Short answer: Before the winter rains, clear leaves and debris from drains and paths, cut back dead growth, check slopes and bare soil, tidy beds, and haul away green waste. Starting early keeps water moving where it should and gives you a head start in spring.
Clear drainage paths
Remove leaves, branches and debris from drains, swales, gutters and the channels water follows across your yard. Blocked paths send water where you do not want it.
Cut back dead and overgrown growth
Remove dead plants, cut back overgrown shrubs and branches that touch the house, and clear weeds from beds and borders.
Look at slopes and bare soil
Bare soil washes away in heavy rain. A layer of mulch or ground cover helps hold slopes and beds in place.
Check your sprinklers
Fix leaks and broken heads, and scale back your watering schedule as the weather cools. Sprinklers running during a storm waste water.
Haul away the green waste
Bag and remove the clippings and debris so they do not clog drains or blow back into the yard.
Tidy up after storms
Once the rain passes, clear fallen branches and leaves and look over trees and slopes for damage.
This is general guidance. Every yard is different. If you would like us to look at yours, call us or send a request.