It looks like proper winter weather is finally on its way to Southern Oregon and Northern California. Traditionally, the coldest month of the year in Southern Oregon is December, with an average low of 33°F and highs of 47°F. Many locals will experience more treacherous weather conditions within the next few weeks, including rain, snow, and ice. Here are a few tips to make sure your hardscape is well protected throughout the colder months.
Winter Weather Care for Hardscape Checklist:
- Choose your deicer products carefully. Popular deicing materials like rock salt and calcium chloride may prevent ice, but they also eat away at concrete
and can stain or damage the natural rock. If you need to apply a deicer, talk with the experts at Hilton Landscape Supply to determine which product is best for your hardscape. Sand is often a great option that adds traction and is safe for stone and concrete surfaces. - Repair cracks as soon as you notice them. Breaks will allow water and moisture to penetrate rocks and concrete. As the temperature dips below freezing, the water turns to ice, expanding and further damaging the hardscape. The act of freezing, thawing, and refreezing will weaken the hardscape and shorten its useful life. Repairing cracks and replacing broken bricks or stones before cold weather sets in will keep your hardscape in good condition.
- Use plastic shovels. Metal shovels are very effective at removing snow and ice, but the metal surface will also scratch, scuff, and damage the surface of your patio or walkway. Select a plastic shovel or a metal shovel that features rubberized edges. Alternatively, if the conditions are right, a leaf or snow blower is another option for safe snow removal.
- Put outdoor furniture and decor in storage. Winds, heavy snow, and other winter conditions can knock down or tip over outdoor items, resulting in dents, scratches, stains, and further damage. Now is an excellent time to clean up all those outdoor items and put them safely in storage for the winter.
- Make a plan for annual maintenance. While it may be too late for major pre-winter condition maintenance, add an item to your task list for next fall to level and seal your hardscape areas. If you notice any foundational issues with your hardscape that make it sloped, dipped, or otherwise uneven, it’s best to address those problems before winter conditions begin. Additionally, sealing your hardscape annually will help keep water from penetrating the rocks, stone, and concrete to withstand cold weather better. Our professionals at Hilton Landscape Supply can help you establish a plan just right for your landscaping needs.
and can stain or damage the natural rock. If you need to apply a deicer, talk with the experts at Hilton Landscape Supply to determine which product is best for your hardscape. Sand is often a great option that adds traction and is safe for stone and concrete surfaces.Take Care of Your Investment with Help from the Pros at Hilton Landscape Supply
We’ve been in business serving Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1956. Our success is based on our commitment to providing all of our clients with outstanding service combined with the broadest selection of landscaping materials in our area. From assisting you in selecting the right pavers for a simple walkway to helping you create a plan to maintain your flagstone patio and outdoor fountains, our professional team at Hilton Landscape Supply is here for you. We’ll make winter weather care for hardscape a breeze!
Visit us in Central Point or contact us at 541-664-3374 for more information. We’ll help you keep your hardscape looking new for decades to come!