Winterize Your Backyard in November: Feed Birds, Protect Plants & Get Cozy

To many Canadians, when November rounds the corner it can feel like winter has already hit and backyard season is wrapped up until next spring. Let's reimagine this time of year!

November is the sweet spot for winter backyard prep that all homeowners should fully take advantage of. Frost arrives, but the deep cold has not locked the ground. Birds shift off natural food, yet routines adapt fast leading deeper into the winter months. Plants harden off, and roots still accept protection. Days shorten, so small upgrades like adding some lighting make the space usable after dark. Preparation now saves replacements, supports wildlife, and actually sets your yard up for a smoother spring.

This blog post gives exact steps for bird feeding in November, plant protection, furniture storage, and outdoor space winter ideas that keep your setup working.

November Backyard Prep to Support Local Wildlife With Food, Water, and Shelter

Offer high-energy food

Plan your November bird feeding products around dense calories. Use suet, hulled sunflower, and peanuts. Rotate blocks on a set schedule and discard old feed before mold develops.

Keep water open

A heated birdbath keeps water available when temperatures drop. Refill daily and scrub weekly to limit algae and bacteria. Place the bath near an evergreen cover so birds reach water with less wind exposure.

Add nearby shelter

Hang feeders beside dense shrubs or evergreens. Build a compact brush pile in a quiet corner for small birds. Keep pets indoors during peak visits.

Leave select stems standing

Skip a full cut-back in pollinator beds. Leave hollow stems for overwintering insects. Add a light mulch layer after soil cools to protect crowns without trapping excess moisture.

Protect Plants Before the Deep Freeze

Insulate root zones

Spread 5-8 centimeters of mulch around perennials and young trees. Keep mulch off trunks to prevent rot. Focus on exposed beds and first-year plantings.

Shield tender shrubs

Burlap wrap shrubs on the windward side to reduce desiccation and sunscald. Stake taller forms where heavy snow loads occur. Check ties after the first storm and adjust if they shift.

Move and group containers

Shift pots to a garage, shed, or south-facing wall. Elevate containers on wood blocks to prevent freeze-bonding to slabs and decks. Water lightly before storage so soil does not pull moisture from roots.

Drain water systems

Disconnect hoses and coil them dry. Blow out irrigation lines where installed. Store nozzles and splitters in a labelled bin for quick spring setup.

Store and Protect Outdoor Furniture

Clean, dry, and cover

Wash frames with mild soap. Rinse and let them dry fully. Use breathable, waterproof covers for pieces that stay outside.

Bring soft goods indoors

Move cushions, throws, and umbrellas to a dry area. Bag hardware and label sets for faster spring assembly.

Secure lightweight items

Stack chairs to lower wind exposure. Tie covers to anchor points. Park furniture under an awning or along a protected wall.

Add Lighting, Warmth, and Cold-Weather Comfort

Extend evening use

Short days call for simple lighting upgrades. Hang LED string lights for visibility and as an early start to Christmas decorating to get ahead of the first big now. Place path lights along steps and gates. Aim fixtures downward to cut glare.

Use heat sources safely

Add a fire pit or propane heater where bylaws permit. Maintain clearances from siding, rails, and evergreens. Keep a metal ash bucket nearby if you burn wood.

Maintain winter appeal

Set evergreen planters near entries for year-round structure. Add weatherproof cushions and lanterns for quick comfort. Store blankets in a lidded bin by the door.

Outdoor Space Winter Ideas: Quick Projects for This Week

●       Swap summer seed for suet and high-fat blends that support thermoregulation.

●       Install a heated birdbath and confirm the thermostat works in sub-zero weather.

●       Mulch beds and burlap wrap shrubs exposed to northwest winds.

●       Wash, dry, and cover frames; bring cushions and umbrellas indoors.

●       Hang LED string lights and test outdoor GFCI outlets.

●       Stage sand or eco-friendly ice melt near primary paths.

Each task supports wildlife, protects plants, and improves daily use so that you can get the most use out of your space.

Prep With Backyard Birder

November doesn't have to mean hibernation season is upon us, get the most out of the cooler winter evenings with a cozy upgrade and start backyard preparations to maintain and support local wildlife this season. Explore Backyard Birder for everything you need to get ahead!