Did you know that winter weather presents more challenges for your yard than just cold and snow? It’s also the season when your soil, plants, and hardscape face erosion, compaction, and damage.  

To protect your yard through the freeze and ensure its ready for spring, a smart prep-plan is essential. In this blog, you’ll learn how to prevent soil compaction and erosion, cover garden beds and prep tree bases, check drainage before the freeze, and where sand & rock fit into your winter landscaping strategy. 

This blog covers: 

• Drainage checks before freeze 
• Preventing soil compaction + erosion 
• Covering garden beds & tree-base prep 
• Where sand & rock fit into winter landscaping 

Drainage checks before freeze 

When water gets trapped and then freezes, it can damage roots, crack concrete, and create heaving soil. This is why the first step to winterizing your yard is to make sure your water has a safe path away from landscaping and your house’s foundation. Walk your yard and look for low-spots where water pools. Clear gutters, downspouts, and direct roof runoff away from planting areas. 

If you want to protect your yard from spring drainage problems, pay special attention to slopes. If you have slopes in your yard, ensure they channel water away from beds and trees. Proper drainage now means fewer spring problems. 

Preventing soil compaction + erosion 

Winter can be rough on bare soil. Wind, rain, freezing, and thawing will erode or compress it. According to soil experts, keeping plants or mulch on the surface helps greatly to control erosion and water loss. (Source: University of Rhode Island) 

Here’s a quick bullet list of what you can do to control soil erosion in winter: 

• Aerate your lawn or beds before a hard freeze to relieve compaction 
• Add a layer of mulch (organic material) around plant roots 
• Use gravel or rock in high-traffic or runoff areas to reduce wash-out 
• Avoid heavy foot traffic or machinery on soggy ground
  By taking these steps, you protect soil structure and minimize damage. 

Covering garden beds & tree-base prep 

Trees and shrubs need extra help in the winter. The base of the tree is where roots are most vulnerable. Start by clearing dead leaves and debris and then add mulch around the tree’s base to stabilize temperature and retain moisture. For garden beds that will sit unused, cover them with a protective layer of soil or mulch. This shields plant roots and improves spring recovery. This process is an essential part of winter landscaping. 

Additionally, you can use a light fabric cover or burlap on particularly exposed plants as a simple but effective way to protect them from winter weather.

Where sand & rock fit into winter landscaping 

One common misconception is that materials like sand, gravel, and rock are just used for building driveways, but in reality, they play a key role in winter landscaping to help protect your yard structurally. 

Here’s how: 

• Sand or gravel in drainage paths help water move quickly and avoid freezing in one spot 
• Rock mulch around tree bases or plant beds prevents soil wash-out during melting 
• Rock or sand grit reduces salt damage to plants in salt-spray zones (near roadways/walkways).  

Use a table like this for quick reference: 

By using sand and rock smartly, you give your yard structural protection for winter and set it up for a stronger spring.

Let your yard rest and breathe 

Winter prep isn’t just about doing something new; it’s also about safely stepping back. Once you’ve done the checks, applied mulch, aligned drainage, and added rock/sand, the next step is to let nature take over. Monitor lightly. Avoid heavy traffic or machinery when the ground is frozen or thawing. 

The goal isn’t to fight winter but to protect your yard, so it weathers the season well.

Ready for spring growth? 

If you follow these steps, you won’t just survive winter, you’ll set your yard up to thrive in spring. Want help choosing the right sand, rock, or soil amendments for your yard this winter? 

Reach out to Legacy Materials today at 515-432-7333 for expert guidance and quality materials that stand up to the tough winter season.