Winter-Proofing Your Landscape: Protecting Plants and Hardscapes

Montana winters are beautiful—but they can also be brutal on your landscape. From freezing temperatures and heavy snow to freeze-thaw cycles and biting winds, your yard’s plants, turf, and hardscape elements need protection to survive the season intact. At Horizon Landscape Management, we help Billings-area homeowners winter-proof their landscapes with smart strategies designed to prevent damage and promote healthy spring growth.

Here’s what you need to know before winter settles in.

Why Winter Prep Matters for Montana Landscapes

When landscapes aren’t prepared for winter, the damage can be severe. Perennials may fail to return, tree limbs can crack under the weight of snow, and moisture can freeze inside hardscapes, causing cracks and shifting. Without protection, your investment in your yard could take a big hit—both visually and financially.

Winterizing isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting your plants, lawn, and structures up for a strong comeback once the snow melts.

Protecting Plants from Cold, Wind, and Snow

Every plant is different, but in general, perennials, shrubs, and trees benefit from:

Mulching: A 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch helps insulate roots and maintain soil moisture. Use bark mulch, shredded leaves, or pine needles to keep plants warm and protected.

Wrapping Trees & Shrubs: Young trees and evergreens are especially vulnerable. Burlap wraps or tree guards shield them from harsh winds and prevent sunscald.

Anti-Desiccant Sprays: These sprays help broadleaf evergreens retain moisture during dry, windy conditions when the ground is frozen.

Watering Before the Freeze: Hydrated plants are stronger against cold. Give them a deep watering before the ground freezes to help them through dormancy.

Don’t forget to mark vulnerable plants with stakes or flags so they aren’t damaged by snow blowers or shoveling.

How to Winter-Proof Hardscapes

Just like your plants, patios, walkways, and retaining walls need winter care:

Seal Pavers and Concrete: Moisture can seep into cracks and freeze, causing materials to shift or break. Sealing helps repel water and extend the life of your surfaces.

Clear Leaves and Debris: Organic buildup traps moisture, which can lead to mold or moss growth and staining on your hardscape.

Drain Irrigation Lines: Standing water in pipes or sprinkler heads will freeze and expand, leading to breaks. Blow out your irrigation system before the first hard freeze.

Check Drainage: Make sure runoff is flowing away from structures and not pooling on surfaces. This prevents ice buildup and helps avoid slippery conditions.

Other Winter Landscape Tips for Billings Homeowners

Trim Dead or Weak Branches: Prevent breakage from snow loads or ice by trimming trees in the fall.

Avoid Rock Salt: It can damage grass and plant roots near driveways or sidewalks. Use sand or pet-safe alternatives for traction.

Store Containers & Furniture: Ceramic pots and outdoor furniture should be stored or protected from snow and freezing rain.

Prepare Now, Relax Later

A little prep now can save you from big headaches come spring. At Horizon Landscape Management, we offer seasonal maintenance and winterization services that keep your landscape safe, strong, and ready to thrive when warm weather returns.

Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule a winter landscape checkup. Let’s protect what you’ve worked hard to grow—and make sure it looks even better next year.