The Long Island Homeowner’s Checklist for Closing Your Backyard for Winter
Long Island winters can be unpredictable. One week we're enjoying mild temperatures, and the next we're dealing with freezing conditions, heavy winds, or snow.
Before the first hard freeze, it's worth taking the time to prepare your backyard. Proper winterization protects your landscaping, outdoor equipment, and the investment you've made in your property.
Here's a practical checklist to help you close up your backyard for winter and avoid unnecessary repairs come spring.
1. Winterize Your Sprinkler and Irrigation System
This is one of the most important steps in preparing your property for winter.
Schedule professional sprinkler winterization before freezing temperatures arrive.
Shut off the irrigation water supply.
Have the system professionally blown out using properly regulated compressed air to remove trapped water.
Make sure sprinkler heads, valves, and exposed components are properly winterized.
Turn off or place your irrigation controller in its appropriate winter setting.
Why it matters: Water trapped in underground irrigation pipes can freeze, expand, and crack pipes or damage valves and sprinkler heads. You may not discover the damage until the system is turned on in spring. Simply shutting off the water isn't enough.
Schedule your sprinkler winterization before the first hard freeze.
2. Protect Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
Long Island's winter weather, particularly coastal winds and moisture, can take a toll on outdoor furnishings.
Clean and thoroughly dry patio furniture before storing or covering it.
Use properly fitted, weather-resistant furniture covers and secure them against wind.
Store cushions, umbrellas, and delicate accessories indoors.
Clean and protect outdoor grills according to manufacturer instructions.
Drain and store garden hoses and protect exterior faucets from freezing.
3. Close Your Pool and Protect Water Features
Pools, fountains, and outdoor water features need attention before temperatures drop.
Schedule professional pool closing and winterization.
Lower pool water levels as appropriate for your pool and cover system.
Winterize pumps, filters, plumbing, and other equipment.
Secure the winter pool cover.
Drain or winterize fountains, decorative ponds, and water features according to their design.
Why it matters: Frozen water can damage plumbing, pumps, and expensive equipment.
4. Prepare Your Lawn, Trees, and Planting Beds
Your landscape may be going dormant, but what happens before winter influences how well it returns in spring.
Remove fallen leaves from lawns and drainage areas.
Give the lawn its final mowing before winter dormancy.
Remove dead annuals and diseased plant material.
Trim damaged or hazardous branches, but avoid unnecessary fall pruning of spring-flowering shrubs.
Apply mulch where needed to insulate roots, keeping it away from trunks and foundations.
Protect vulnerable shrubs from deer, wind, and winter salt exposure.
Pro-Tip: Not every plant should be cut back in fall. Some perennials and shrubs benefit from being left alone until spring.
5. Check Drainage, Gutters, and Outdoor Lighting
Water management doesn't stop when the irrigation system shuts down.
Clear gutters, downspouts, and drainage grates of leaves and debris.
Check for standing water near foundations, patios, and walkways.
Make sure downspouts direct water away from the house.
Inspect landscape lighting fixtures and exposed wiring.
Adjust outdoor lighting timers as daylight hours shorten.
Why it Matters: Poor drainage can become a bigger problem during winter freeze-thaw cycles, particularly when water collects near walkways or foundations.
A Little Preparation Now Protects Your Property Come Spring
A properly closed backyard is easier to reopen when warmer weather returns. More importantly, it helps prevent damage that could have been avoided.
At Professional Irrigation & Locust Valley Lighting, we help Long Island homeowners protect their landscapes through seasonal irrigation maintenance and professional winterization.
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