It’s vital to prepare your yard once the winter rolls around. Without adequate winter protection, your yard is susceptible to damage, freezing over, and a wide range of other issues. Below are some of the best backyard landscape design tips to protect your yard and prepare it for the upcoming winter.
Repair Your Chimney
One of the first things people will notice on your home are your yard and chimney. Chimney inspections are an important part of maintaining your home and preventing fires.
One thing you can do to prepare your chimney for winter is to have it cleaned and inspected. This will help ensure that it is free of any debris that could cause a fire. It’s also important to repair any cracks or damage to the chimney. This will help prevent snow and ice from getting into your home and causing damage.
Inspect Your Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your home’s drainage system. They help to keep water away from your foundation and prevent flooding. During the winter, gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. This can cause them to overflow and cause damage to your home.
To prevent this, you should inspect your gutters and clean them out before the winter season. You should also make sure that they are properly secured to your home. This will help to prevent them from becoming detached and causing further damage.
Trim Your Trees
Trees can provide a wealth of shade and beautiful fall leaves for the family to play in. However, with the help of local tree services, you can also prepare them for winter. This will help to prevent damage to your home and yard due to falling branches and debris.
Trimming your trees before winter will help to prevent them from shedding their leaves and branches. It will also help to keep them from falling over and causing damage. If you have any dead or dying trees, it’s important to have them removed as well using a tree removal service. Both trimming and removal will help to keep your yard looking its best and prevent any potential damage.
Fertilize Your Lawn
During the winter, your lawn will become dormant and stop growing. However, you can still take steps to ensure that it is healthy and green when spring arrives. One of the best ways to do this is to fertilize your lawn before winter. This will help to keep it healthy and prevent it from dying out.
Fertilizing your lawn before winter will also help to prevent it from being damaged by the cold weather. It’s important to use a fertilizer that is designed for winter, as this will ensure that it is effective. You can buy fertilizer and other landscape supplies at most home improvement stores.
Protect Your Plants
Plants are a beautiful addition to any yard, but they can be vulnerable to the cold weather. If you have any plants that are sensitive to the cold, it’s important to take steps to protect them. This will help to prevent them from dying or being damaged by the cold. You can visit a landscape supply store and purchase covers for your plants.
You can also use mulch to protect your plants. This will help to insulate them and prevent the roots from freezing. Mulch can be bought at most landscape supply stores as well.
Upgrade To Hardscape Patios
A hardscape patio is a great way to improve the look of your yard and make it more inviting. It can also help to protect your home from the elements. If you have a softscape patio, it’s important to upgrade to a hardscape patio before winter. This will help to prevent the patio from being damaged by the cold weather.
Hardscape patios are made from materials such as concrete, stone, and brick. They are designed to withstand the elements and last for many years. If you’re not sure how to install a hardscape patio, you can hire a professional landscape contractor. Many hardscape designs can be integrated seamlessly into your existing landscape.
Install A Snow Fence
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, it’s important to install a snow fence and incorporate it into your landscape design. A snow fence will help to keep the snow from blowing onto your property and causing damage. It can also help to prevent accidents by keeping people from walking onto your property.
You can buy snow fencing at most landscape supply stores. It’s important to choose a fence that is made from durable materials and is designed to withstand the elements. Some popular choices for snow fencing include wood, vinyl, and metal. Choose the one that fits your current home and style for a total improvement during the winter.
Hire A Professional Snow Removal Service
Some of the most important lawn care services this winter include snow removal and de-icing. Not only is snow unsightly, but it can also be extremely dangerous. If you have a lot of snow on your property, it’s important to hire a professional snow removal service. They will have the equipment and experience to safely and effectively remove the snow.
Most snow removal services also offer de-icing services. This involves applying a salt or chemical solution to the ground to melt the ice. This can help to prevent accidents and make your property safer and more inviting.
You can find a reputable snow removal service in your area by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends and family. Be sure to read reviews before hiring any company.
Prepare Your Sprinklers
If you have an irrigation system, it’s critical to winterize your sprinkler. Many homeowners forget that plumbing should also be prepared for winter. If your sprinklers are not properly winterized, they can freeze and burst. This can cause extensive damage to your property and be very costly to repair.
