Snow-covered branches of trees and bushes in a winter landscape, with sunlight streaming in from the upper right corner, creating a peaceful and cold atmosphere.

Reliable Winter Strategies for Landscaping Peace of Mind

Lawn & Landscape Tips

Introduction

Landscaping may be dormant during winter, but it is far from inactive. Snow cover, ice buildup, and fluctuating temperatures can all influence the health of lawns, shrubs, and trees throughout the season. Because much of this impact happens out of sight, winter landscaping maintenance is often overlooked.

Snow removal practices, pedestrian traffic, and snow storage decisions all play a role in how well landscaping withstands winter conditions and recovers in spring.

How Winter Conditions Affect Landscaping

Winter weather in the Brainerd Lakes Area creates unique challenges for outdoor spaces. Heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and freeze–thaw cycles can stress plants and soil over time. Damage often develops gradually and may not become visible until snow melts, making prevention especially important.

Understanding how winter conditions interact with landscaping helps property owners make informed snow removal and maintenance decisions.

Common Winter Landscaping Challenges

Several issues can affect landscaped areas during winter months:

Turf damage caused by repeated snow piling
Soil compaction from foot traffic and equipment
Broken or bent branches from heavy or wet snow
Ice buildup near garden beds and borders
Hidden damage that appears after snow melt

Recognizing these challenges early helps reduce long-term repair needs.

Snow Storage and Its Impact on Lawns

Snow must be moved during winter, but where it’s placed matters. Repeated snow storage on lawns can delay spring green-up and stress turf beneath compacted snow and ice.

Key snow storage considerations include:

Avoiding piling snow directly on lawns when possible
Keeping snow piles away from shrubs and young trees
Rotating snow pile locations if space allows
Preventing excessive ice buildup on turf areas

Thoughtful snow placement helps protect grass and soil structure throughout winter.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs During Winter

Trees and shrubs remain vulnerable during winter, especially during periods of heavy snowfall or ice accumulation. Branches weighed down by snow can crack or break if not addressed.

Helpful protection practices include:

Monitoring trees and shrubs after heavy snowstorms
Gently removing excess snow from shrubs when safe
Avoiding direct contact between snow piles and woody plants
Watching for broken or stressed branches during winter

Addressing damage early helps reduce long-term plant stress.

Foot Traffic and Compacted Snow

Winter foot traffic can compact snow and soil, particularly in areas without clearly defined walkways. Compaction limits airflow to turf and can lead to uneven surfaces once snow melts.

Ways to reduce compaction include:

Keeping walkways clearly defined and accessible
Redirecting foot traffic away from lawns and planted areas
Monitoring high-traffic zones throughout winter

Minimizing compaction supports healthier turf recovery in spring.

Preparing Landscaping for Spring Recovery

Winter landscaping care directly affects how outdoor spaces recover once temperatures rise. Proper snow placement, reduced compaction, and plant protection all contribute to healthier spring growth.

Good winter practices help: