs and oil hinges on doors or locks that might seize in cold weather.
7. Don’t forget the lawn
Your lawn still needs care, even if it’s growing more slowly. Rake up leaves, give it a final short mow, and aerate compacted areas using a garden fork.
Avoid walking on frosty or soggy grass where possible to prevent damage.
Why winter kerb appeal matters in Knowle
In a village like Knowle, where presentation counts and homes are in high demand, kerb appeal plays a key role in property value particularly if you’re planning to sell or let over the winter months.
Buyers and tenants often make decisions within moments of seeing a home. A tidy path, clean frontage and well-maintained garden can create a positive first impression, even when the weather’s grey.
What’s more, signs of outdoor neglect may lead viewers to question how well the rest of the property has been cared for.
So, whether you live on a quiet residential street or a more prominent road, investing a little time in garden maintenance can pay off especially if your property is due to hit the market.
Include winter garden checks in your home maintenance plan
Just like you might check the boiler, bleed radiators or seal up draughts in winter, outdoor maintenance should be part of your Solihull winter home maintenance checklist too.
Seasonal checks keep your home safe, comfortable and looking its best. They also help reduce future repair bills which is always welcome after the cost of Christmas.
If you’re a landlord, taking care of outdoor spaces is also part of your duty to tenants. A managed garden gives tenants fewer things to worry about and helps prevent disputes.
Selling or letting this winter? We can help
If you’re planning to move in 2026, or you’re preparing to let a property in the new year, our team at Hunters Knowle is here to guide you.
We provide:
- Free, accurate property valuations
- Advice on preparing your home or garden for viewings
- Fully managed letting services for local landlords
- Tailored support from a team that knows Knowle inside out
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or simply exploring your options, we’ll help you make the most of your property inside and out.
