Winter can be beautiful, but for homeowners and commercial property owners, it’s also a time of preparation. The freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can take a toll on your landscape, jeopardizing both the greenery and the hardscapes that make your outdoor space functional and appealing. Without proper care, your property could emerge from winter looking worse for wear, with damaged plants and cracked hardscapes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to protect your landscape from winter’s challenges—from preparing plants to safeguarding patios and walkways. With these tips, your landscape will not only survive the winter but be ready to thrive come spring.
Understanding the Impact of Winter on Landscapes
Winter weather isn’t just cold; it’s a combination of freezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and thawing cycles. Together, these factors can wreak havoc on both plants and hardscapes.
Impact on Plants
- Frost and Freezing: Extreme cold can damage the cells in plants, leading to browning and death of leaves, branches, or entire plants.
- Dehydration: Winter winds can strip plants of moisture, leaving them dry and weak.
- Root Damage: Frost can penetrate the soil, potentially damaging or killing the roots of unprotected plants.
Impact on Hardscapes
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water that seeps into cracks in patios, driveways, or walkways can freeze and expand. This process weakens materials and leads to cracking.
- Salt Damage: De-icing salts, while effective, can corrode surfaces and harm plants nearby.
Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting your outdoor investment during winter.
Preparations for Plants
Winterizing plants takes some effort, but it’s essential for ensuring they’ll thrive when the warm weather returns. Follow these key steps:
Pruning and Cleaning
- Remove Dead or Diseased Branches: Trim back any damaged sections to prevent further harm during winter storms.
- Clean Up Debris: Fallen leaves and plant debris can harbor pests and diseases, so clear them away before snow falls.
Mulching
- Apply a Thick Layer of Mulch: Mulch insulates the soil, keeping roots warm and preventing frost heave. Plus, it locks in essential moisture.
Protecting Against Frost and Winds
- Cover Vulnerable Plants: Use burlap or frost cloths to shield sensitive plants from freezing temperatures and harsh winds.
- Water Thoroughly Before Freezing: Ensure plants are well-hydrated before the ground freezes. This reduces the risk of dehydration.
Taking these steps will give your plants the protection they need to make it through the winter unscathed.
Protecting Hardscapes
Your patios, pathways, and other hardscapes play a vital role in your landscape, and they’re particularly vulnerable to winter damage. Here’s how to safeguard them:
- Seal the Surface: Apply a weatherproof sealer to concrete, stone, or brick surfaces before the first freeze. This helps repel water and reduces the risk of cracks.
- Repair Cracks While It’s Warm: Small cracks can become much larger during winter, so patch them up immediately.
- Use Sand Instead of Salt: While de-icing salt can damage hardscapes over time, sand provides traction without the corrosive effects.
By proactively protecting your hardscapes, you can minimize damage and extend their lifespan.
Winter Lawn Care
Many people neglect their lawn once the temperature drops, but a little winter care goes a long way. Follow these tips to maintain your lawn’s health:
- Final Mow: Cut your grass to the recommended height before winter sets in—usually around 2-2.5 inches. This reduces the risk of mold growth under the snow.
- Aerate the Soil: Aerating helps nutrients and water penetrate deep into the soil, ensuring roots are strong come spring.
- Overseed Bare Spots: Add grass seed to thin or bare areas to encourage healthy growth when winter ends.
A well-prepared lawn will rebound quickly as the seasons change.
Snow and Ice Management
Winter storms are unavoidable, but managing snow and ice thoughtfully can prevent damage to your landscape.
- Shovel Smart: Use plastic shovels instead of metal ones to avoid scratching or chipping hardscapes.
- De-ice Safely: Choose de-icing products that are safe for both plants and hardscapes. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is a good alternative to traditional salt.
- Prevent Snow Piles: Avoid piling large amounts of snow on top of plants, as the weight can crush them and block airflow.
These methods will keep your landscape safer during snow and ice removal.
Professional Services
Sometimes, it’s best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Consider hiring a landscaping service like GLS Landscaping and Maintenance for tasks like:
- Comprehensive property assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities
- Large-scale pruning and mulching
- Hardscape repairs and sealing
- Snow removal and ice management
Professional landscapers have the expertise and equipment to handle winter preparation efficiently, saving you time and effort.
Get Your Landscape Winter-Ready Today
Preparing your landscape for winter is an investment in its longevity. By taking steps to protect your plants, hardscapes, and lawn—armed with the right supplies or with the help of professionals at GLS Landscaping and Maintenance — you’re ensuring your outdoor space emerges from winter as beautiful and functional as before.
Don’t wait until the first snow falls. The sooner you start preparing, the better your landscape will fare against winter’s harsh elements. Take action today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-protected property.
