How to Prepare Your Property for Winter: Snow, Ice & Tree Care Essentials

How to Prepare Your Property for Winter: Snow, Ice & Tree Care Essentials

Stay Safe, Protected, and Ahead of the Season

As beautiful as Wisconsin winters are, they can be brutal on your property. Heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, and layers of ice don’t just create inconvenience—they can cause real damage to your landscape, hardscapes, trees, and safety.

At Turf & Tree Worx, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses across Southeast Wisconsin face winter prepared and protected. Here’s what you should do before the first big storm hits—and how we can help every step of the way.

1. Clear and Protect the Lawn Before the Freeze

Once the growing season ends, don’t forget about your grass. Pre-winter prep helps it bounce back stronger come spring.

Lawn winterization checklist:

• Final mow: Cut to about 2.5–3 inches. Too long invites mold; too short can stress the roots.
• Fertilize: A late-fall fertilizer strengthens roots and improves spring growth.
• Leaf removal: Leaves left behind can smother your lawn and foster fungus.
• Avoid heavy traffic: Frozen grass blades can snap, damaging turf structure.

By giving your lawn the right send-off, you set the stage for a vibrant return in spring.

2. Prune Trees and Remove Hazardous Branches

Heavy snow and ice can turn weak or dead branches into major threats. A certified arborist can identify potential hazards before winter weather brings them crashing down.

Winter tree care includes:

• Dead limb removal: Prevent branches from falling on cars, roofs, or walkways.
• Structural pruning: Improves airflow and strengthens tree shape for snow load.
• Cabling/bracing if needed: For older or weakened trees.
• Health assessments: Identify disease or decay that may worsen in winter.

Proactive tree care reduces risks and protects your property and loved ones.

3. Prepare for Snow and Ice Management

One of the most important things you can do before winter is to arrange for snow and ice control. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about safety and liability.

What to have in place:

• Driveway and walkway clearing: Ensure safe access for your family and emergency vehicles.
• Salting and de-icing: Prevent slips, falls, and costly injuries.
• Commercial lot prep: For businesses, this protects customers and employees.
• Reliable service provider: Don’t wait until a storm hits to find help.

Turf & Tree Worx offers dependable, scheduled, and emergency-response snow and ice management services, so you’re never caught off guard.

4. Inspect Hardscapes and Drainage Systems

Winter's freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on patios, pavers, and walkways. Now is the time to address cracks, drainage issues, and uneven surfaces.

Before winter, we recommend:

• Checking pavers for cracks or movement
• Ensuring proper grading and runoff paths
• Clearing out gutters and downspouts
• Draining irrigation systems to prevent pipe bursts

A little maintenance now can prevent expensive repairs in spring.

Stay Ready, Stay Safe All Winter Long

Winter preparation isn’t just a checklist—it’s peace of mind. From lawn and tree prep to professional snow removal, Turf & Tree Worx offers a one-stop solution for getting your property winter-ready. Our expert crews know what it takes to protect homes and businesses through Wisconsin’s toughest months.