1. Winter Garden Prep & Maintenance (Still Possible in Early December?)

Even in cold conditions, a number of tasks are still doable:

✔ Cut back dead perennials

Most perennials are now dormant. You can:

Cut stems to ground level
Remove soggy, diseased, or moldy growth
Leave decorative grasses and interesting seed heads (optional)

✔ Add winter mulch

Great time for:

Bark mulch
Shredded leaves
Straw
Compost layer

This protects roots from freeze–thaw cycles.

✔ Protect shrubs & young trees

Install:

Burlap wraps
Wind barriers
Tree guards for rabbit and rodent damage
Extra mulch around trunks (but not touching the bark)

✔ Winterize roses

Mound soil or compost around the base
Add a final burlap barrier
Tie canes loosely to prevent ice breakage

🌲 2. Evergreen & Winter Décor Installations

This is a huge seasonal opportunity for your skill set.

✔ Install winter planters

Using:

Cedar
Pine
Fir
Red dogwood
Birch poles
Magnolia leaves
Winter berries

People often pay $80–$300 per planter for winter arrangements.

✔ Evergreen garlands & wreaths

Porch rails
Front doors
Fence lines
Commercial storefronts

You can offer these as a premium holiday add-on.

🍁 3. Late Clean-up for Customers (Revenue Opportunity)

✔ Final leaf & debris removal

Many yards still need a final clean-up before snow fully sets.

✔ Snowblower path prepping

Before deep snow:

Mark property lines with reflective stakes
Clear obstacles
Prepare pathways

Add this as a low-cost seasonal service.

💧 4. Drainage, Ice, and Winter Safety Prep

✔ Check grading around entryways

Make sure water moves away from the house.

✔ Install traction sand / salt bins

Good upsell for senior clients.

✔ Clean out gutters if safe

Prevent ice dams.

🌼 5. Sowing & Planting That Works in December

✔ Winter sowing in milk jugs (for early spring germination)

Perfect for:

Perennials
Native flowers
Herbs
Cold-tolerant veggies

Seeds will freeze, thaw, and germinate naturally in March/April.

✔ Garlic (if the ground isn’t fully frozen)

If the soil is still workable:

Plant garlic
Add a thick mulch layer
If frozen, you’re done for this year.

🌳 6. Structural & Hardscape Work (Still Possible)

If ground isn’t deeply frozen:

✔ Install edging

Metal or composite edging goes in easily before deep frost.

✔ Build raised beds (above-ground)

Frame structures can be built without digging deeply.

✔ Install decorative gravel, pea stone, or river stone

Frozen ground actually helps because:

No soil disturbance
Clean install
Level surface

✔ Deck, fence repairs, small carpentry

Cold weather is fine for structural fixes.

🌿 7. Wildlife & Pollinator Garden Prep

✔ Create a winter habitat zone

Leave some leaves for insulation
Add log piles for insects
Add a small brush heap for birds
Leave stems of perennials for native bees

✔ Install a heated birdbath

Birds rely heavily on heated water in Toronto winters.

📸 8. Business Growth Activities for Your Landscaping Brand

Since you’re building A Woman’s Touch Landscaping, December is perfect for:

✔ Winter portfolio photography

Take professional-looking winter shots of:

Garden beds
Snow textures
Evergreen arrangements

✔ Write your 2026 service packages

Include:

Winter planters
Snow-clearing add-ons
Winter pruning
Spring pre-booking discounts