Winterizing Your Yard: The Basics

You can protect all parts of your property from winter storms and temperatures by taking a few simple preventative measures. In addition to the steps you can take in your house, there are also things you can do to prepare your yard and outdoor spaces for what's to come. Here are some simple tips for how to winterize your yard:

Bring in Your Outdoor Furniture

If you have a patio set up with furniture items, it's time to bring them indoors before winter begins. Even if you live in a region without snow, cold temperatures and moisture can damage your outdoor furnishings. If you have a gas stove or grill outside, make sure to disconnect the gas container and store it safely in a well-ventilated place.

If you don't have room to store everything inside, you can consolidate and cover your furniture with protective tarps. Stack up your chairs and move your furnishings closer to the walls of the house to take advantage of trace amounts of heat radiating from your home. Safely covered, your outdoor furnishings will last through the winter and be ready for use in warmer temperatures.

Protect Your Plants

If you have container plants and room inside your home, consider bringing them indoors for the winter. This is called "over wintering" and is common in many climates with freezing temperatures and harsh winds. If possible, your sun-loving plants like succulents and tropicals will benefit from placing LED grow lights nearby.

For outdoor plants you cannot bring inside, take necessary steps to protect them from the elements. Prune dead limbs and foliage and cover tender crops with burlap cloth or another breathable but sturdy fabric. If you use plastic greenhouse solutions outdoors, double check the seals and connection to the ground. A mini greenhouse won't protect your plants if it blows away in a storm.

These are some of the main things to do to prepare your yard for winter weather. The more you can prevent damage from the elements, the better your yard will bounce back once the temperatures warm up again.