You can never be too prepared when it comes time to winterizing your outdoor space. In Michigan, winter usually comes early, if not in precipitation than certainly in temperature. Start getting ready now and you can win against potential harsh weather to make the most of your patio in all four seasons.
Be Ready for the Weather Ahead
For lovers of the cold, winter snow and deep temps are refreshing. Bundling up in outerwear to get comfortable and spend time outdoors enjoying your patio or fire pit is what many people look forward to every year and they certainly don’t have any intention of closing their backyard.
If you know you’ll be enjoying your outdoor space night after night, no matter the time of year, invest in all-weather seating and get ready to light up your fireplace or firepit for cozy meals, s’mores, or warmth.
Warm Up the Space for Wintering Outdoors
Year-round fire elements are easy to come by for many people who already have an extensive patio layout. If you’re thinking of adding to the mix now or later:
- Build a fire. Your customized fire pit or fireplace are permanent features that make gatherings warm, cozy, and fun. They are never out of season.
- Consider radiant heating. Ask your landscaper about the possibility of adding radiant heating to stone or tile surfaces for consistent warmth. Or invest in simple, safe freestanding heaters.
- Hang LED lights. Sometimes ambiance is one of the best ways to add warmth to your outdoor space and that can happen with an abundance of soft twinkle lights.
Tidy Up for Now and Wait for Spring
If you prefer to stay inside when there is cold winter weather and instead dream of your spring and summer patio, there are best practices for protecting your hardscaping in snow, ice, and rain:
- Prep. Sweep away leaves and debris so they don’t trap moisture on your patio or damage surfaces. Store cushions, pillows, rugs, and blankets indoors and protect furniture with weatherproof covers.
- Deep clean. If you have a power washer, use it to remove any build-up on hardscaping surfaces and prevent stains from developing.
- Seal. Ask your landscaper about applying a sealant to protect cracks in bricks, stone, or concrete so they don’t expand and damage the structure.
- Protect. If you have an outdoor kitchen, shut off the water supply, drain lines to avoid freezing, clean and cover the grill, and remove or cover appliances.
Get Advice from Your Local Landscaper
When it comes to legitimate precipitation and cold, the best way to keep your patio in shape is to maintain it consistently. This means sweeping or pushing away snow to prevent accumulation – carrying out these techniques with a plastic shovel is often best to avoid scratching and scraping the hardscaped surfaces.
Schedule a consultation with Visionary Landscaping in Shelby Township, MI, to discuss winterizing your patio and any other hardscaping that are part of your outdoor living space. Contact us today.
