Is Winter Hurting Your Landscape More Than You Think?

Winter often arrives with a certain magic. Fresh snowfalls transform your yard into something quiet and picture-perfect, and it’s easy to assume everything beneath the surface is simply resting until spring. But winter is much harder on your landscape than most people realize. What looks dormant may actually be struggling, and not every plant, or hardscape element, bounces back once the weather warms.

At Redbud Landscape, we have over 18 years of experience designing landscapes across St. John and Northwest Indiana, with harsh winter weather specifically in mind. We also help commercial properties manage snow and ice, which gives us a firsthand look at how winter conditions affect every part of a landscape.

Winter can hurt your landscape in several ways:

• Snow can mat down and weaken grass as it sits for long periods.
• Freeze–thaw cycles can dry out plants and stress their roots.
• Shifting soil and ice can move or lift pavers.
• Prolonged cold can leave shrubs and evergreens brittle or browned.
• Winter stress can quietly weaken growth going into spring.

Let’s take a deeper look at what’s happening beneath the surface of all that snow, so you can start paying closer attention to your landscape’s needs this winter.

Can Snow Damage My Grass, or Is It Harmless?

Snow can be both a friend and a foe to your lawn. A light, fluffy layer acts like a natural blanket, insulating the dormant grass from harsh, drying winds. However, when the snow becomes heavy, packed, or icy, it can crush the grass crowns, which are the vital growth points. This pressure can also create ideal conditions for snow mold, a fungal disease that leaves unsightly patches in the spring.

Foot traffic or plowing snow onto your lawn worsens this damage, compacting the snow and soil. This is a common issue, not a sign of poor lawn care. Understanding how different snow conditions affect your turf is the first step toward a healthier spring lawn.

How Do Freezing Temperatures Affect My Plants?

When the ground freezes, it locks up available moisture, making it difficult for plant roots to absorb the water they need to survive. This is especially stressful during sunny winter days when plants lose moisture through their leaves and needles. The repeated cycle of freezing at night and thawing during the day is also punishing. This rapid expansion and contraction of water within plant cells can cause them to rupture, leading to visible damage.

This is why some evergreens turn brown or drop their needles during winter. While many plants look worse for wear before bouncing back in spring, some do suffer real injury. Knowing what normal winter stress looks like helps you identify which plants may need extra attention.

Could My Hardscape Be Moving or Shifting Without Me Knowing?

Yes, your patios and walkways can shift during the winter. This process is known as frost heave. When moisture in the ground freezes, it expands, exerting powerful upward pressure on anything above it. This force can lift, tilt, or separate pavers, creating uneven surfaces and tripping hazards.

While minor movement is common and may not signal a major problem, it is important to monitor it. Small shifts can worsen over time and lead to long-term structural issues if not addressed.

What Signs Should I Look for Now Before Winter Creates Bigger Problems?

Most of winter’s effects cause silent damage that property owners often miss until symptoms appear in warmer months. By being observant, you can catch issues early. Here is what to look for:

• On your lawn: Look for subtle discoloration or matted-down areas.
• On plants: Check for browning or brittle foliage on shrubs and trees.
• At plant bases: Notice if the soil is pulling away from the base of your plants.
• On hardscaping: Inspect for small shifts or new gaps in hardscape joints.

Catching these changes early gives you more control over your landscape’s health and can prevent more serious problems down the line.

Don’t Let Winter Wear Down Your Landscape

Winter may look quiet, but it’s one of the most demanding seasons your landscape will face. Snow, ice, and constant temperature swings place stress on everything, from the soil beneath your feet to the plants and hardscaping you rely on for year-round beauty and function. 

For commercial property owners in Northwest Indiana, the effects are even greater. Winter conditions can quickly create safety issues and affect how your property functions throughout the season. If you’re worried about winter’s impact, Redbud Landscape can help. Our team can assess your landscape, address cold-season concerns, and design outdoor environments built to handle our region’s climate. Contact us today; we’ll help keep your property strong.