November has arrived and the temperature has started to drop, so it's time to think about preparing your outdoor space for the chilly months ahead. In Portishead, Bristol, and surrounding areas, winter weather can be unpredictable—ranging from frost and rain to the occasional snowfall. Whether you're facing a damp, cold winter or the possibility of snow and ice, now is the perfect time to give your landscape some TLC to ensure it survives the season and stays looking its best.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential winter maintenance tasks for your hardscapes, lawns, and garden beds. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to protect your property from common winter damage and help keep everything safe and functional, no matter what the weather brings.
As winter weather sets in, surfaces such as patios, driveways, and paths can become prone to damage from dirt, debris, and wet conditions. It's important to take a little time now to clean these areas to avoid problems down the line.
Why It’s Important:
Fallen leaves, dirt, and other debris left on hardscapes can lead to staining, algae growth, and even slipping hazards when frost hits. Keeping your paths and driveways clear not only maintains the appearance of your property but also prevents damage caused by moisture retention.
Action Steps:
Clear Fallen Leaves: November is the prime leaf-fall season in the UK. Make sure to rake or blow leaves off hard surfaces like patios, paths, and driveways. Wet, decaying leaves can cause staining or create slipping hazards when frost sets in.
Pressure Wash: If you have stone or brick patios, a good pressure wash can help remove stubborn grime, moss, or lichen. Be sure to leave time for surfaces to dry before temperatures drop too low, as water in the cracks can freeze and cause damage.
Sweep Regularly: Sweep away any dirt or debris that could collect and create a slippery or unsightly surface, especially on walkways or areas leading to entrances.
It’s not just about protecting your plants and hardscapes—November is also a great time to take care of other elements of your landscape that will make winter easier to manage.
Why It’s Important:
Winterising your landscape helps prevent damage from freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and heavy rains. By preparing now, you can save yourself a lot of hassle when the cold weather sets in.
Action Steps:
Trim Dead or Damaged Branches: November is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs before winter storms arrive. Trimming back dead or damaged branches reduces the risk of them breaking under the weight of snow or ice.
Check Your Irrigation System: If you have an irrigation system, make sure to shut it down and drain the pipes to prevent freezing. In the UK, this is especially important if you’ve had a particularly wet autumn.
Cover Outdoor Furniture: If you have outdoor furniture that won’t be used through the winter, either store it in a shed or cover it with waterproof covers to protect it from the elements.
Winter can be especially tough on plants and shrubs, with freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and icy winds causing potential damage. Taking steps now to protect your greenery will help ensure they survive the harsh conditions and come back strong in the spring.
Why It’s Important:
Cold winds, frost, and snow can damage plant roots, freeze the soil, and cause dehydration. Even hardy plants can suffer if not properly protected. By shielding your plants from the elements, you’re helping them stay healthy and vibrant through the winter months.
Action Steps:
Mulch Around Plants and Shrubs: Adding a thick layer of mulch (2-3 inches) around the base of plants and shrubs provides insulation, helps retain moisture, and prevents the soil from freezing too quickly. Mulch also reduces the risk of weeds and helps keep plant roots warm during cold spells.
Wrap Delicate Plants: For more sensitive shrubs or smaller plants, wrapping them in garden fleece can provide an extra layer of protection from frost and harsh winds. This is particularly important for plants that aren’t native to the UK and may not be used to the freezing conditions. For larger shrubs or trees, consider using a frost cloth or even a breathable plant cover to shield them from frost damage.
Move Pots Indoors: If you have potted plants, especially those that are more sensitive to cold, move them indoors or into a sheltered area. If this isn’t possible, elevate the pots off the ground and wrap them in insulating materials like bubble wrap or horticultural fleece to prevent frost from reaching the roots.
Use Windbreaks: In areas prone to strong, cold winds, consider setting up temporary windbreaks around your most vulnerable plants. This could be in the form of a wooden screen, garden fencing, or even stacking bales of straw to block the wind’s harsh effects.
Water Before the Freeze: While your plants are dormant in winter, they still need water. Give them a deep watering before the first hard freeze to ensure their roots stay hydrated. Just make sure to water early in the day so it doesn’t freeze overnight.
By taking these simple steps to protect your plants and shrubs now, you’ll help ensure that they survive the winter months without significant damage, ready to bloom and thrive again come spring.
Taking the time to prepare your landscape for winter now will save you from potential headaches when the weather gets harsher. By keeping your outdoor surfaces clean, using safe snow removal products, and protecting your plants, shrubs, and garden beds, you can help ensure your property stays in great shape all season long.
Proper winter maintenance not only helps prevent damage but also makes spring cleanup easier, allowing you to enjoy a healthier, more vibrant garden when the warmer weather returns. Stay proactive this November ❄️ and your outdoor space will not only survive winter but thrive when Spring arrives.
Mobile: 07725 817863
Or, if you'd prefer, you can fill out the form in your own time with details of what you're looking for and we'll get back to you shortly with an estimate.
Monday to Saturday
8am - 6pm
Areas covered: Portishead, Clevedon, Yatton, Weston-super-Mare, Weston in Gordano, Nailsea, Avonmouth Bristol, and all surrounding areas in North Somerset.
Public and Employer liability insurance
