Part 3: Outdoor Winter Prep – Ensuring Safety and Accessibility

Welcome to the final part of our series on preparing your home for fall and winter in Victoria, Colwood, Langford, and Sidney! Now that we’ve covered how to prepare your home's exterior and interior, it's time to focus on the outdoor spaces. Proper outdoor winter prep helps ensure safety, accessibility, and convenience throughout the colder months. Here’s what you should tackle to keep your property in top shape this winter.

1. Service Snow Removal Equipment

Before the first snowfall, check your snow removal equipment to make sure it's in good working condition. Test snow blowers, stock up on ice melt, and inspect shovels for cracks or wear. A little preparation now can save you from the hassle when a snowstorm hits.

Pro Tip: Keep shovels, ice melt, and snow blowers in an easily accessible location, so you’re not digging around for them when the snow starts falling. If snow removal feels like too much of a task, consider booking a professional service for the season.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches

Heavy snowfall can weigh down tree branches, increasing the risk of them breaking and potentially damaging your property. Walk around your yard and trim back any branches that are overhanging your roof, driveways, or sidewalks.

Pro Tip: Pruning trees and shrubs not only prevents property damage but also keeps plants healthier. For a safer approach, hire a professional if you’re unsure about trimming large branches yourself.

3. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies to get through the winter. Stock up on essentials like rock salt, sand, and winter gloves to ensure you’re ready to handle icy conditions. Having a winter emergency kit on hand, including items like flashlights, blankets, and extra batteries, is also a wise idea.

Pro Tip: Keep a small bag of rock salt or sand near your front and back doors for quick access when needed. It’s a small step that can make walkways safer for you and your family.

4. Install Outdoor Lighting

The days are shorter during the winter, and good outdoor lighting is crucial for safety and accessibility. Check all your exterior lights to ensure they are functioning properly. Consider adding motion-sensor lights near driveways, walkways, and entry points to improve visibility during those dark winter evenings.

Pro Tip: Use energy-efficient LED bulbs for your outdoor lighting. They provide bright illumination, last longer, and help reduce energy costs during the winter months.

Welcome to the final part of our series on preparing your home for fall and winter in Victoria, Colwood, Langford, and Sidney! Now that we’ve covered how to prepare your home's exterior and interior, it's time to focus on the outdoor spaces. Proper outdoor winter prep helps ensure safety, accessibility, and convenience throughout the colder months. Here’s what you should tackle to keep your property in top shape this winter.

1. Service Snow Removal Equipment

Before the first snowfall, check your snow removal equipment to make sure it's in good working condition. Test snow blowers, stock up on ice melt, and inspect shovels for cracks or wear. A little preparation now can save you from the hassle when a snowstorm hits.

Pro Tip: Keep shovels, ice melt, and snow blowers in an easily accessible location, so you’re not digging around for them when the snow starts falling. If snow removal feels like too much of a task, consider booking a professional service for the season.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches

Heavy snowfall can weigh down tree branches, increasing the risk of them breaking and potentially damaging your property. Walk around your yard and trim back any branches that are overhanging your roof, driveways, or sidewalks.

Pro Tip: Pruning trees and shrubs not only prevents property damage but also keeps plants healthier. For a safer approach, hire a professional if you’re unsure about trimming large branches yourself.

3. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies to get through the winter. Stock up on essentials like rock salt, sand, and winter gloves to ensure you’re ready to handle icy conditions. Having a winter emergency kit on hand, including items like flashlights, blankets, and extra batteries, is also a wise idea.

Pro Tip: Keep a small bag of rock salt or sand near your front and back doors for quick access when needed. It’s a small step that can make walkways safer for you and your family.

4. Install Outdoor Lighting

The days are shorter during the winter, and good outdoor lighting is crucial for safety and accessibility. Check all your exterior lights to ensure they are functioning properly. Consider adding motion-sensor lights near driveways, walkways, and entry points to improve visibility during those dark winter evenings.

Pro Tip: Use energy-efficient LED bulbs for your outdoor lighting. They provide bright illumination, last longer, and help reduce energy costs during the winter months.

5. Protect Patio Furniture

Don't forget to prepare your outdoor furniture for winter! Clean and cover patio furniture, BBQs, and other equipment to shield them from snow, ice, and moisture. For items that can be moved, store them in a garage or shed to extend their lifespan.

Pro Tip: Use waterproof covers with tie-downs to secure your outdoor furniture. This prevents wind from displacing the covers and exposes your furniture to harsh weather.

Complete Your Winter Prep with Us!Welcome to the final part of our series on preparing your home for fall and winter in Victoria, Colwood, Langford, and Sidney! Now that we’ve covered how to prepare your home's exterior and interior, it's time to focus on the outdoor spaces. Proper outdoor winter prep helps ensure safety, accessibility, and convenience throughout the colder months. Here’s what you should tackle to keep your property in top shape this winter.

1. Service Snow Removal Equipment

Before the first snowfall, check your snow removal equipment to make sure it's in good working condition. Test snow blowers, stock up on ice melt, and inspect shovels for cracks or wear. A little preparation now can save you from the hassle when a snowstorm hits.

Pro Tip: Keep shovels, ice melt, and snow blowers in an easily accessible location, so you’re not digging around for them when the snow starts falling. If snow removal feels like too much of a task, consider booking a professional service for the season.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches

Heavy snowfall can weigh down tree branches, increasing the risk of them breaking and potentially damaging your property. Walk around your yard and trim back any branches that are overhanging your roof, driveways, or sidewalks.

Pro Tip: Pruning trees and shrubs not only prevents property damage but also keeps plants healthier. For a safer approach, hire a professional if you’re unsure about trimming large branches yourself.

3. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies to get through the winter. Stock up on essentials like rock salt, sand, and winter gloves to ensure you’re ready to handle icy conditions. Having a winter emergency kit on hand, including items like flashlights, blankets, and extra batteries, is also a wise idea.

Pro Tip: Keep a small bag of rock salt or sand near your front and back doors for quick access when needed. It’s a small step that can make walkways safer for you and your family.

4. Install Outdoor Lighting

The days are shorter during the winter, and good outdoor lighting is crucial for safety and accessibility. Check all your exterior lights to ensure they are functioning properly. Consider adding motion-sensor lights near driveways, walkways, and entry points to improve visibility during those dark winter evenings.

Pro Tip: Use energy-efficient LED bulbs for your outdoor lighting. They provide bright illumination, last longer, and help reduce energy costs during the winter months.

5. Protect Patio Furniture

Don't forget to prepare your outdoor furniture for winter! Clean and cover patio furniture, BBQs, and other equipment to shield them from snow, ice, and moisture. For items that can be moved, store them in a garage or shed to extend their lifespan.

Pro Tip: Use waterproof covers with tie-downs to secure your outdoor furniture. This prevents wind from displacing the covers and exposes your furniture to harsh weather.

5. Protect Patio Furniture

Don't forget to prepare your outdoor furniture for winter! Clean and cover patio furniture, BBQs, and other equipment to shield them from snow, ice, and moisture. For items that can be moved, store them in a garage or shed to extend their lifespan.

Pro Tip: Use waterproof covers with tie-downs to secure your outdoor furniture. This prevents wind from displacing the covers and exposes your furniture to harsh weather.

Complete Your Winter Prep with Us!