Hardscapes are among the most important parts of any landscape. In case you’re unfamiliar, a “hardscape” is any element of a landscape that isn’t organic. Examples of hardscapes include patios, fire pits, paver walkways, fountains, retaining walls, and pergolas. Hardscapes add visual interest to landscape design for increased curb appeal. They’re often functional as well, providing areas for walking and sitting, and enhancing enjoyment of outdoor spaces.
In Minnesota, the winter months, with their freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls, can be harsh on hardscapes. To prevent your hardscapes from suffering damage, it’s necessary to take a few steps each year to prepare these outdoor spaces for the onset of winter.
5 Tips for Protecting Hardscape During Winter in Minnesota
- Shield Hardscapes from Freeze-Thaw Cycles – Throughout the winter in the Twin Cities metro, the ground undergoes a series of freeze-thaw cycles, which can be destructive to hardscapes such as patios and paver paths. Damage often occurs when water from snowmelt seeps in between stones, pavers or bricks, then expands as it refreezes, causing cracks in the hardscape. You can minimize how much water gets into your hardscapes by installing an effective drainage solution to channel melting snow and ice away from your hardscapes. As an additional measure, consider applying a sealant that is rated for outdoor winter usage to keep water out of patios and other hardscapes.
- De-Ice Cautiously – During the winter in Minnesota, many homeowners apply de-icing solutions to patios and walkways to keep people from slipping on patches of ice. Unfortunately, certain de-icing methods can also be harsh on your hardscapes. Rock salt, commonly used for de-icing, contains a chemical compound that can be destructive to concrete and stone surfaces, so avoid using it on your hardscapes. Only use chemical de-icers that are safe for the surface they’re being applied to, and even then you should use them sparingly to minimize the risk of damage. Sand tends to be a safer de-icing solution, though you should still sweep it off of your patio or walkway at the end of winter.
- Remove Snow Diligently – Aside from the freeze-thaw cycle, heavy snow buildup is the most common cause of winter damage to hardscapes on Minnesota landscapes. Whenever more than a couple inches of snow falls, you should shovel off your patio area. Both the weight of snow accumulation and permeation by water from melting snow can weather your hardscapes during the winter. Never use a metal-edged shovel to remove snow from concrete, brick or pavers, as this can easily cause chipping damage. Only remove snow using shovels with plastic or rubber edges.
- Perform Retaining Wall Maintenance – Minnesota’s winter weather can take its toll on retaining walls built on Twin Cities area landscapes, no matter how sturdy they are. In fall, before the first snowfall, inspect your retaining wall for any signs of damage. Structural issues like cracks in stone or unstable sections of the wall are likely to worsen as a result of the freeze-thaw cycles throughout winter. Make repairs as necessary before winter to prevent damage to your retaining wall. You should also make sure your retaining wall’s drainage system is functional and unblocked. A clogged drainage system may result in trapped water freezing and damaging your wall.
- Prepare Paver Walkways – Pavers often take damage during the winter in Minnesota as a result of frost heaving that occurs in the ground during freeze-thaw cycles. The more level paver walkways are, the less vulnerable they will be to frost heaving. Before the ground freezes in winter, re-level uneven pavers as needed to reduce the risk of winter damage. It’s also a good idea to fill joints between pavers with polymeric sand, which serves the dual purpose of stabilizing pavers and minimizing water infiltration.
Prepare for Winter with a Professional Outdoor Maintenance Company in the Twin Cities
At Ground One, we provide outdoor maintenance services to help our clients prepare their landscapes and hardscapes for the rigors of a cold and snowy winter. Give us a call today if you’re interested in our winterization and outdoor maintenance services in the greater Twin Cities metro area!