As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare your backyard for the cold months ahead. A little effort now can protect your outdoor structures and save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
From fence maintenance to deck prep, here’s a handy checklist to help you get everything in order before the snow starts falling:
Inspect and Repair Fences
Checklist Items:
✅ Check for loose or broken boards, nails, or screws. Repair these now to prevent further damage caused by wind, ice, and snow.
✅ Stain or seal your wooden fence if needed, as it helps protect against moisture that can lead to rot.
✅ Ensure gates are well-aligned and latch properly to avoid sagging due to the weight of snow.
Prepare Your Deck for Winter
Checklist Items:
✅ Sweep and clean the deck thoroughly to remove dirt and leaves that can cause stains or mildew when moisture is trapped underneath.
✅Apply a weatherproof sealant to wooden decks to guard against freezing rain and snow, which can penetrate wood and cause warping.
✅ Check for any loose boards, nails, or screws, as winter expansion and contraction can make these issues worse.
Secure Railings and Balusters
Checklist Items:
✅ Tighten any loose screws or fasteners on railings and balusters to avoid damage from weight and shifting caused by frost.
✅ Ensure that railings are sturdy and safe, especially if you’ll be shovelling or using them for balance in icy conditions.
Clean Up Yard Debris
Checklist Items:
✅ Rake up leaves and debris from your lawn, garden beds, and walkways to avoid mould growth that can harm your lawn.
✅ Remove any fallen branches or twigs that could become hazards or get buried under snow.
Trim overgrown bushes and trees, especially around fences and decks, to prevent damage from branches weighed down by snow.
Store or Cover Outdoor Furniture
Checklist Items:
✅ Move all lightweight furniture, like chairs and tables, into storage to prevent damage from frost and moisture.
✅ For larger or heavy items that can’t be moved, cover them with waterproof and winter-proof tarps or covers to extend their lifespan.
✅ Secure any covers tightly to avoid wind exposure or snow buildup that could damage your furniture.
Drain and Store Hoses and Shut Off the Water
Checklist Items:
✅ Drain all hoses and detach them from faucets to prevent freezing, which can cause cracks.
Store hoses indoors or in a shed to keep them in good condition for next spring.
✅ Shut off and drain any outdoor water sources, including fountains or bird baths, to avoid frozen pipes or cracked fixtures.
Check and Prepare Walkways and Paths
Checklist Items:
✅ Inspect walkways and pathways for cracks or uneven spots that could worsen with freezing and thawing.
✅ Repair any issues to prevent trips and falls, which can be especially hazardous in icy conditions.
✅ Stock up on eco-friendly de-icer and make sure it’s ready for the first snow.
Protect Garden Beds and Plants
Checklist Items:
✅ Mulch garden beds to insulate the roots of perennials and protect them from frost damage.
Cover delicate plants with burlap or frost blankets to shield them from windburn and extreme cold.
✅ Prune any plants that require it in late fall to encourage healthy growth come spring.
Secure Any Outdoor Lighting
Checklist Items:
✅ Check for any loose or damaged wires and repair them to ensure lighting remains safe and functional throughout the winter.
✅ Replace bulbs with durable, weather-resistant ones if needed, especially in areas where they’ll be exposed to snow and ice.
✅ Adjust light fixtures to ensure optimal coverage, as daylight hours decrease during winter.
Keep Your Outdoors Spaces Safe For Winter
Taking these steps now will save you time and stress once winter arrives and protect your backyard investments.
With a well-prepared yard, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your fence, deck, and other outdoor elements are safe from the elements.
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