How to Protect Your Outdoor Living Space During the Winter

As winter nears, it’s important to protect your outdoor living space to keep it in top shape for when warmer days return. Harsh weather can cause damage to furniture, decks, and plants if they aren’t properly cared for. Here are some effective ways to prepare your outdoor area for winter.

Clean and Prep Your Space

At the end of the warm season, make sure to thoroughly clean your outdoor furniture and accessories, getting rid of dirt, leaves, and debris that can accumulate over the year. Wash and dry any fabrics, like cushions, before storing them to prevent mildew growth. These annual cleaning practices help to properly preserve your outdoor furniture through the winter months and will extend the lifespan of your furniture.

Invest in Quality Covers

Protecting your furniture with high-quality, winter-proof covers is essential for it surviving the cold and snow. Look for covers that durable are water- and UV-resistant. Covers should fit to your furniture tightly in order to keep out moisture and cold temperatures that lead to cracking and rusting.

Winter-Proof Your Deck or Patio

To prevent cracks and warping, consider sealing your wooden deck or patio before it gets too cold. Throughout the winter, you should also regularly remove snow on your hardscaped areas to avoid heavy accumulation. However, try to avoid a metal shovel when removing debris, as it could scratch your hardscape. Instead, use a plastic shovel to keep your hardscape scot-free. If you want to continue enjoying your outdoor space during the colder months, think about investing in outdoor heaters or windbreakers with screens or curtains, to protect you from the chill.

Protect Plants and Landscaping

Every plant thrives in a different climate; so when the temperature drops, make sure that each of your plants is equipped to survive the season. For more delicate plants, use burlap or frost cloths to shield them from freezing temperatures. Trimming back plants and adding mulch to garden beds can provide insulation from the cold. Don’t forget to cover or store your pots to prevent cracking.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Before the cold season sets in, clear out your gutters and drains – particularly around your outdoor space. Dirty or jammed gutters can cause ice to form, derailing the drainage system and leading to potential cracks and damage to your outdoor space.