Essential Winter Landscaping Maintenance for Midwest Homeowners

Barrow Landscapes
Nov 30
4 min read

Updated: 2 minutes ago

Winter in the Midwest can be beautiful — but it can also be tough on your landscape. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and constant freeze–thaw cycles make proper winter maintenance essential for protecting your yard, driveway, and hardscapes. With the right preparation and careful attention throughout the season, you can prevent costly damage and ensure your outdoor spaces are ready to thrive come spring.

Here are some tips for a comprehensive guide to winter landscaping maintenance specifically tailored for Midwest homeowners.

Snow Plowing Done Right: Protecting Your Driveway & Hardscapes

Snow removal is a necessity in the Midwest, but improper plowing can lead to cracks, chips, and long-term damage to your hard surfaces. Tips for safe, effective plowing:

Use the right equipment: Rubber blades or skid shoes can help reduce scraping on concrete and pavers.
Avoid stacking snow on landscaping: Piling snow on top of shrubs or planting beds can cause breakage or suffocation.
Watch your edges: Driveways and paver walkways can shift if plows scrape too close to the borders.
Salt carefully: Too much salt can stain, erode, or kill surrounding grass and plantings; choose pet- and plant-safe alternatives when possible.

Proper snow removal preserves the longevity of your driveway, sidewalks, and outdoor surfaces.

Staking Your Driveway and Pathways: Prevent Winter Damage

Driveway and walkway staking might seem like a small task, but it's one of the most important winter prep steps in the Midwest. Why staking matters:

Protects your lawn and landscaping from accidental plow or snowblower damage.
Prevents plowing over edges, which can crack concrete or shift pavers.
Provides visibility during heavy snowfall and nighttime storms.

Place stakes 8–12 inches from the edge of driveways, sidewalks, and planting beds, and ensure they’re tall enough to remain visible after major snowfalls. Better yet let your local landscaper do the staking for you!

Winter Pruning: Protect Trees and Shrubs

Snow and ice can quickly weigh down branches, causing breakage that harms both the plant and your property.

Midwest winter pruning essentials:

Remove dead or weak branches before storms hit.
Trim damaged limbs as soon as possible to prevent disease.
Avoid heavy pruning of spring-blooming shrubs until after they flower.

Proper winter pruning keeps your landscaping healthy, safe, and resilient.

Protecting Plants from Harsh Midwest Conditions

Freezing temperatures, windburn, and snow buildup can stress even the hardiest Midwest plants. Help your landscape survive winter:

Wrap sensitive shrubs (like boxwoods or arborvitae) in burlap.
Mulch around plant bases to regulate soil temperature.
Avoid walking on frozen grass, which can damage roots and create bare patches.
Clear heavy snow from evergreens by brushing upward to avoid breaking branches.

Small efforts now make a big difference when spring arrives.

Keep Walkways Safe — Without Damaging Your Landscape

Ice melt products can be helpful, but using the wrong kind can harm turf, corrode concrete, and damage plantings. Use de-icers wisely:

Choose calcium magnesium acetate or pet-safe products when possible.
Avoid piling treated snow onto lawns or garden beds.
Sweep excess salt off surfaces to prevent runoff damage.
A safe walkway shouldn’t come at the cost of your landscape’s health.

Don’t Forget Winter Hardscape Care

Retaining walls, patios, and stone features need attention too. Keep your hardscapes in good condition:

Inspect walls for shifting or cracks before heavy snowfall.
Clear snow from patios to prevent ice buildup.
Avoid using metal shovels on pavers to reduce scratching.

Taking care of your hardscapes now ensures they remain strong and beautiful year-round.

Lean on Local Professionals to Keep Your Property Protected

Midwest winters can be unpredictable — but you don’t have to manage it all alone.

Professional landscaping teams can assist with:

Snow plowing & de-icing
Driveway staking
Winter pruning
Storm damage cleanup
Hardscape protection
Seasonal maintenance plans

Their expertise helps prevent damage and keeps your property safe and well-maintained all season long.

Prepare Your Midwest Property for a Safe, Beautiful Winter

With proper maintenance and a little planning, you can protect your landscape from the harsh Midwest winter and keep your property looking great no matter the weather. From smart snow removal to plant protection and driveway care, these seasonal steps go a long way toward preserving your investment.

If you need help preparing your property or managing winter upkeep, our team is here to support you all season long.

Contact us today for winter maintenance services and stay ahead of the Midwest weather!

Need landscaping maintenance for the Winter season?

Barrow Landscapes’ team specializes in Winter maintenance and landscapes so that you can enjoy your outdoor space during those colder days of Winter. Leave it to the professionals while you stay indoors and warm by the fireplace.

Barrow Landscapes services Metamora, Germantown Hills, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton and surrounding areas. Contact Barrow Landscapes for all your landscaping needs.

Barrow Landscapes offers Hardscapes including Paver Walkways, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios to Softscapes including landscape plantings, lawn install and repair, and privacy plantings. Barrow Landscapes also offers landscape lighting and 2D and 3D landscape designs so their clients’ can visualize their dream landscapes with unparalleled clarity and confidence, making informed decisions bringing outdoor visions to life.