When we think about preparing our home and landscape for the winter season perhaps we have a more aesthetic end goal in mind. In reality, preparing for winter is much more important! Practicality and safety are the real end goals. The tips provided here will keep you in proactive mode against unforeseen weather events that damage your home and its contents.

Removing debris from gutters is a very important step. Each autumn clear your gutters and downspouts from debris. The blockage of debris in gutters will eventually force water through the masonry or framing into your walls causing costly water damage as well as the perfect climate for mildew and mold.

Check the hoses on your appliances every year. Replace cracked or aging hoses; do not wait for them to fail.

Winterize outdoor spigots. A hard freeze will cause your pipes to burst. You can either purchase a faucet cover or DIY with left over Styrofoam covered with plastic and duct taped securely.

If you have an older home, when a freeze is forecasted, open the cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens where your pipes are located to avoid their freezing and bursting. Know that even a small light bulb left on in the space will generate enough heat to avoid pipes from freezing.

Before the first winds begin to blow survey the tree limbs that reach over your home, driveway, or outside areas that tend to be populated with people now and then. Trim dead branches to avoid damage when your tree self-trims during a high wind event.

If you live in or near a flood prone area or even an area with heavy rain fall, think about creating a bioswale … any size is appropriate. A bioswale is a naturally sunken area, or one you create on your property where, with minimal drainage, you can direct water flow away from your home and out buildings toward the swale. The drainage need not be a trench. A gently undulating pathway covered with whatever you like from grass to gravel will suffice. The width is dependent on the amount of water you wish to redirect. Definitely consider planting water loving plants in and around the swale for a peaceful and beautiful area for you, your family, and friends to enjoy. The wildlife will love it too.

Check out these interesting videos on Bioswales:

Lastly, if you live in a location that ices over at any time during winter, stock up on kitty litter not salt. Kitty litter does not stain your concrete or other surfaces and the run off will not harm the environment.

Stay warm and safe and enjoy the winter season!