13 Last-Minute Tips to Winter-Ready Your Edmonton Home

Our summers in Edmonton are as notoriously short as a sunset, and winters sneak up faster than a squirrel on your bird feeder. As you wave goodbye to the last of the BBQ parties and prepare to greet the chilly whispers of winter, it’s time to get your homes snug and snow-ready.

So grab your mugs of hot cocoa, and let’s get into some last-minute tips to ensure your home is ready for the upcoming winter siege!

Clean Around the Exterior of the House

Winter's a beautiful time in Edmonton, but it requires a little prep work to ensure your home stays just as lovely underneath all that snow.

1. Gutter Maintenance

Your gutters are vital protections for your home. So, before the chill sets in, clear out those gutters. Arm yourself with a ladder, gloves, and perhaps a not-so-squeamish friend to tackle the debris. While you're up there, check for any leaks or damage. Trust us, dealing with gutter repairs is not a fun winter activity.

2. Leaf and Debris Collection

Leaves might look amazing in fall, but they’re less appealing soggy and frozen on your lawn; it limits the already sparse sunlight your grass may be getting, which could lead to mould.

Arm yourself with a rake or a leaf blower and gather any loose leaves. Consider composting them to turn this chore into a win for your garden come spring. And remember, clearing now means less slushy mess when the snow melts.

3. Window Washing and Inspection

Clean windows are your eyes to a winter-proof home! Wash those panes to keep your home’s insulation in check and brighten those short winter days. While you’re at it, keep looking for gaps or cracks in the seals. A little caulk can go a long way toward keeping chilly drafts out and cozy warmth in.

4. Winterizing Outdoor Spigots

Water left in outdoor pipes can be risky. Turn off those spigots, drain them out, and wrap them up snugly with insulation. Frozen pipes are a hassle you don’t need.

5. Planning for Snow Removal

And finally, don’t let the first snowfall catch you off-guard like an unexpected M. Night Shyamalan plot twist. Check your shovels, stock up on eco-friendly ice melt, or better yet, schedule snow removal with the pros to handle the heavy lifting. You want to clear your driveways and sidewalks and prevent them from becoming mini ski slopes.

Prep Outdoor Living Spaces

As the mercury dips, your indoor spaces need care, too. Here’s how to ensure your decks, patios, and porches are as winter-ready as the rest of your home.

6. Outdoor Lighting Check

As the days get shorter, it’s time to light up your outdoor space. Check all outdoor lights to ensure they’re working. You don’t want to go out fumbling in the dark on a snowy evening.

Replace any burnt-out bulbs and consider upgrading to LED lights for longer-lasting and more energy-efficient illumination. This not only enhances safety but also adds a warm, welcoming glow for those chilly evenings.

7. Water Feature Care

Love your garden’s serene water fountain or the backyard pool? It’s time to tuck them in for winter. Draining water features is essential to avoid the freeze-thaw cycle that can crack and damage them.

For fountains, remove the water, clean the pump, and cover them up. For pools, lower the water level, balance the chemicals, and secure a winter cover. This care ensures they remain unscathed and ready to splash in the spring.

8. Furniture and Grill Covers

Your patio furniture and grill have served you well during those summer BBQs. Now, it’s time to return the favour.

Clean your outdoor furniture and grill to remove any dirt or grime. Once dry, cover them with waterproof covers that can withstand harsh weather. If space allows, store smaller items and cushions indoors. Protecting your outdoor gear not only prolongs its life but also saves you from spring cleaning hassles.

9. Hot Tub Maintenance

In case you plan on bubbling through the winter, get your hot tub ready beforehand. Check and balance the water chemicals, clean or replace the filters, and ensure the heating system is in tip-top condition.

If you’re planning on covering your hot tub, drain the water, clean the tub thoroughly, and securely cover it to prevent any debris or snow from getting in. Whether it’s staying active or going into hibernation, a little attention will keep your hot tub ready for when you need it next.

Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance

There’s not much you can do to take care of your yard in the winter when it’s covered with snow. So, you want to give it a pre-winter boost so that it thrives next spring.

10. Last-Minute Lawn Haircut

Give your grass one last mow before the snow blankets it. Mowing your lawn to an optimal height (about 2 to 3 inches) helps prevent snow mould and other winter diseases.

Taller grass can trap more moisture and become a breeding ground for fungal infections, while a cut that is too short exposes the root system to severe cold. A final mow at just the right height ensures your lawn is tidy and well-prepared to face the frosty months ahead.

11. Mulching for Moisture Control

A good layer of mulch acts as a blanket that retains soil moisture and regulates temperature, protecting roots from frost heaves and harsh conditions. You can go for organic materials like shredded bark or straw, which will decompose over time and enrich the soil. Spread it around the base of plants and trees, keeping it a few inches away from trunks to prevent rot.

12. Drain Your Irrigation System

Water left in irrigation lines can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst. To avoid this fiasco, thoroughly drain your irrigation system. Turn off the water supply and open the manual drain valves to release any trapped water.

If your system has an automatic controller, switch it to ‘off’ or ‘rain’ mode. If recommended for your system type, consider blowing out the lines with compressed air to ensure no water remains.

13. Plant and Shrub Protection

Your delicate perennials and shrubs need a cozy winter coat, too! Wrap sensitive plants with burlap or invest in specialized plant covers that protect against frost and windburn.

For smaller plants, mulch acts as a fantastic insulator. Apply a generous layer around the base to help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

For more information, check out our detailed guide, "Falling into Autumn - Checklist For What to Do Before the First Frost”. It’s packed with additional tips and tricks to ensure your landscape is prepared for the coming cold.

Don’t Freeze Up, Get Ready with Green Drop!

Winter’s on your doorstep, and it’s packing more than just a light frost! Before the snow starts flexing its muscles, make sure your home isn’t left unprotected battling the cold.

Let’s dodge those all-too-common winter woes with the tips we’ve highlighted. We’re ready to swoop in with professional snow removal services across Calgary, Regina, Red Deer, Saskatoon, and Edmonton.