Getting Your Yard Winter Ready

Unfortunately, the long warm days of summer are coming to an end. No one wants to think about winter before fall is officially here, but it’s the perfect time to get your yard ready to bounce back by spring time. Take advantage of the mild weather and make sure your yard is prepared for low temperatures and snowy days. 

Step 1: Rent a Dumpster 

Getting your yard ready for winter includes getting rid of a lot of yard waste. Some homeowners may try to dispose of it on their own, but being able to dump everything in one place can make the process much easier. At Pro Waste Inc. we offer a variety of dumpster rentals perfect for any home project, at some of the most competitive prices in the Chicago area. Our 15 yard dumpsters are perfect for landscape and light yard waste. You can learn more about our dumpster rental options or request a quote here! 

Step 2: House Care 

  • Gutter clean out. Accumulated debris in gutters prevents melting snow and ice from flowing freely, which can cause the gutters to freeze. Clogged or frozen gutters can also lead to water damage and termite nesting. This is why it’s important to keep them free from debris such as leaves, twigs, acorns, etc. during the fall months. 
  • Power washing. It’s important to get rid of the dirt that accumulated over the summer on the siding, patios, decks, and walkways. 
  • Window cleaning. Remove screens and store for the winter. It’s best to wash both the inside and outside surfaces of the windows and inspect the seals. If necessary, caulk any leaks.

Step 3: Yard Clean Up 

  • Mowing. Experts suggest to keep the grass around 3-4 inches long for snow arrival. If it’s cut too short the snow and cold may damage roots and sections can die out. If it’s left too long the snow will mat it down and blades can develop snow mold disease, which causes bare patches in the spring. 
  • Fertilize. Fall is a great time to fertilize the grass before it goes dormant. Applying a winter fertilizer encourages thicker root growth and ensures survival until spring. 
  • Rake Leaves. If leaves are left for snowfall, the grass will later emerged flattened and leaf covered. Fungus problems can occur under the leaves and snow as well. This is why it’s best to start rake regularly throughout fall. If possible, use a leaf blower to ensure you’re getting the leaves out of the difficult corners as well. 
  • Aerate. This involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate grass roots, which helps them grow deeper and stronger. Experts say for some lawns, this only needs to be done every three years, depending on your soil and grass. 

Step 4: Take Care of Plants 

Cover flowers and tree bases with as much mulch, compost, or dead leaves as possible. Cut back dead growth on perennials, as pruning plants allows for regrowth in the spring. If you have any houseplants make sure you bring them inside before temperatures get low. Make sure they’re placed near a window, and don’t get over-watered. Give your trees a good watering, and take extra care of newly planted trees by wrapping them for protection against snow and bugs. 

Step 5: Take Care of Outdoor Furniture, Appliances, or Water Features 

If you have a hot tub, pool, fountain, or waterfall make sure they’re properly drained and treated to prevent freezing in any water lines. Sometimes it’s best to hire a professional for this step. If you don’t have storage room for outdoor furniture, make sure it’s clean and tightly covered before it gets cold. Many grills are built to withstand severe weather, but it’s still best to properly cover, or store in a garage if possible. If you have a fire pit it’s smart to remove all wood ashes. Collecting and freezing water mixed with remnants of old ashes can cause many problems in the future. 

If you have any old outdoor furniture, appliances, sheds, hot tubs, play sets, etc. that you want to get rid of before the winter months, PWI will gladly take it off your hands! Along with offering dumpster rentals, we also provide full junk removal services. You can learn more about our full junk removal service offerings here. 

More from PWI 

Doing yard work for the winter may seem like a trivial task, but the work you do can have a large impact on the work you have in the spring. When the harsh winter does hit, you’re assured you’ve done everything you can to prepare and protect your yard for when it can all come to life again. 

Request a quote for a dumpster rental here: https://prowastedisposal.com/request-a-quote/

Request a quote for junk removal services here: https://prowastedisposal.com/junk-removal/

Or call 800-220-7057 with any questions!