Outdoor Living Space In Winter
As the winter cold continues, it’s time to shift our focus to the often neglected outdoor living spaces. Many let their yards go during the winter with the expectation of reviving it in the spring. Many homeowners tend to forget that the exterior of their homes can be just as inviting in the winter as it is during the warmer seasons.
With a bit of thoughtful planning and preparation, your outdoor living space can remain safe, protected, and beautiful even in the coldest months. In fact, it can even serve as a cozy retreat for family and friends.
There are many ways to protect your outdoor living space in winter, including your property, water fixtures, plants, and winter outdoor landscaping. Here are a few things to help you prepare for the remainder of the winter season outdoors.
#1. Evaluate Your Outdoor Landscaping
Before diving into the winter outdoor landscaping preparations, take a stroll through your outdoor living space and assess its current condition. Identify plants that may need extra protection or relocation, assess the condition of your hardscapes, and check for any potential hazards, such as loose branches or damaged structures. This preliminary assessment will set the foundation for a targeted winterization plan.
#2. Protect Your Plants
A hard freeze – or even temperatures that stay in the low 30s – may be enough to damage plants and outdoor landscaping. If you’ve forgotten how low of a temperature a plant can tolerate, call your local nursery and ask. You can probably move some plants inside, but the ones that won’t move need your help. Cover anything and everything that needs protection when you know a freeze is coming. You can use old sheets, but frost blankets are best. Never use plastic because it traps the cold and increases the damage.
#3. Winterize Garden Beds
Ensure the longevity of your flowery companions by choosing plants that thrive in winter outdoor landscaping conditions. Evergreen shrubs, such as boxwood or holly, can add vibrant color to your landscape even in the thick of winter.
Mulching your garden beds can provide insulation to the soil, protecting the roots of your plants from the harsh cold. Additionally, consider planting flowers like pansies or witch hazel to infuse a burst of color into your outdoor living space in winter.
#4. Remember Your Pets
Your cat may love to roam at night, but not if it’s going to freeze. Ditto for the dog. Bring your pets inside. If you’re going to put them back out in the morning, make sure that there’s a warm place for them to curl up. Put out that doggy bed or a nest of warm blankets. Don’t forget the water. Even though it’s not hot, they still need to keep hydrated.
#5. Wrap Exposed Outdoor Pipes
The last thing you want to deal with is a frozen pipe, especially a burst one. It’s a great use for your old towels – so cover up any exposed outdoor pipes. While you’re out there, it’s also a good thing to locate your home’s shutoff valve in case you have a water leak emergency at any time of the year.
#6. Illuminate the Darkness
Winter days may be shorter, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor living space needs to be engulfed in darkness. Install strategic outdoor lighting to enhance the aesthetic and safety of your property.
String lights, lanterns, and path lighting can contribute to a magical ambiance while guiding the way for visitors. LED lights are an energy-efficient option that can beautifully adorn your outdoor living space in winter.
#7. Water Your Plants
You don’t have to do it often – once or twice a month is enough, but the plants in your outdoor landscaping still need water. If you don’t have sufficient winter rain, remember that cold weather is drying. It’s best to water a day or two before a freeze is predicted so the water can make its way to the roots. Water when temperatures are above 40 degrees and water early in the day so the plant’s roots can absorb the water before colder nighttime temperatures.
#8. Safeguard Water Features
If your outdoor landscaping boasts water features such as fountains or ponds, it’s essential to winterize them to prevent them from being damaged.
Begin by draining any excess water and removing all debris. Consider covering the water feature with a tarp or net to protect it from falling leaves and ice. For larger ponds, investing in a pond heater can prevent the water from freezing and mitigate frost damage.
#9. Remove Snow from Trees and Shrubs
The weight of snow and ice can compromise the structural integrity of your trees and shrubs. Safeguard them by gently shaking off accumulated snow from branches, particularly after a heavy snowfall, when you can.
Consider wrapping the trunks of young trees with burlap or tree wrap to shield them from harsh winter winds and temperature fluctuations. This simple measure can prevent sunscald and frost cracks.
#10. Prepare Your Lawn for the Next Season
Achieving a lush, green lawn in the spring begins with proper winter outdoor landscaping preparation. Rake up leaves and debris to prevent mold and disease from forming during the winter months. Consider aerating your lawn to promote healthy root growth and improve water absorption. Applying a winter fertilizer with high potassium content can fortify your grass against the cold and encourage a vibrant return in the spring.
#11. Use Sound Snow Removal Strategies
While a fresh blanket of snow can create a picturesque scene, it’s essential to emphasize accessibility and safety in your outdoor living space in winter. Invest in a reliable snow shovel or consider a snow blower for larger areas.
Clearing pathways, driveways, and patios promptly can prevent ice accumulation and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, avoid using salt on plants or lawns, as it can be detrimental to their health.
#12. Use Ice Melt If Ice Forms on Your Pathways
If you live in a location that already has ice and snow, your winter chores are very different. Make sure you have ice melt so ice doesn’t build up on your sideways. Take care of your hardscaped paths by checking with Pioneer for ice melt application to your hardscapes to make sure that you don’t damage them when you de-ice them. Then, stock up on firewood, get cozy, and watch the snowfall!
Contact Pioneer Landscape Centers For Help
Winterizing your outdoor living space is not just about protecting it from the elements. It’s also about creating a haven that you can enjoy year-round. By carefully preparing and embracing the unique beauty of winter, you can ensure that your property, plants, and outdoor amenities remain not only resilient but also inviting during the colder months.
For those seeking the right tools, supplies, and information for winter landscaping, Pioneer Landscaping is a trusted name throughout Arizona and Colorado. Visit Pioneer Landscape Centers for all your winter gardening needs. Contact us to learn more.