How To Avoid Common Winter Damage to Your Lawn and Driveway
When the cold weather rolls in, your home’s exterior faces a whole new set of challenges. Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on both your landscaping and hardscaping.
With a little preparation, however, you can help your property weather the storm. Following a few key steps will help you avoid common winter damage to your lawn and driveway.
Give Your Lawn a Final Trim
Before the ground freezes, give your grass one last mow. Keeping it trimmed to about two to two-and-a-half inches short helps prevent it from matting down under the snow.
If this happens, it can lead to snow mold, a fungal lawn disease. One final grass trim is also a great time to aerate and apply a winter-specific fertilizer to nourish the roots through the cold months.
Clear Away Leaves and Debris
A thick blanket of fallen leaves might look picturesque, but it can smother your lawn. This layer traps moisture and blocks sunlight, creating an ideal environment for fungi and diseases to thrive.
Rake up leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn and driveway before the first snowfall to keep the grass healthy.
Reconsider Your De-Icing Methods
Rock salt is effective for melting ice, but it can be harsh on your driveway surface and the surrounding grass.
If you want your driveway to stay smooth and crack-free, it’s worth checking out some easy ways to protect your driveway from salt damage before the snow piles up. Consider using less corrosive alternatives, such as sand or cat litter, for traction on icy spots.
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Manage Snow Piles Carefully
When you shovel or blow snow, be mindful of where you put it. Piling heavy snow on top of shrubs or delicate plants can break branches.
Also, avoid creating large piles near your home’s foundation or in areas where the eventual melt-off could reflood your driveway or walkway.
Inspect and Seal Your Driveway
Small cracks in your driveway can become big problems during winter. Water seeps into these cracks, freezes, and expands, leading to larger cracks and potholes.
Inspect your driveway in the fall and fill any cracks with a quality sealant to prevent this cycle of damage.
Every winter brings its own surprises, but staying a step ahead keeps your home looking its best. Take these small steps to avoid common winter damage to your lawn and driveway, and you’ll greet spring with less mess and more green.
More Home and Garden Tips:
- How to Keep Animals Out of Your Trash
- Planting a Bee Friendly Garden
- How to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer
- DIY Mold Removal: What Works and What Doesn’t
- How to Get Your BBQ Ready for Summer
- How To Keep Your Indoor Garden Thriving in the Summer Heat
