Good design should account for all seasons, creating a landscape that dazzles no matter what the temperature. Winter presents many challenges, but by planning for the weather, your Huntington, NY, yard can be just as beautiful when covered with snow as it is in the spring and summer.
Trees
Trees are a powerful way to create depth and layers in your landscape. Even when blanketed in snow, trees provide an interesting backdrop. A large deciduous tree with strong branches will give character to your yard no what matter the season, but evergreen trees hold the most appeal when it comes to winter landscapes. Evergreen trees and shrubs provide shape and texture that will endure through the winter. By taking advantage of the spectrum of shades of winter greens and blues, they can also add color throughout the year.
Hardscapes
The focal points of a summer landscape become highly visible in the winter. Strategically placed statues, urns and benches will create interest and give shape to a snow-covered yard. Raised beds and large planters that are filled with color during the summer become the ‘bones’ of your yard when the foliage is gone. When planned well, these elements should offer form and structure to your yard in all seasons. Privacy suffers most in the winter when the leaves have fallen. Placement of walls and hedges should take winter viewscapes into consideration.
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Covered Structures
Outdoor spaces that work in all seasons will allow you to make the most of your yard. A covered outdoor kitchen with strategically placed wind barriers makes barbecuing all year long a possibility. An outdoor hot tub is even more luxurious when it’s protected from the elements. Incorporating heated tiles will keep snow from accumulating on the walkway and surrounding areas, and they feel great on bare feet. Although a pergola will not offer much protection from the elements in the winter, it will create a striking look when the snow falls. Alternatively, have a winter cover designed to convert your pergola into a covered area in the winter.
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Lighting
Short winter days mean that your yard is barely visible for most of the season. Brighten your winter landscape and add warmth with outdoor lighting. Uplighting on trees and hardscape elements will create beautiful focal points, while path lighting will allow for safe passage on snowy walkways. Snow accumulation should be taken into consideration when placing lights to ensure they don’t get buried over the winter. String lighting in trees creates a beautiful effect that is even more striking in the winter.
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The Front Yard
Extra planning should go into the front of your home when snow is a factor. Material selection should take into account the wear and tear of shovels and plows. Uneven surfaces like cobblestone or flagstone are likely to be damaged under such conditions. Heated pathways and driveways are an excellent option to eliminate the hassle and damages from shoveling and plowing.
Driveways should also be wide enough to allow a plow to pass. Elements such as light posts and gates should be placed safely away from the edge of the driveway to avoid damage from snow removal vehicles. Keep small plantings clear of areas where large amounts of snow accumulate to prevent them from being crushed over the winter.
Image courtesy of Unilock.