There are a lot of steps to take when it comes to preparing your backyard for winter. Whether it is simply getting a head start on it in the late fall or rushing before the first big freeze comes, there are several things that you need to take care of. 

Making sure that your property and possessions make it through winter in good shape is something that you should be doing every year. If not, some of those nice, expensive items you have may not last as long as they should.

Here are a few tips for preventative winter care for your backyard:

Lawn Care

Even though your grass is about to spend some time under the snow, if you take care of it now you can expect a healthy, plush yard come spring. You can do this by simply doing a few, easy chores. Pick the weeds, clean up debris and other objects, and remove the shrubs and small plants that will die anyway.

Pools and Outdoor Spas/Hot Tubs

Once the summer months have faded away and autumn is drawing to a close, there won’t be much more use for your outdoor water equipment for a few months. It is imperative that any pools or hot tubs are properly covered and secured for the season. Not only is this to keep them clean, debris-free, and undamaged, it is also to keep animals from getting in them. This is also true for decorative bodies of water such as garden ponds.

Gazebo Covers

Don’t forget about those gazebos, either! If you have an outdoor structure on your property, you are definitely going to need to winterize that as well. Quality gazebo covers can make sure that your building stays in the best shape possible, protected from the elements. Being buried under months of snow is simply not good for wooden roofs. These structures need to be protected year-round and especially in the colder and freezing temperatures.

BBQ Pits and Grills

Unless you just love the cold weather like no one else, chances are that you won’t be doing a lot of grilling or barbequing during the winter months. Leaving both gas grills and charcoal or wood pits out in these elements can do some serious damage to them, including rust and corrosion. 

While it may be ok to cover your pit with a tarp or something similar during the spring, summer, and fall, it is probably best to put it away during this time. A garage or shed will work just fine. If you don’t have one, simply bringing it into a closed porch and keeping it covered should suffice.

Outdoor Furniture

If you have any furniture in that gazebo or on a deck or patio, that needs to be covered or removed as well. And if you decide to only cover it, don’t be surprised to find a number of insects under there when you remove it a few months down the road. Again, a garage, shed, or covered porch is a better option.

Other Various Items and Equipment 

In addition to all the things mentioned prior, there are several other items that people may or may not have in their yard. Wrap up all of the water hoses and put them away. Remove yard gnomes and other decorations. Make sure your pipes are wrapped properly. Other than that, enjoy the season!