You can winterize your sprinklers by draining the water from them. This can be done by turning off the water at the main valve and then opening the bleeder valves. Once all of the water has been drained, you can close the bleeder valves and turn the water back on.
It’s also a good idea to have your sprinklers serviced by a professional before winter. This will help to protect your landscape designing this season.
Upgrade Your Lighting
With the winter comes shorter days and longer nights. This can make your property dark and uninviting. Upgrading your lighting is a great way to improve the look and safety of your home’s yard. Landscape lighting companies can help you choose the right fixtures and install them properly.
Some popular choices for landscape lighting include path lights, spotlights, and floodlights. Path lights are a great way to light up walkways and prevent accidents. Spotlights can highlight features in your landscape, such as trees or sculptures. Floodlights can provide general lighting for your property. Be sure to choose energy-efficient bulbs for your landscape lights. This will help to save you money on your electric bill and be better for the environment.
Upgrade Security Features
If you’re not happy with the security of your property, now is the time to upgrade. With the winter comes an increased risk of break-ins and vandalism. upgrading your security features is a great way to deter criminals and keep your family safe.
Some popular security upgrades include installing motion-sensor lights, adding surveillance cameras, and investing in a home security system. Motion-sensor lights will turn on when someone walks by, making it more difficult for criminals to enter your property undetected. Surveillance cameras can help you keep an eye on your property and provide evidence if a crime does occur. A home security system can alert the authorities if someone does break into your home.
Winterize Water Features
If you have water features on your property, such as ponds, fountains, or waterfalls, it’s important to winterize them. Water that is left in these features can freeze and cause the pumps and other machinery to break.
You can winterize your water features by draining the water and removing any plants or fish. Once the water is drained, you should clean the feature and then store it indoors for the winter. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and storage of your water features.
For instance, certain water fountains made of resin need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Keeping your water features clean and well-maintained will help to extend their lifespan and prevent costly repairs.
Install Awnings
If you have patios or decks on your property, it’s a good idea to install awnings. Awnings can provide shade and protection from the elements for your outdoor living spaces. They can also help to keep your patio furniture in good condition.
When choosing an awning, be sure to select one that is made of durable material. This will ensure that it lasts for many years and can withstand heavy snowfall and high winds. Be sure to install your awnings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to prevent damage and ensure that they work properly.
Some places to install your awnings that can optimize their usefulness include over windows, doors, and walkways.
Prepare Your Soil
If you want your landscape to thrive next year, it’s important to prepare your soil now. Winter is the perfect time to add nutrients and amend the soil in your landscape. This will help ensure that your plants have the best possible chance of surviving and thriving next year.
Adding compost to your soil is a great way to improve its quality. You can add compost to your soil by spreading it over the surface and then tilling it in. You can also add compost to your soil when you toss out food. Instead of throwing away those banana peels and coffee grounds, place them in your soil and let Mother Nature do the hard work for you.
Prepare Your Lawn Mower
If you have a lawn mower, it’s important to prepare it for winter. Allowing your lawn mower to sit unused for months can cause the engine to seize up. You should clean your lawn mower and change the oil before storing it for the winter.
It’s also a good idea to sharpen the blades of your lawn mower. This will help to ensure that it cuts grass properly when you do use it again in the spring. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for your lawn mower to find out how to properly care for it. You can also visit your local hardware store and speak with a representative if you have any questions.
While you’re at it, consider preparing your other lawn tools like your leaf blower and edger. These tools can also be susceptible to damage if they’re not properly cared for during the winter.
Protect Patio Furniture
If you have patio furniture, it’s important to protect it from the winter weather. Patio furniture can be expensive, so you want to make sure that it lasts for many years.
One way to protect your patio furniture is to store it indoors during the winter months. If you don’t have enough space to store all of your furniture, you can also cover it with a tarp or plastic sheeting. Be sure to clean your patio furniture before storing it or covering it. This will help to prevent dirt and grime from building up and making the furniture more difficult to clean in the spring.
Another way to protect your patio furniture is to use it year-round. If you have a porch or sunroom, you can bring your patio furniture inside when the weather gets cold. This will help to extend its lifespan and keep it in good condition.
By following these helpful backyard landscape design tips, you can prepare your yard for winter and make sure that it looks its best all year long. You can also ensure your family stays safe during the cold season.