Get your outdoor space ready for winter

Still Time to Prepare: Last-Minute Outdoor Maintenance Before Winter Sets In

Preparing for Winter in the Northwoods

The first snow may have already touched down, but it’s not too late to get your property ready for the long Wisconsin winter ahead. Early snowfalls are just a reminder of what’s coming — freeze-thaw cycles, heavy drifts, and icy driveways that test every homeowner’s preparation.

This guide will walk you through the final outdoor maintenance steps to prepare your home for winter, focusing on three key areas: your yard, gutters, and driveway. Even if you’ve already done some fall cleanup, these last-minute tasks will help prevent costly damage and make your property safer and easier to manage once the deep freeze sets in.

Why Winter Prep Still Matters

Winter in the Northwoods is unpredictable. A few warm days can melt snow and refreeze overnight, creating perfect conditions for frost heave, cracked driveways, and ice dams. Preparing now helps:

• Protect your landscape investment from freeze damage

• Extend the lifespan of hardscapes and driveways

• Prevent water pooling and erosion during thaws

• Save money on spring repairs

Even a short afternoon of prep work now can save you days of repair later

A clean, insulated yard will survive the freeze-thaw cycle better than one left to nature’s chaos. Begin by clearing all remaining debris from flower beds, walkways, and around shrubs. Dead plants can harbor mold and pests beneath the snowpack, so it’s worth doing a final sweep even after a light snowfall.

Next, replenish mulch or rock in garden beds. A two-inch layer helps regulate soil temperature and prevents frost from penetrating too deeply. If your edging or borders have shifted, reset them now — once the ground hardens, adjustments become nearly impossible.

Gutters, Downspouts, and Runoff: Avoiding the Freeze-Thaw Trap

Clogged gutters are one of the biggest culprits behind winter roof damage. As melting snow refreezes overnight, it forms ice dams that can lift shingles and cause water to back up under the roofline.

Here’s your checklist:

1. Scoop out leaves and pine needles.

2. Flush gutters with water to check flow.

3. Confirm that downspouts discharge well away from your foundation.

4. Inspect the grade around your home — slope it outward where possible.

If you haven’t had a chance to do a full fall cleanup, schedule a quick property cleanup visit from our team. A few small adjustments now can prevent expensive damage later.

Driveway and Hardscape Maintenance

Northwoods winters are tough on asphalt, concrete, and stone. Moisture seeps into tiny cracks and expands as it freezes, widening every gap. The solution? A little sealing and prevention before temperatures plunge.

• Fill cracks and low spots with patching compound.

• Apply a quality sealer if temps are still above freezing.

• Mark driveway edges with stakes or reflectors for snowplow visibility.

If you manage your own plowing, avoid using metal blades directly on decorative pavers or curbing. And if you’re not planning to handle snow removal yourself, get on the snow removal services list early — spots fill fast once the forecast turns.

Once you’ve completed the major prep, it’s time to think long-term. Schedule ongoing maintenance to stay ahead of winter damage:

1. Snow removal — Whether you plow or hire a service, consistency is key. Keep paths and driveways clear to prevent ice buildup.

2. Regular inspections — After big thaws, check gutters and downspouts for new blockages.

3. Safety checks — Ensure exterior lighting, railings, and steps are sturdy and slip-resistant.

You can always reach out through our contact page for seasonal service scheduling or property assessments.

Wrapping Up: A Few Hours Now, a Smoother Spring Ahead

It’s easy to think that once the first snow hits, winter prep is off the table — but the truth is, there’s still time to prepare your home for winter. From protecting plants and sealing driveways to setting up a snow removal plan, these small efforts will pay off when spring arrives and your property weathers the season without damage.

If you’re ready to hand off the hard work, the team at Peterson’s Outdoor Solutions is here to help. Explore our lawn maintenance and property cleanup options, or read what your neighbors are saying on our customer testimonials page.

Together, we’ll make sure your Northwoods home stays safe, strong, and ready for whatever winter brings.