Winter is a beautiful season, but it can also be tough on your outdoor spaces. As property owners, it’s essential to prepare and protect your landscapes to ensure they remain healthy and visually appealing throughout the colder months. At Wynnow, we believe that proper winter landscape care can make all the difference in maintaining the longevity of your outdoor spaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you take care of your property during the winter chill.
1. Protecting Plants from Frost and Cold
Winter’s freezing temperatures and frost can take a toll on plants, causing damage or even killing them if they’re not properly protected. Here’s how you can safeguard your plants:
- Cover delicate plants: For particularly vulnerable plants, use burlap or frost cloths to cover them during the coldest nights. These materials allow airflow while shielding plants from harsh winds and frost.
- Mulch around the base: Applying a thick layer of mulch (about 2-4 inches) around the base of your plants helps insulate their roots from freezing temperatures. It also reduces the number of freeze-thaw cycles that can damage plant roots.
- Water before the freeze: A well-hydrated plant is more resilient against the cold. Water your plants deeply before an expected freeze, as moist soil holds more heat and can protect the roots from freezing.
- Prune dead or damaged branches: In late fall or early winter, prune back any dead or diseased branches. This will help prevent winter winds from breaking them off and causing additional damage.
2. Maintaining Outdoor Lighting
Winter means longer nights, and properly functioning outdoor lighting is essential not only for aesthetics but also for safety. Here’s how to keep your outdoor lighting in top shape:
- Check and clean your fixtures: Snow, ice, and dirt can obstruct the light. Make sure to clean your outdoor light fixtures regularly to ensure they provide optimal illumination.
- Use LED lights: These energy-efficient lights are more durable in cold temperatures and require less maintenance than traditional bulbs. Consider switching to LEDs to reduce the hassle of constant bulb replacements.
- Adjust timers and sensors: With the shorter days of winter, you may need to adjust your timers or motion sensors to ensure your lights are turning on when needed. Proper timing can also save energy.
- Keep wires protected: Exposed wires can freeze or short out in the winter months. Check that all wiring is properly insulated, and consider investing in outdoor-rated extension cords or cables.
3. Preparing Outdoor Furniture for Snow and Rain
Outdoor furniture can take a beating from snow, rain, and ice during winter. Protect your investment and keep your furniture looking good for the next season with these tips:
- Cover or store furniture: If possible, store your outdoor furniture in a shed or garage to protect it from the elements. If that’s not an option, invest in weather-resistant covers to shield your furniture from snow and ice.
- Clean and dry before storage: Before covering or storing your furniture, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned and dried. This will prevent mold and mildew from forming.
- Check for cracks or damage: Inspect your furniture for any cracks or weaknesses in the material. Repair any issues before winter sets in to prevent them from worsening during the cold months.
- Use cushions and pillows wisely: Outdoor cushions should be stored in a dry, warm place during the winter to prevent mold or mildew. If leaving them outside, use cushion covers or waterproof storage bins.
4. Caring for Lawns in Winter
Lawns can suffer from the stress of cold weather, but with the right care, they can emerge in the spring looking lush and healthy.
- Avoid heavy foot traffic: If possible, limit foot traffic on your lawn during winter. Walking on frozen grass can damage the blades and create unsightly brown patches.
- Aerate your lawn: Before the ground freezes, aerate your lawn to improve soil drainage and allow air and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.
- Leave grass a little longer: Set your mower to leave the grass a bit taller than usual during the last cut of the season. This will help insulate the roots and prevent soil compaction.
- Shovel carefully: When clearing snow off your lawn, use a plastic shovel to avoid damaging the grass. Be cautious around garden beds and other plantings to prevent injury.
5. General Tips for Winter Landscape Maintenance
- Remove snow promptly: Snow and ice can weigh down trees, shrubs, and other plants, causing them to break or become damaged. Gently remove snow from plant surfaces with a broom or a soft brush to prevent damage.
- Salting driveways and walkways: While de-icing your driveways and walkways, use salt sparingly, as it can harm your plants and soil. Opt for alternatives like sand or calcium chloride that are gentler on the environment.
- Check irrigation systems: Make sure your irrigation system is winterized and turned off to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of a beautiful and well-maintained landscape. With these winter care tips, your outdoor spaces can withstand the chill and come out of the season ready to thrive. At Wynnow, we understand that landscape maintenance is a year-round effort, and we’re here to help you ensure your property stays looking great no matter the season. Stay proactive with these simple steps, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a vibrant landscape when the warmer months return. Also be sure to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and X!