Get your property ready for freezing temperatures with these fall landscaping tips.
Michigan winters are hard on landscapes. Snow, ice, fluctuating temperatures, and spring thaw all put stress on soil, plants, driveways, and walkways.
The good news? A few preventative steps this fall can help protect your property and make spring cleanup easier.
What Is Frost Heave?
Frost heave happens when moisture in the soil freezes and expands, pushing the ground upward. In West Michigan, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can disturb plant roots, shift landscape edging, and crack or lift walkways and driveways.
No material can completely prevent frost heave, but good drainage, proper mulching, and a well-built base can help minimize the damage.
4 Ways to Prepare Your Landscape for Winter
1. Protect Perennials and Garden Beds
Many perennial plants benefit from winter protection, particularly during periods of fluctuating temperatures.
Once the ground begins to freeze, apply an appropriate layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, around your perennial beds. This helps moderate soil temperature changes and can reduce the repeated freezing and thawing that may disturb shallow roots.
Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems or tree trunks, and follow recommendations specific to the plants in your garden.
2. Address Drainage Problems Before Winter
Standing water can create problems when temperatures drop. Poor drainage can contribute to saturated soil, icy surfaces, and conditions that increase the risk of frost heave.
Depending on your property’s needs, properly selected aggregates can be used in drainage installations, gravel pathways, and other landscaping applications. Crushed stone and other aggregates may provide a stable base or drainage layer when installed with the appropriate grading, depth, and underlying materials.
If you have areas where water regularly collects, fall is a good time to assess the problem and plan improvements.
3. Repair Gravel Driveways and Walkways
Winter weather can be hard on gravel driveways, parking areas, and pathways. Water infiltration, vehicle traffic, and freeze-thaw cycles can contribute to ruts, uneven surfaces, and material displacement.
Before winter arrives, consider:
- Filling potholes and low spots
- Regrading uneven gravel surfaces
- Addressing drainage issues
- Adding suitable aggregate where additional material is needed
For some projects, crushed stone or recycled crushed asphalt may be appropriate, depending on the desired surface, existing base, drainage conditions, and intended use.
Taking care of these repairs in the fall can help you avoid dealing with preventable surface issues when spring arrives.
4. Choose the Right Aggregate for Your Project
Not every aggregate is designed for the same application. Selecting the right material is important for achieving the desired performance and appearance.
Here are a few considerations when planning your next project:
- Road gravel: Commonly used for driveway and access-road applications, depending on the product’s specifications.
- Crushed stone: Used for a variety of base, construction, and drainage applications when the appropriate size and gradation are selected.
- Recycled crushed asphalt: Often used for driveway and other suitable surface applications.
The best material depends on your project’s purpose, site conditions, and installation requirements. Aggregate should not automatically be used as a substitute for organic mulch around perennials.
Not sure which aggregate you need? Read our guide, Which Aggregate Do I Need?, or give our team a call. We’ll help you explore material options for your project.
Get Your Property Ready for Winter with Crossroads Property Services
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor spaces before freezing temperatures arrive. Whether you’re refreshing a gravel driveway, improving drainage, or planning a landscape project, choosing appropriate materials and addressing problem areas early can help you start the next season on the right foot.
Crossroads Property Services serves Grand Haven, Spring Lake, West Olive, Norton Shores, and surrounding West Michigan communities with aggregate materials for a variety of residential and commercial projects.
Ready to get started?
Call Crossroads Property Services at (616) 844-9996 to ask about gravel, crushed asphalt, and other available aggregate materials.
Crossroads Property Services — helping West Michigan get the materials it needs for outdoor projects, season after season.