Shabby Chic Boho Winter is just around the corner. And once it comes, it will create all sorts of problems in your outdoor. The combo of freezing temps and harsh weather conditions puts some serious pressure on gardens, outdoor buildings, and water features that looked perfect back in the warmer months.
When winter does finally arrive, trying to sort out outdoor issues becomes a whole lot harder and often a whole lot more expensive. Add to that you’ve got the festive season looming, and you’re running out of time to get everything sorted before the cold weather kicks in.
Getting your outdoor spaces in order before winter isn’t just about making them look nice (of course, making them look nice is also a lovely addition). It’s about making sure your home’s secure, and avoiding a costly repair bill when the temperature starts to drop.
You’ll be able to walk into winter knowing you’re ready rather than frantically panicking after the first snow hits.
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Think Drainage Issues
Poor drainage may seem like a bit of a nuisance come the autumn rainstorms, but before you know it, winter’s chill sets in, and it becomes a right serious concern for your property.
Water that accumulates around your property and can’t drain away properly is just waiting to seep towards the foundation. In winter, it can freeze in the cracks and cause long-term structural damage.
Over time, all the freeze-thaw cycles can affect the rest of your outdoor structure. It can cause walkways to buckle and soil to erode.
Homeowners who get on the ball often sort out drainage problems before it’s too late. Pooling water or areas where water consistently seems to run off need sufficient drainage solutions.
There are also other easy fixes, such as regrading dips in the ground, lengthening your downspouts, or sorting out the soil composition. But for anything more complicated, you might need to bring in a pro to fit a trench drain.
The Fall Cleanup
Fall cleanup lays the groundwork for how well your garden survives winter and how quickly it bounces back in spring. Leaves, dead plants, and unprepared garden beds may not look like hazards, but they are. They hold moisture, harbor pests, and promote mold growth when temperatures drop.
A thorough fall cleanup typically includes the following:
- raking and removing leaves from lawns and garden beds,
- clearing away annual plants after the first killing frost,
- preparing soil to improve drainage and aeration.
Adding organic mulch to vulnerable plant areas provides insulation and protects roots from freeze–thaw cycles. For delicate shrubs, evergreens, and young trees, burlap wraps or animal deterrent barriers can offer an extra layer of winter protection.
While some homeowners enjoy a bit of autumn yardwork, not everyone has the time, tools, or know-how to manage it properly. This is where professional landscaping services become especially valuable. They can ensure every part of your garden is prepared for winter.
Check Fences and Gates
Fences and gates are often overlooked during outdoor maintenance, yet they face some of the harshest conditions once winter sets in. Heavy rain can saturate soil and loosen fence posts and icy winds can strain hinges and panels.
Now is the perfect time to inspect these structures for rot, rust, loose fasteners, and areas where boards may have warped or shifted.
Pay special attention to gates. The moving parts are more vulnerable than fixed panels. It’s important to start reinforcing weak spots if you can identify them. You also need to apply protective varnish if you haven’t already.
Similarly, your fence structure also needs attention. Here, you want to ensure that the fence is prepared for the winter conditions and unlikely to collapse in the wind or under the ice.
Winterize Your Pond
A garden pond may be a serene summer focal point, but without proper preparation, it can become one of the biggest liabilities once the winter weather settles in.
What can happen? For a start, even without considering frozen water, the falling leaves and organic debris that collect at the bottom of the pond can break down in winter. They release gases, which are harmful to aquatic life (if you are keeping fish in your pond).
Then, you also want to ensure your fish remain safe in the pond, even in winter. Some equipment can crack if left in freezing conditions, so make sure it is safe to use in winter. For fish ponds in colder regions, adding a pond heater or de-icer ensures a small opening remains in the ice, allowing gases to escape and oxygen to circulate, which is essential for fish survival.
You do not need to feed fish in winter, as many will not eat the food and this will lead to debris accumulation.
Get Your Fire Pit Ready
A fire pit can turn even the chilliest winter evening into a warm and inviting experience. But before you start planning s’mores and outdoor gatherings, it’s important to give your fire pit a little attention. Over the course of summer and fall, ash, debris, and moisture can accumulate, making your fire pit harder to light and less safe to use once temperatures drop.
If your fire pit is wood-burning, check the basin for cracks, warped grates, or rust, and make any necessary repairs. Gas fire pit owners should inspect fuel lines, ignition systems, and burner ports for blockages.
Preempting Walkway & Driveway Issues
These passages can become a deathtrap in winter, turning slippery and dangerous for pedestrians and cars alike. So, you need to make sure that you are ready. There isn’t much you can do to “prepare” these areas, except perhaps by ensuring there isn’t any water accumulation or debris. Anything else will need you to respond to the weather conditions. When it snows, you want to clear it as fast as possible, so you want to invest in a reliable snow shovel.
Additionally, it can be a good idea to keep suitable sand or salt to help clear your drive and keep it safe. Rock salt or calcium chloride works best to prevent ice patches and melt existing patches. However, as they can be harmful to the wildlife, you want to be careful.
Hopefully, these few ideas can help you protect your garden ahead of the winter festivities. Truth be told, everyone dreams of a white Christmas, and if your garden is ready for it, you can make the most of the season.
