While Greensboro enjoys mild winters compared to northern states, our Zone 7b climate still requires thoughtful garden preparation during fall and winter months. Proper seasonal maintenance protects your investment and ensures a vibrant spring landscape.
October: Fall Preparation Begins
As temperatures begin dropping in October, start your fall landscaping routine:
- Apply fresh mulch – Add 2-3 inches of pine bark or hardwood mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture through winter
- Plant spring bulbs – Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses should go in the ground now for early spring color
- Divide perennials – Split overcrowded hostas, daylilies, and black-eyed Susans
- Deep water trees and shrubs – Ensure established plants enter winter well-hydrated
November: Winterizing Your Landscape
Before the first hard frost (typically mid-November in Greensboro):
- Protect tender plants – Cover azaleas and camellias with burlap if temperatures drop below 20°F
- Clean garden beds – Remove diseased plant material to prevent overwintering pests
- Leave beneficial debris – Keep seed heads for birds and leave ornamental grasses standing for winter interest
- Winterize irrigation – Drain and blow out sprinkler systems to prevent freeze damage
December Through February: Dormant Season Care
Winter is not a time to ignore your landscape entirely:
- Prune deciduous trees – Late winter (February) is ideal for pruning oaks, maples, and dogwoods while dormant
- Monitor moisture – Water evergreens during dry winter spells to prevent desiccation
- Plan for spring – Order seeds, sketch garden layouts, and research new native plants
- Apply dormant oil – Control overwintering scale and mites on fruit trees and shrubs
Native Plants That Shine in Winter
Greensboro gardens need not look barren in winter. Consider these native performers:
- American Holly (Ilex opaca) – Classic evergreen with bright red berries
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) – Stunning red berries on bare branches
- Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – Brilliant red stems against snow
- Ornamental Grasses – Little Bluestem and Switchgrass provide texture and movement
Soil Care During Cold Months
Our Piedmont clay soil benefits from winter attention:
- Spread compost over vegetable beds in fall to break down over winter
- Avoid walking on wet, clay-heavy soil to prevent compaction
- Test soil pH in late winter for lime application timing
When to Resume Spring Activities
In Greensboro, watch for these signals:
- Soil temperature reaching 50°F consistently
- Forsythia blooming (traditional indicator for pre-emergent application)
- Last frost date typically mid-April (check our Spring Landscaping Tasks guide)
Conclusion
Fall and winter landscaping in Greensboro is about preparation and protection. By completing these seasonal tasks, you will ensure your Zone 7b garden emerges healthy and vibrant when warmer weather returns. For comprehensive year-round guidance, see our Complete Guide to Landscaping in Greensboro.