Winter-Proofing Your Landscape: Tips for Atlantic Canada Homeowners

Ariel Hitchon
Nov 5
2 min read

Winter in Atlantic Canada can be breathtaking — but your property pays the price for all that snow and ice. Between freezing temperatures, heavy winds, and constant thawing and refreezing, your outdoor spaces need a little extra care to make it through unscathed.

With a few smart steps now, you can protect your investment and make spring maintenance a breeze. Here’s how to get your landscape ready for the long, cold months ahead — straight from the Nova Peak Contracting team.

Protect Plants and Garden Beds

Cold winds and fluctuating temperatures can damage even the hardiest plants. Keep your garden thriving through winter with these simple steps:

Mulch deeply — a 2- to 3-inch layer helps insulate roots and regulate soil temperature.
Wrap vulnerable shrubs with burlap or frost blankets to shield them from drying winds.
Tie up small trees and evergreens to prevent branches from snapping under snow weight.
Avoid salt runoff near planting areas; it can burn roots and alter soil chemistry.

💡 Nova Peak Tip: Use wood chips or straw mulch instead of leaves. Leaf mulch can mat down and trap moisture, which leads to mold and root rot.

Prep Patios, Walkways, and Driveways

Your hardscapes face a lot of stress from freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads. Protect your stone, brick, and concrete with a few quick actions:

Apply a quality sealer before the first frost to keep out moisture.
Clean out cracks and joints — debris here can lead to frost heaving.
Choose non-corrosive ice melts that won’t stain or deteriorate your materials.
When clearing snow, use a plastic shovel or rubber blade to avoid surface damage.

If you already notice cracks, mark them now — come spring, you’ll know where to focus your repairs.

Deck Care Before the Deep Freeze

Your deck needs attention too, whether it’s wood or composite. Start by giving it a thorough clean to remove leaves, dirt, and mildew that trap moisture. Then apply a weather-resistant sealant or stain to block water absorption.

Store or cover patio furniture and planters so they don’t trap moisture against the boards. And through the season, make a habit of brushing snow off the surface — it prevents warping and unnecessary stress on the frame.

🌨️ Keeping snow loads light extends the life of your deck — especially when we get those mid-winter rain-on-snow events that quickly turn heavy.

Don’t Forget the Pool Area

If you’ve got a pool, winterization is a must in Atlantic Canada. Start by balancing your water chemistry, lowering the water level, and draining hoses and filters. Use a durable, secure cover to block debris and prevent ice from forming on the surface.

Inspect your surrounding pool patio or pavers for drainage issues — water pooling on top can freeze and cause shifting or cracking.

Stay Ahead of the Season

With some pre-winter prep and a little help from the pros, your property can stay strong all season long. From sealing hardscapes to protecting plants and scheduling reliable snow removal, Nova Peak Contracting has you covered.