Winterization Tips

Winter-proof your landscaping and outdoor living areas

- hopefully we can get you ahead of the game with some helpful tips!

Being lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful places imaginable does come with some unique challenges attached. Winters here in the North Okanagan can be tricky to contend with and plan for. We get a mixture of weather throughout winter from mild days to harsh, week-long cold snaps. The most vulnerable parts of your landscaping system (irrigation, fragile plant material, etc.) are the most at risk of damage if not prepared and winterized sufficiently. Set yourself up for success and protect your investment with some of the following helpful tips. 

Protecting plants

The Okanagan’s biggest winter challenge isn’t just the cold-it’s the freeze-thaw cycle. Temperatures can swing above and below zero quite frequently, stressing root systems and exposing plants to dehydration and heaving. To shield your landscape, start with mulch. A 2-3 inch layer around the base of trees and perennials acts like insulation, keeping soil temperatures stable and reducing the risk of roots being forced to the surface. Cleaning out dead plant material and cutting back perennials is also helpful to avoid pests and diseases. Evergreens, particularly cedars and junipers, are prone to windburn when icy winds strip away moisture. Wrapping them in burlap or using basic protective screens offers a simple, effective barrier. Finally, give trees and shrubs a deep watering before the ground freezes-hydrated plants are far better equipped to handle winter stress. 

Irrigation systems

Having your irrigation system professionally blown out before the ground freezes is an essential part of winter preparation. Any water remaining in underground lines can freeze and expand, causing damage that leads to spring time headaches and repair bills. Consider draining garden hoses, rain barrels, fountains and anything else containing water to avoid damage here too. Winterizing any hose bibs that don’t have built in frost protection mechanisms is also good preparation. 

Lawns

The final mow before snow falls should be approximately 2”. Having your lawn much longer than this holds excess moisture and can encourage snow mold. Cutting too short can leave the lawn vulnerable to cold damage. Using a winter fertilizer in advance is a helpful addition to maintain a healthy lawn over the cold season. It can strengthen the root system and help your lawn withstand colder temperatures. 

Tools, equipment and safety

A well-prepared landscape isn’t just about plants-it’s about the tools and systems that support them. Before the first snowfall, service snow blowers, ensure shovels and hand tools are in good condition, and check that plow blades are in working order and ready to go. Be sure to stock up on de-icer or sand in order to have walkways safe and accessible as soon as the first freeze arrives. Mark out any curbs or edges that may be vulnerable to damage from snow removal equipment. It’s often the most basic and simple steps that are overlooked when there is a lot to prepare for.