Fall & Winter Landscaping Tips for Your yard!
Canada’s winters can be harsh, especially on your beautiful landscapes. The frigid cold can kill your seasonal plants, and heavy snow and moisture can cause your stone pathways and driveway to crack and split. For homeowners, this can be a nightmare – all that hard work and investment gone in just a few short years! However, with careful planning and preparation during the fall months, you can protect your landscaping investment and ensure its longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of strategies and tips to help you winter-proof every aspect of your landscape, from hardscaping to softscape, furniture, and appliances.
Hardscaping consists of all the non-living materials in your landscaping, including stone paths, tiling, decks, and concrete driveways. Despite being sturdier than plants, hardscaping is still vulnerable to the destructive effects of a cold Toronto winter. Here are some essential fall and winter landscaping tips to prevent damage to your hardscape:
- Addressing Cracks: Cracks in hardscaping can worsen during winter as water seeps in and expands upon freezing. Promptly deal with cracks by patching them up before winter arrives to prevent significant repairs later on.
- Choosing the Right De-icer: Sodium Chloride and Calcium Chloride de-icing solutions can corrode concrete and other hardscaping materials. Use Potassium Chloride salts as a de-icing solution to avoid damage
1.Avoiding Metal Snow Shovels: Metal snow shovels can scratch and mark concrete and stone surfaces. Opt for shovels with rubberized scrapers or consider investing in a snowblower for efficient and non-damaging snow removal.
2.Deck Maintenance: Inspect wooden decks for rot or cracks, replacing damaged panels immediately. Restain and reapply waterproofing to protect the deck from snow and moisture. Regular cleaning and occasional snow removal during winter are also crucial.
Taking Care of Your Yard Furniture and Appliances
Outdoor furniture and appliances add personality to your backyard but are highly susceptible to winter damage. Here are some tips to preserve these elements:
Outdoor Kitchens: Store grills indoors or in the garage during winter. Ensure proper drainage of pipes to prevent bursting. Treat stone countertops with waterproofing sealants to avoid damage from debris and snow.
Electronics: Bring outdoor media center electronics inside for storage. Double-check weatherproof covers to ensure they are securely closed before snowfall.
Lawn Furniture: Cover outdoor furniture with waterproof and weatherproof covers to prevent direct damage from snow and ice. For fabric components, bring them indoors for winter and launder them thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew.
III. Taking Care of Your Softscape
Softscape includes organic materials such as bushes, trees, and flowers. Proper preparation in fall can ensure a vibrant and healthy landscape in the following spring:
*Leaf Removal: Rake fallen leaves into compost or garden mulch to prevent pests and enhance the soil for the next planting season.
*Removing Dead Plants: Dispose of fallen, dead, and spent plants to prevent diseases and pests. Insects’ dormant eggs and parasites can harm new plants if not removed.
*Winterizing Shrubs and Trees: Cover deciduous shrubs with tarps and provide deep water to evergreen and deciduous trees before the ground freezes to prevent winter damage.
Conclusion
Preparing your landscape for the Canadian winter is essential to preserving its beauty and value. By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can ensure that every aspect of your landscaping, from hardscape to softscape, furniture, and appliances, is well-protected against the harsh winter elements. Don’t hesitate to call Best Pro Landscape at 437-360-4488 for expert assistance in preparing your landscape for winter. Our skilled landscapers and designers are dedicated to helping you create a marvelous outdoor space that thrives throughout the year.