Essential Tips for Winterizing Your Home and Landscape

Winter can bring harsh weather that affects both your home and outdoor spaces. Preparing your property before the cold sets in can save you money, prevent damage, and keep your living environment comfortable. This guide offers practical steps to winterize your home and landscape effectively.

Preparing a home and garden for winter with snow on the roof and dormant plants

Protecting Your Home from Winter Damage

Cold weather can cause serious problems if your home is not ready. Here are key areas to focus on:

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Cold air can enter through gaps and cracks, increasing heating costs. Check all windows and doors for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any openings. These simple steps improves energy efficiency and keeps your home warmer.

Service Your Heating System

Before winter arrives, have a professional inspect your furnace or heat pump. Replace filters regularly to maintain airflow and efficiency. A well-maintained heating system reduces the risk of breakdowns during cold spells.

Insulate Pipes and Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes can burst and cause costly water damage. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces with foam sleeves or heat tape. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air circulation.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and debris can clog gutters, causing water to back up and freeze. This can damage your roof and walls. Clean gutters thoroughly and ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

Check the Roof for Damage

Look for missing or damaged shingles that could let water in during snow melts. Repair any issues promptly to avoid leaks and structural damage.

Preparing Your Landscape for Winter

Your outdoor space needs care to survive winter and thrive in spring. Follow these steps to protect plants, soil, and hardscapes.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Remove dead or weak branches that could break under snow or ice. Proper pruning reduces the risk of damage to your property and keeps plants healthy.

Mulch Garden Beds

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around perennials and shrubs. Mulch insulates roots, retains moisture, and prevents soil from freezing and thawing repeatedly, which can harm plants.

Drain and Store Garden Hoses

Water left in hoses can freeze and cause cracks. Drain hoses completely and store them indoors. Shut off outdoor water valves to prevent pipe damage.

Protect Sensitive Plants

Cover delicate plants with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from harsh winds and freezing temperatures. For potted plants, consider moving them to a sheltered location or indoors.

Prepare Lawn for Winter

Rake fallen leaves to prevent mold growth. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen grass to reduce damage. Consider applying a winter fertilizer to strengthen roots.

Additional Tips for Winter Safety and Comfort

Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Keep essentials like salt or sand for icy walkways, snow shovels, and warm blankets handy. This preparation helps you respond quickly to winter weather.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating systems increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Test detectors and replace batteries to ensure they work properly.

Plan for Emergency Power

Winter storms can cause outages. Have a backup power source or plan to stay warm and safe during power interruptions.