The key to beautiful landscaping this spring is to manage your landscape drainage and water properly during the winter season. The goal is to prevent soil saturation while protecting the plants’ infrastructure from damages that result from freezing and thawing. Not only will improper management lead to root rot in your dormant plants, but it can also harm your foundation.

Urgent Winter Maintenance

Blockages are the main culprit when it comes to localized flooding and ice dams during winter rains and thaws. This is why it’s so important to clear away all debris from gutter grates, drains, and catch basins. Be sure to remove any leaves, mulch, or sediment that’s accumulating. Furthermore, you’ll want to shovel the snow away from these areas to create a clear path for snowmelt.

Avoid using rock salt to remove ice. It can corrode pipes and damage your nearby plants. Instead, use a plumbing-safe de-icer. If a drain freezes, don’t use boiling water to thaw it. Hot water will be sufficient. You also don’t want to tackle that ice with metal snakes or hammers. Cold temperatures make plastic pipes brittle. You don’t want to crack them, which can lead to flooding that ruins landscaping.

Crucial Drainage Upgrades

Make sure your downspouts carry water at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation. The soil closest to your home stays warm in the winter. This is due to radiant heat coming from your house. This warm soil can easily become oversaturated, harming the plants in the landscaping around your house.

Frost heave can push your plants, pavers, and soil upwards. It creates exposed roots, bumpy lawns, and cracked hardscape. This damages the plants and disrupts the surface. Frost heave usually happens in high-moisture soils during the freeze-thaw cycle. Fortunately, you can avoid this by properly grading the soil. This ensures that water flows away from your home and landscaping rather than pooling. When grading, try for a 2- to 5-inch slope per 10 feet.

Winter Watering and Irrigation

Continually monitor your soil’s moisture during the winter months. Many plants are dormant at this time of year, but newly planted trees will still need watering. They require a deep soak at least once a month during dry winters. Water early in the day and only when the temperature rises above freezing. This helps you avoid icing.

By incorporating the right water management, improving drainage, and utilizing proper irrigation, your landscaping will survive winter beautifully. To ensure success, seek the assistance of a professional landscaper. Call Safe Site Services in Warner Robins, GA now to learn more about winter landscape irrigation and drainage.