It’s December in Missouri and that means lots of wet, cold weather (and possibly snow). If you haven’t already started, it’s time to winterize your outdoor living space and yard. To be clear, winterizing it doesn’t mean that you can’t use your outdoor living space during the winter if you want to. Far from it. It just means that it will be prepared and protected during long wet periods. Big Bend Landscaping has some tips for you that will make it all easier.
Your Gardens And Lawn
You’re headed outside, anyway. May as well winterize your yard and gardens while you’re there. Future You will thank Past You next spring. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started.
- Eliminate weeds from flowerbeds and the lawn now. If you pull them up now, roots and all, you’ll eliminate their foothold and start next spring out weed-free.
- Clear out dead plants and trim back dormant ones. In edible beds, this means pulling up the annuals (especially plants like tomato plants that may harbor disease) and disposing of them by burning them or throwing them away.
- Let the yard go longer between mowing and mulch the leaves and lawn cuttings into your lawn.
- Fertilize your lawn one last time before extreme temperatures appear.
- Plant spring bulbs now! They’ll come up and bloom beautifully next spring. Future You will probably even forgive Past You for the winter pounds when they see those flowers.
- Insulate the roots of tender perennials with a layer of mulch.
- Drain your irrigation/sprinkler system. This will prevent damaged lines, fittings, and massive leaks, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
Winterize your outdoor living space: Where to start
When you winterize your outdoor living space—start up high, clear away cobwebs, put away any clutter that’s accumulated on the counters, wash grilling utensils and store them away, then give your food prep spaces a good wipe down. If they’re concrete, check to see if they need to be resealed. Give the stove top and oven a good cleaning. Cooked on food and grease aren’t just unattractive, They’re hard on the surface of the stove and the fittings. Speaking of the fittings, check their condition. Check for rust and make sure everything is connected tightly. Ensure that all the knobs and shut-offs work correctly. The same goes for the grill. Cover it to prevent blowing snow, water, or debris from accumulating and damaging the elements or the burner pan.
Clean out your outdoor fridge and make sure there’s no excess moisture inside to avoid damage from a hard freeze. If it has a water dispenser, shut it off. If you don’t plan to use it during the winter, consider unplugging it and leaving the door ajar to prevent a build up of mold.
Your fire pit or outdoor fireplace
If you have a wood burning fire pit or outdoor fireplace, give them a good cleaning, removing any leftover ashes or pieces of wood. Cover your fire pit with a metal or waterproof canvas cover. Make sure your fireplace has been completely shoveled. And if it has doors on it, close them. Store your firewood in a cool, dry place where it won’t get wet so you can access it and use it.
If you have a natural gas or propane fire pit, check the fittings and wipe out the pan before covering it.
Your patio and outdoor furniture
Sweep off your patio or deck—remove all leaves and debris that can trap moisture against your pavers. Over time, excess moisture can damage even the highest quality pavers and wood. As you can, during the winter, sweep the snow off your patio. Protecting your pavers from standing moisture will add to the lifetime of the patio. As you winterize your outdoor living space, check to see if you need to seal your pavers or deck. A new coating of sealant will keep it looking fresh and ready for your next gathering.
If you have outdoor furniture (such as wicker chairs or tables) that shouldn’t be left in the elements, store them in a clean, dry location. Next spring, consider purchasing outdoor furniture that will stand up to the elements. Consider adding seating walls, which are built from pavers and often double as retaining walls. They can be placed in many convenient locations and blend in well with any outdoor living space.
Any lawn ornaments that might rust or break in high winds should be stored away. This goes for children’s outdoor toys as well.
Turn off any water features and drain the lines to avoid cracked pipes.
Don’t own a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, but want one? Give Big Bend Landscaping a call so we can get you on the schedule for next spring. We’d love to build one for you to use next year.
Outdoor lighting
Want to extend the seasonal use of your outdoor living space? Consider adding outdoor lighting in the form of string lighting and weatherproof lamps. And ask your landscaping architect about adding lighting to your next project. Big Bend Landscaping includes this option in most of our paver projects, including walkways and driveways. Your outdoor living area and walkways will not only look beautiful, illuminated by cap lighting, you, your friends and family will be safer too.
Build a pergola or pavilion
Another great way to extend your wintertime use of your outdoor living space is to add a pergola or pavilion to shelter your kitchen and your outdoor living space. A covered outdoor living area is a great place for an outdoor fireplace. And with the addition of a couple of outdoor heaters, you and your guests will be reluctant to go back inside.
Consider Windbreaks
A carefully placed tall retaining wall, privacy fence, or wide outdoor fireplace can work as attractive windbreaks that allow you to enjoy the outdoors during the winter without a cold wind ruining your fun.
did a feature mentioned here spark your imagination?
There’s never been a better time to contact us and set up an appointment. During the late fall and winter, it is easy for us to come to your house and give you an estimate on any work you want done. So if you found yourself fantasizing about a beautiful outdoor living space of your own, or a patio and fire pit, you’ve come to the right place.
We only work with the highest quality products, do all of the work ourselves (no subcontracting, unless you want a pavilion or a fence). Our team can be counted on to give you exactly what you want. We don’t do generic. Your outdoor living features won’t look like anyone else’s because we know exactly what questions to ask and listen to the customer. In addition, Big Bend Landscaping relies on excellent companies like Belgard, Romanstone, BP, and Pavestone because their pavers are covered by five-year guarantees.
We can help you create something special that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Just give us a call!
Our company has over 60 five-star reviews on Google and an A+ rating with the BBB. We are experts in our field and we make sure our crews are too! Our crews have a Level 1 certification from the National Concrete and Masonry Association. Check out our testimonials to see what our customers want you to know. We serve St. Louis metro, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Glendale, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Des Peres, Fenton and the outlying areas.
When we come out to visit with you, we will ask you questions and provide a CAD drawing to ensure that our vision matches yours. From the time you say yes, we handle everything—from permits to subcontractors, if needed — all you have to do is sit back and watch. Our crews are on time—every-time—and you can count on quality workmanship. We only use the best materials from companies that offer lifetime guarantees
Big Bend Landscaping knows how to help you make the most of your home and yard. When you’re ready to talk about your patio, walkway, or any other outdoor feature, check out our website for more details and contact us for more information!