Winter weather brings unique challenges to both residential and commercial properties. From protecting plants and trees to managing snow and ice, taking the right steps ahead of time can save you time, money, and frustration when temperatures drop. With thoughtful preparation, you can maintain the health of your landscape and ensure your property remains safe and functional throughout the season.
Protect Your Landscape from Winter Damage
Winter conditions such as frost, snow, and ice can be tough on your landscaping. Plants, soil, and hardscaping elements are all vulnerable to damage if they aren’t properly prepared. Insulating your soil, protecting sensitive plants, and addressing any pre-existing issues before the cold sets in are key to ensuring your outdoor spaces survive the season.
Mulch for Soil Insulation
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your landscape is by applying mulch. A fresh layer of mulch acts as an insulator, regulating soil temperatures and retaining moisture during freezing conditions. Mulch also reduces erosion caused by snowmelt runoff, which can wash away valuable nutrients in the soil. By preventing soil compaction, mulch sets the stage for a healthier garden when spring returns.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Pruning trees and shrubs is another essential task before winter begins. Snow and ice can weigh down branches, causing them to snap and potentially harm the plant—or even structures nearby. Trimming dead or damaged branches reduces this risk and encourages healthy growth during the next growing season. Pay special attention to trees located near driveways, walkways, or buildings to minimize safety hazards during snowstorms.
Protect Sensitive Plants
Delicate plants may not survive without extra protection. Wrapping them in burlap or frost cloth shields them from harsh winds and extreme cold, while container plants should be moved to a sheltered location like a garage or covered porch.
Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn
Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil before it freezes, ensuring your grass stays healthy and vibrant. Following aeration with a winter-friendly fertilizer provides the lawn with the nutrients it needs to recover quickly once the snow melts.
Prepare Hardscaping Elements
Hardscaping features such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls are also susceptible to winter damage. Cracks in these surfaces can expand when water seeps in and freezes, leading to costly repairs. Inspect these areas and address any damage before the first freeze to ensure your hardscaping elements remain intact.
Plan for Efficient Snow Removal
Snow and ice create safety hazards for your family, employees, and visitors, making a snow removal plan an essential part of winter preparedness. Without proper planning, you risk slippery walkways, obstructed driveways, and damage to your landscaping or hardscaping during snow removal.
Stock Up on Ice Melt
Having an ample supply of ice melt on hand is one of the first steps you should take. When choosing an ice melt product, look for options that are safe for plants, pets, and hardscaping materials. Some products contain harsh chemicals that can harm your lawn, garden beds, or nearby waterways. Eco-friendly ice melts are a great alternative, as they’re designed to work effectively without causing long-term damage.
Service Your Snow Removal Equipment
Before snow begins to fall, check all your snow removal equipment. Whether you’re using a snow blower, a plow, or just a sturdy shovel, ensure that everything is in good working condition. Worn-out blades or broken parts can hinder your ability to clear snow quickly and effectively. For powered equipment, stock up on spare fuel or batteries to avoid running out during a storm.
Mark Boundaries and Hazards
Marking boundaries and hazards on your property can save you time and prevent damage to your landscaping. Use stakes or brightly colored markers to outline driveways, walkways, and garden beds so that they remain visible even when covered in snow. This step is especially important if you hire a snow removal service, as it helps ensure they avoid sensitive areas.
Hire Professional Snow Removal Services
If you have a larger property, hiring professional snow removal services can be a smart choice. Professional teams have the tools and expertise needed to clear snow quickly and safely, ensuring your property stays accessible.
Create a Snow Management Plan
If you plan to manage snow removal yourself, be strategic about where you pile the snow. Avoid pushing snow onto planting beds or against tree trunks, as the weight and eventual melting can harm plants and soil. Developing a comprehensive snow management plan ensures that your property stays safe and functional all winter long. Consider areas that tend to ice over quickly, such as slopes or shaded walkways, and prioritize treating these spots with ice melt or sand.
Be Prepared with Ridgewood Soils
As you prepare for winter, having the right materials on hand can make all the difference. Ridgewood Soils offers high-quality landscaping supplies to help protect your outdoor spaces and keep them functioning smoothly throughout the season. Our mulch products are perfect for insulating your garden beds, while our sand, salt and snowmelt products are is ideal for adding traction to icy driveways and walkways.
If you need guidance on winterizing your landscape or selecting the right materials for your property, our team is here to help. Contact Us to get the products and expert advice you need to tackle winter with confidence.