Winter can be tough on your yard, your hardscapes, and the outdoor features you use and enjoy throughout the warmer months. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and fluctuating weather patterns can all cause damage that becomes costly to repair once spring arrives. Protecting your landscaping investment during winter is one of the most important steps you can take as a homeowner. With a little preparation and consistent maintenance, you can help your property stay in great condition through the cold season.
Below are practical ways to safeguard the key areas of your landscape so you can start the spring months ahead of the game.
Protecting Your Hardscapes
Hardscapes often take the biggest beating during winter because they are directly exposed to snow, ice, and cycles of freezing and thawing. These conditions can cause cracks, erosion, and uneven settling.
Seal and Inspect Surfaces
Before winter arrives, inspect your patios, driveways, walkways, and retaining walls for cracks or loose materials. Fixing these small issues early helps prevent larger problems later. Applying a quality sealant can also help protect stone or concrete from moisture and salt damage.
Avoid Harsh Ice Melt Products
Many de-icing products contain chemicals that corrode concrete and weaken paver surfaces. When possible, use calcium magnesium acetate or sand to provide traction without harming your hardscapes. If you use salt, try to limit it and rinse surfaces once temperatures rise.
Clear Snow Properly
Using the wrong equipment to remove snow can scratch or chip your stonework. Choose plastic blade shovels or snow blowers set at the right height to avoid scraping. For plowing, make sure the blade has a rubber edge so it does not dig into your pavers or asphalt.
Protecting Your Irrigation System
Irrigation systems are vulnerable to freezing temperatures that can crack pipes, break sprinkler heads, and cause leaks later in the year.
Shut Down and Winterize
Before the first hard freeze, make sure your irrigation system is fully winterized. This typically includes shutting off the water supply, draining lines, and blowing out the system with compressed air. Proper winterization saves you from costly repairs and helps your system last longer.
Insulate Above-Ground Components
Any exposed pipes, backflow preventers, or valves should be wrapped with insulation or covered with protective materials. This step adds an extra layer of security during extremely cold weather.
Protecting Outdoor Kitchens and Living Areas
Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and living spaces add beauty and value to your property. They also require regular care in winter to stay in good condition.
Clean and Cover Appliances
Outdoor grills, refrigerators, sinks, and storage areas should be cleaned and covered tightly. Covers help protect them from moisture that can cause rusting or mold. If you can turn off and disconnect water supply lines, do so to prevent freezing.
Maintain Masonry and Fire Features
Fire pits and fireplaces should be cleared of ash and debris. Inspect for cracks or loose bricks so repairs can be made before winter storms arrive. Protect countertops, islands, and bar tops with weather resistant covers to reduce wear.
Store Furniture Safely
If possible, bring outdoor furniture inside. If it must stay outdoors, place it in a protected area and use durable winter covers to keep moisture and ice from causing damage.
Protecting Plant Beds and Garden Areas
Your plants, shrubs, and garden beds need extra support during winter. Proper care helps them return stronger and healthier once the warm weather returns.
Mulch for Insulation
Adding two to three inches of mulch around shrubs and garden beds helps regulate soil temperature and prevents roots from freezing. Mulch also reduces water loss and protects plants from harsh winter winds.
Wrap Vulnerable Shrubs and Trees
Some shrubs and young trees benefit from burlap wraps or protective barriers during the coldest months. This is especially important for plants that may be sensitive to wind burn or heavy snow accumulation.
Remove Debris and Clean Up
Clearing leaves, branches, and leftover plant material helps prevent mold growth and pests from settling in during winter. Keeping your garden beds clean also reduces the risk of plant disease in early spring.
Stay Proactive Throughout the Winter
Winter protection is not a one-time job. As the weather changes, you may need to adjust your approach. After major snowfalls or icy conditions, check on your hardscapes, plant beds, and outdoor structures to make sure everything is holding up. Catching issues early can prevent much larger repairs later.
Your landscaping is an investment that adds enjoyment, beauty, and value to your home. Protecting it during winter ensures your outdoor spaces stay functional and attractive for years to come. Whether it’s sealing hardscapes, winterizing irrigation systems, covering outdoor kitchen features, or giving plant beds some extra care, each step helps safeguard the work you have put into your property.
If you would like help preparing your landscape for winter or need maintenance during the cold months, Stoney Acres is here to support you. Our team can make sure your yard stays safe, protected, and ready to thrive once spring arrives.