Winter in Colorado brings more than just chilly temperatures—it brings unpredictable weather patterns that can wreak havoc on business properties. Our state’s dramatic freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowfalls, and dry spells all pose significant risks to both landscaping and hardscapes. Luckily, proper planning and preventative care can make a huge difference in preserving your property and ensuring it looks its best year-round.
5 Key Aspects of Commercial Property Winterization in Colorado
Tree and Shrub Preparation
Colorado can experience significant snowfall during winter, and heavy snow and ice accumulation can easily damage trees, shrubs, and other plants if they’re not properly pruned or protected. Falling tree limbs can cause significant injuries or property damage, making winter tree and shrub care an important part of property winterization. Likewise, structures that hang overhead, such as awnings, canopies, and pergolas, can also become damaged or collapse under heavy snow and ice buildup without proper inspection and maintenance.
Watering and Moisture Retention
Even though it is essential to winterize irrigation systems and shut them down to protect vital components, plants still need moisture to survive winter. Colorado’s long dry spells during winter can take their toll on your landscape’s plants, especially evergreens and other drought-sensitive plants. Manual deep watering on warmer winter days (along with mulching for extra insulation) can help roots stay hydrated throughout winter, ensuring that your plants will thrive come spring.
Soil Preparation
Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause serious harm to your property’s soil. Frost action weakens the structure of the top layers of soil, making them more prone to erosion. It also tends to compact Colorado’s clay-heavy soil. With increased erosion and compaction, essential nutrients can be washed away or trapped within densely packed soil, making it harder for plants to absorb them. Aerating, fertilizing, and mulching before winter can help prepare your soil for harsh winter conditions and make it easier for your plants to sustain themselves.
Plant Selection
Native plants are much more resistant to Colorado’s winter temperature extremes and dry spells, and we are blessed with a wide selection of local winter-friendly plants. Using burlap or tree wraps can help protect non-native plants or sensitive plants from cold winds, frost damage, and become snacks or homes for hungry wildlife. Small or particularly sensitive plants should be covered temporarily or taken indoors when heavy snow or severe weather is forecast.
Pavement Preparation
Preparing paved surfaces is essential to prolong the life of your property and avoid damage from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks, potholes, and other issues in pavement, which can pose safety risks and lead to costly repairs. It’s important to repair existing damage and then apply high-quality sealants to all surfaces to provide a protective barrier that resists damage from freezing and thawing, maximizing the life of your pavement.
Make Sure Your Denver Business or Commercial Property Is Prepared for Winter with GroundMasters Landscape Services
With almost 30 years of experience, GroundMasters has become a trusted commercial landscaping contractor for businesses and commercial properties throughout the Denver area. Our landscape maintenance teams have the tools and expertise necessary to get your property prepared for winter weather and ensure that it is set up to thrive come spring.
GM provides the full range of seasonal commercial landscape services, and we would love to be your year-round service provider.
To see what GroundMasters can do for your Denver area business or commercial property, give us a call today at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online to get started.