Most people think that season and landscape just don’t mix. Once the cold sets in, they tend to abandon them for the rest of the season. Unlike most people, however, you may be intrigued to know what sort of snow-friendly landscaping efforts you can do for your landscape. In fact, winter can reveal an entirely different kind of beauty in your yard–sparkling textures, bold silhouettes, and peaceful stillness.
And, you’ve come to the right place! With a thoughtful approach, your landscape can look beautiful and functional even when it’s covered in white.
Understanding the Challenges of Winter Landscaping
Snow, Ice, and Temperature Fluctuations
We won’t sugarcoat it; winter landscaping can be tricky. Snow, ice, and constant change in temperature can bring a significant impact on your plants and materials. Snow in the Pittsburgh area is known to be heavier than in other parts of the US, meaning this snow can easily break down branches and shrubs by weighing them down and flattening them. On freezing days, ice buildup can also damage hardscape features, such as walkways and patios.
And the worst part? The temperature here fluctuates; one day it can be very cold, up to the point of freezing, and the next, the ice melts. This constant back-and-forth can stress plant roots and cause soil to shift or compact. But don’t be discouraged! Snow-friendly landscaping works with the season rather than against it, helping you create a landscape that thrives.
Road Salt and De-Icing Chemicals
Now, these two are somewhat conflicting. On one hand, the chemicals keep your walkways and driveways safe. On the other hand, they can be harsh on your landscape. After the snow melts, chemicals will seep into the soil. Over time, they will dry out plant roots, damage the grass, and change the soil structure. Though it sounds harmless, salt also leaves unappealing brown stains or bare patches along your driveways and sidewalks.
Snow-Friendly Plants That Thrive in Cold Climates
Evergreens for Year-Round Structure
When everything else goes dormant, evergreens usually stay all year round, making them a snow-friendly landscaping option. Some reliable evergreens you can add to your landscape are the classic spruce and pine trees, boxwood, juniper, or the bold-colored Holly. With their structure and color, combined with a blanket of snow and perfect lighting, your landscape is guaranteed to have a dramatic, wintery look.
Apart from the look, however, evergreens also serve as a protector of the landscape against Pittsburgh’s unpredictable weather. Through their dense foliage, evergreens shield other smaller and more delicate plants from icy gusts and harsh winds.
Winter-Interest Shrubs and Trees
Though evergreens are the backbone of a winter landscape, they can be generic. To make sure your landscape stands out and is far from being boring, plant shrubs and trees with winter interest. A red twig dogwood with its bright red color, for example, can bring a distinctive contrast against the white canvas. A few other great options you can consider are winterberry and crabapple trees, which not only bring color but also attract wildlife to your space.
Perennials That Return After the Snow
Before thinking of getting rid of perennials, like hostas, daylilies, or black-eyed Susans, keep in mind that they aren’t gone, they’re just hibernating. Underneath the soil, these plants are conserving their energy while waiting for the warmer months to return, bringing their vibrant colors. So, if you haven’t got these perennials, consider adding them to your snow-friendly landscaping plans to help your landscape transition gracefully from winter to spring.
Cold-Resistant Materials for Snow-Friendly Landscaping
Durable Hardscape Materials
Weaker materials used for your patios, walkways, and driveways can be easily worn down by the presence of heavy snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, the materials you choose are crucial to the durability of your landscape. Natural stone, such as granite, is known to stand up well to moisture and temperature fluctuation while offering a timeless appearance. Concrete is another practical option to avoid cracking on your paver as it flexes slightly during freezing conditions.
Permeable Pavers and Drainage Solutions
In areas like Pittsburgh, where snow comes and goes as it pleases, the excess water that comes after the snow melts may easily seep into the foundation, causing cracks and eroding your landscape. To avoid annual headaches, permeable pavers are the preferred choice, as they allow water to pass through, reducing runoff. For extra protection, these pavers should be paired with a proper drainage system, such as a French drain, to direct water away from both your home and garden.
Protective Mulches and Ground Covers
Just like us, humans, plants also need blankets to shield them from the cold. Winter blankets, in the form of organic mulch such as pine needles, straw, or shredded bark, help insulate the soil, regulate temperature, and prevent roots from freezing. In addition to mulch, low-growing plants, such as creeping juniper or pachysandra, offer an extra layer of protection while helping shield the soil from erosion and minimizing weed growth.
Smart Landscape Design Layouts for Winter Weather
Raised Beds and Tiered Planting
Excellent strategies to tackle areas prone to heavy snowfall and poor drainage that you should add to your snow-friendly landscaping efforts are to strategically raise the beds and incorporate tiered planting. Raised beds help improve drainage by keeping plant roots above compacted or waterlogged soil, preventing root rot and ice damage during freezing conditions. They also make it easier to control soil quality and temperature.
Tiered planting, on the other hand, adds both function and visual appeal. By arranging plants at different heights, you create natural layers that promote better water flow while showcasing varying textures and colors, even when dusted with snow.
Strategic Snow Storage Zones
Having designated areas away from delicate shrubs, tree roots, and drainage for snow storage prevents damage to your garden beds due to flooding. For best results, direct snow to gravel areas, permeable surfaces, or open lawn spaces where water can easily soak into the ground and away from the foundation or walls, thereby preventing cracks resulting from the freeze-thaw cycle.
Heated Paths or Snow-Melt Systems
This one is a nice-to-have addition in every snow-friendly landscaping list. The system is designed to melt snow gently and ice using electric cables or hydronic tubing, so you won’t have to shovel or use de-icing chemicals constantly. Beyond preserving your energy, this technology also protects your hardscape materials from damage caused by harsh winter conditions or the chemical products you use.
Maintenance Tips for Snow-Friendly Landscapes
Proper Pruning Before Winter
Before the weather starts to get really cold, be sure to add proper pruning to your landscape maintenance to-do list. This prevention method will help your trees and shrubs withstand the heavy weight of snow and ice, reducing the risk of broken branches and winter damage. By trimming away dead or overgrown limbs, you’re not only protecting your plants but also keeping your yard looking neat and healthy through the colder months.
If you’re not sure what we mean by “proper,” check out our garden pruning tips before you start.
Snow Removal Without Landscape Damage
Clearing snow is necessary, but doing it the wrong way can render all your snow-friendly landscaping efforts ineffective. Be cautious about the tools you use. Use plastic shovels or snow blowers with rubber blades instead of metal shovels or other sharp tools that can damage the pavers, curbs, or plant beds. Where you pile the snow when removing it also matters. Don’t just stack it anywhere; instead, stack snow in the designated snow-storage areas we mentioned earlier.
Eco-Friendly De-Icing Alternatives
We have mentioned previously how harmful de-icing chemicals can be. However, there may come a time when you really need one for safety reasons, and that’s okay, as long as you choose wisely. Instead of traditional rock salt, which can damage plants and soil, try using eco-friendly de-icing options such as calcium magnesium acetate, sand, or even kitty litter. These alternatives are gentler on your landscape and still provide good traction on icy surfaces.
End Note
A well-planned snow-friendly landscaping isn’t just about surviving the winter; it’s about finding beauty, durability, and safety in every snowfall. With the right combination of winter-resilient plants, cold-resistant materials, and strategic layouts, your outdoor space can stay vibrant and functional year-round.
Ready to winter-proof your landscape? Contact Eichenlaub today for expert guidance and seasonal landscaping solutions that thrive, even in the snow.
