As fall gives way to winter, a little yard maintenance can go a long way toward protecting your landscape from Colorado’s changing weather. In Boulder and along the Front Range, warm, dry stretches can give way to sudden temperature drops, while repeated freezing and thawing can put stress on plants, trees, patios, and walkways.
Preparing your yard for winter is about more than cleaning up fallen leaves. With a few seasonal tasks, you can help your plants stay healthy, protect your hardscape features, and give your outdoor space a better start next spring.
1. Water Plants and Trees Before Temperatures Drop
One of the most important steps in preparing your landscape for winter is making sure your plants and trees have enough moisture. Even after your irrigation system has been winterized, Colorado’s dry climate can leave the soil short on water.
Newly planted trees and plants need particular attention during their first year as they recover from transplant shock and establish their root systems. However, established plants also benefit from occasional winter watering during extended dry periods.
In the fall, check your plants at least once a week and water by hand as needed. Plants on the south side of your yard receive more direct sunlight and generally need more frequent watering than those in shaded areas. During warm, dry, or windy weather, newly planted trees and plants may need water twice a week until snow arrives. Pay attention to sudden temperature changes, too. When the forecast calls for temperatures to drop by 20 degrees or more within a 24-hour period, watering your plants and trees with a hose a day or two beforehand can help reduce stress from the weather transition. A thorough watering a few days before the first hard freeze is also recommended, provided the ground is not frozen and conditions allow water to soak in.
Winter watering remains important after plants go dormant. If temperatures stay above 40 degrees for a couple of weeks without significant moisture, hand-water your landscape about once every 10 days. Choose a mild day when the soil is workable, and avoid watering when temperatures are below freezing or the ground is frozen.
2. Protect Patios and Walkways From Snow and Ice
Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles can be particularly hard on outdoor hardscape surfaces. Water that seeps into small openings can freeze and expand, putting stress on concrete, pavers, natural stone, and the materials between them.
When clearing snow, use a plastic shovel whenever possible. Metal shovel edges can chip decorative concrete and stone, while metal ice choppers can damage stamped concrete and natural stone surfaces.
Be equally careful when choosing a de-icing product. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can contribute to surface deterioration and is best avoided, especially during the first winter after a new patio or walkway is installed. If de-icing is necessary, use calcium chloride sparingly and follow the product instructions. In spring, rinse hardscape surfaces to remove any remaining residue.
New concrete deserves extra care during its first winter. Although concrete is durable, it is still affected by ground movement and seasonal temperature changes. Small hairline cracks can develop over time and are not necessarily a sign of a structural problem.
3. Check Drainage Around Your Home
Good drainage helps protect both your home and your landscape throughout the winter. Patios and walkways should direct water away from your house and toward appropriate drainage areas.
Some surface moisture after heavy rain or snowmelt is normal. However, standing water that does not drain away, noticeable settling, or shifting surfaces may indicate an issue that needs attention.
Check your downspouts before winter arrives and make sure they do not discharge directly onto patios or walkways. Repeated exposure to concentrated water can accelerate wear, particularly when temperatures fluctuate around freezing.
Addressing drainage concerns early can help prevent minor problems from becoming more significant over time.
4. Give Pavers and Natural Stone a Seasonal Checkup
Paver patios and natural stone walkways are designed to accommodate some ground movement, making them well suited to Colorado’s changing soil and weather conditions. Still, a quick inspection in the fall can help you identify maintenance needs before winter sets in.
Look for loose or eroding joint sand between pavers, as well as cracks or gaps in the joint material between natural stone pieces. Freeze-thaw cycles, sunlight, foot traffic, and moisture can gradually break down these materials. Refreshing joint sand or grout periodically is a normal part of maintaining these surfaces.
Minor settling may also occur over time. One advantage of modular paver and stone systems is that individual pieces can often be lifted, leveled, and reset if repairs are needed.
5. Clean Up and Plan for Spring
Before winter weather settles in, remove debris from patios and walkways and clean up spills that could leave stains. Concrete is porous, so oil, grease, rust, and organic matter are best addressed promptly. For routine cleaning, a hose is often sufficient. For stubborn dirt, use mild dish soap and water rather than harsh acids or abrasive cleaners.
Take a final walk around your yard to check for plants that may need additional water, drainage concerns, and hardscape areas that need attention. Keep an eye on conditions throughout the winter, especially during extended dry spells.
A little preparation now can help your Boulder landscape withstand the colder months and emerge in better condition when spring returns. Consistent watering, careful snow and ice removal, and routine maintenance are simple ways to protect your investment and keep your outdoor spaces looking their best for years to come.
