As winter rages on in Vancouver, many homeowners have to deal with the aftermath of snow and ice. From icicles to slippery sidewalks and driveways to a general mess in your property—the cold weather can cause all sorts of problems in and around your area landscape. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help mitigate these landscape issues.
In this blog post, we’ll go over how to fix some of the most common landscape problems caused by ice and snow. Keep reading for tips on how to protect your property!
The Most Common Landscape Issues During Winter—and How to Fix Them
In Vancouver, homeowners have been dealing with many landscape issues in their areas caused by heavy ice and snow accumulations. Here are the most prevalent ones:
1. Broken Limbs and Branches
While we’re still in your garden, you may want to take a look at your trees. Heavy accumulations of ice and snow can cause branches and limbs to break, leading to dangerous situations and costly repairs. While you can’t necessarily prevent limbs from breaking, there are certain steps that you can take to secure your area landscape and minimize the damage.
How to Fix It:
If the broken limb or branch has leaves on it, you should dispose of them immediately to keep pests away. You may also make a split in the bark to slow down its rotting process. Pests that may infest the broken branch or limb should also be dealt with immediately. You can apply insecticides, but you may want to call a professional first to extend the life of your trees.
2. Weed Infestation
Weeds can take over an area quickly, and they’re especially troublesome in the winter when the ground is covered in snow. Not only do they compete for resources with desirable plants, but they can also be difficult to remove.
How to Fix It:
Weed infestations can be difficult to get rid of, but there are a few things that you can do to help. First, make sure to remove any weeds that you see, and then use a herbicide to kill off the remaining plants. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions.
You can also try using mulch to cover the area, which will help to prevent new weeds from growing.
3. Cracks and Potholes in Your Walkway
The weight of the ice and snow can cause havoc to your walkways and driveways. And you might not even realize there’s a problem until the snow starts to melt. However, if you do notice any cracks or potholes in your driveway, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible.
How to Fix It:
These blemishes, though, can be repaired with asphalt filler or repaving. However, there’s no way to deal with holes in your driveway during winter. For this, you may want to consider applying a cold patch over these holes until warmer temperatures pave the way for an effective and permanent fix to be possible.
4. Snow Buildup
Heavy accumulations of snow can cause problems for homeowners, especially when it starts to melt. Not only can the water cause damage to your property, but the snow can also be a safety hazard.
How to Fix It:
You can try shoveling the snow off of your property, but this can be a time-consuming and difficult task. A better option is to engage the services of a professional snow removal company. They will be able to clear your property quickly and safely, and they’ll also help to minimize the damage that melting snow can cause.
5. Salt Damage and Erosion
If you’ve tried to remove the snow from your property yourself, you’ve probably used salt to help. While it’s effective in melting the snow, it can also cause damage to your property if not used properly. These damages can manifest as cracks in your driveway and walkways, as well as erosion in your lawn and area landscape.
How to Fix It:
If you’re seeing signs of salt damage, there are a few things that you can do. First, make sure to sweep up any excess salt and dispose of it properly. You can also try using a sealant to protect your property from the effects of salt.
If you’re dealing with erosion, your best bet is to replant the affected areas with grass or another ground cover.
Need Help Dealing With Problems On Your Property Caused By Ice And Snow?
If you have any of these landscape issues in your area, do not hesitate to contact Hyland Landscapes. We will be more than happy to help assess the damage and provide a solution tailored specifically for your landscape. Winter can be tough on landscapes, but they can come through looking beautiful once again with proper maintenance. Contact us today to find out how we can help!
