The festive season brings joy, but holiday decorations can leave your landscape needing repair. Heavy decorations, lights, and foot traffic can harm plants, compact soil, and leave lawns looking worn. With careful attention and a few key steps, you can restore your outdoor spaces to their original glory.

Assess the Damage
Begin by surveying the landscape for damage. Look for broken branches, bent shrubs, dead patches in the grass, and compacted soil. Identify which plants are salvageable and which may need replacement. Taking notes or photographs can help prioritize repairs.

Restore the Lawn
Holiday displays often lead to brown, compressed patches on the lawn. Start by raking the area gently to remove debris and loosen compacted soil. Aerate the soil using a garden fork or mechanical aerator to improve airflow and water absorption. Reseed bare patches with a grass seed mix suitable for your region, and lightly cover them with straw or mulch to protect them from erosion. Water the area consistently to encourage new growth.

Revive Plants and Shrubs
If shrubs or trees have bent branches from heavy ornaments or lights, prune them carefully to remove damaged sections. Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts just above healthy buds or lateral branches. For plants that appear stressed, consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage recovery. If any plants were uprooted or displaced, replant them as soon as possible, ensuring they’re properly staked and watered.

Address Soil Compaction
Foot traffic around popular display areas can compact soil, making it difficult for plants to thrive. After removing decorations, aerate the soil and add a layer of organic compost to improve structure and nutrient content. Mulching around flower beds and shrubs can also help retain moisture and prevent further compaction.

Prevent Future Damage
To minimize landscape damage next holiday season, choose lightweight decorations and avoid placing them directly on delicate plants or grass. Use stakes or hang lights on durable structures instead of trees or shrubs. Designate paths for foot traffic and use temporary ground covers to protect high-traffic areas.
By assessing the damage and taking targeted steps to repair your landscape, you can ensure your outdoor spaces recover quickly and thrive well beyond the holiday season. With a little effort, your yard will be ready to welcome the next season in its best condition.

If you need help fixing the damage your decorations did, contact us at ELT Landscape.