How To Prepare Your Yard For Winter Storms

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Before the coldest weeks of winter are here, you’ll want to inspect your yard to make note of any winter preparation projects you need to complete. You already know it’s smart to ensure that both the exterior of your building and its surrounding landscaping are ready for the cold winds, snow, and ice that winter storms can bring. When your premises are in great repair and ready for cold weather you will also enjoy lower energy costs, increased efficiency, and a safer property overall.

Your yard will be affected by winter weather, of course, so here are some steps you can take to prepare this area for winter weather, too:

• Overgrown branches should be trimmed back from all buildings and all electrical and power wiring. This will help to guard against loss of power or property damage that can be caused by icy or wind-blown branches during a storm. 
• Aerate and reseed the lawns, and be sure to a winterizing fertilizer applied. This will promote deep-root growth when spring comes. 
• Clean and dry outdoor furniture and use a heavy covering if it is staying outdoors. You can also bring it into a warehouse or other storage unit for protection. 
• Store any hoses to prevent cracks and preserve their shapes so they can be used again next year. Make sure all outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads are drained to guard against burst pipes. 
• Look for decay, insect damage, or splintering in any areas that are built of wood, such as decking, walkway railing, and decorative items. Taking care of those issues ahead of winter weather will prevent further deterioration. Clean away leaves and dirt from between the boards so that mold has nowhere to establish itself.

In addition to your yard and landscaping, here are a few interior items to take care of:

Your heating systems will need to be in the best condition possible. They will be seeing a lot of use in the coming months! 

• Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

• Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

• If you have an older thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable unit to save on heating costs.

• Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort.

• Flush your hot water heater tank to remove sediment and check the pressure relief valve to make sure it’s in proper working order.
  
  

These are just a few helpful hints for you to use in preparing your yard/property for winter storms. If you need help with any of your projects for your home or business, remember that the team here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is always available to assist. We are experts when it comes to clean up and repair after a weather event of any kind, and our team has the expertise and skills necessary to complete your projects quickly and professionally, getting you back to normal right away.