A garden is our own little slice of nature, one to curate and care for at our own preference. However, it’s true that any garden still belongs to the wider rules of Mother Nature, and sometimes, she can be quite fickle. If not cared for and managed, unpredictable issues can take place.
Sure, you probably accept the odd molehill on your turf, as well as the odd intrusive animal wherever you live (though we’re guessing a deer is much more preferable to a bear or mountain lion as some have to deal with). That being said, if you’re not careful, a lackadaisical attitude can let threats fester.
During most of the year, this isn’t much of a problem. If your overgrown hedge isn’t impeding anyone and you see little baby birds nesting there, well, perhaps you’re quite happy to leave it for now. But in the winter when the birds have moved on? Odds are the sharp branches and spikes could harm someone who fell and slipped into it.
That’s why as we move into the winter, we’d recommend you take a look at the following possible dangers:
Slippery Surfaces
As we all know, any surface in your garden that collects moisture can quickly turn into a skating rink, which is a hazard you really need to avoid. We’ve all slipped and laughed at ourselves after, but it’s never fun to do so and it can cause real injuries, especially if you have older relatives living with you (or visiting). This is especially true for wooden decks, stone patios, and paved pathways that aren’t completely flat, as a light layer of dew or a small patch of melting snow can freeze overnight, and sometimes, you can’t see the slip surface.
You should make sure these areas are kept as clear as possible from leaves and debris too, as trapped moisture under the foliage can easily increase the chance of ice forming. We’d suggest keeping a ready supply of rock salt or an ice melting product near the most used doorway and sprinkle that generously if you’re at all suspicious of a slip risk. Better safe than sorry.
Steep Driveways
A sloped driveway follows on from our last point. You might be a pro at pulling out from it now despite being worried to begin with, yet when the icy weather comes, the risk factor increases dramatically. Ice or packed snow on an incline can make walking incredibly hazardous and cause you to slip, fall and slide, perhaps into an icy road where cars already have a tough time stopping. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
You need to plan ahead for how the traction on the surface will be cared for. As per our prior point, spreading a good amount of salt or sand early is a helpful measure that should be followed no matter what, arguably even if it’s just a bit cold. For very steep slopes, it might be worth investigating heated mats or more capable paving that helps prevent ice from bonding to the surface.
Icicles
While large, hanging icicles can look quite beautiful and dramatic, they are a sign of improper roof insulation and ventilation, and they pose a significant physical threat. These heavy spears of ice can become dislodged by sun, wind, or simply gravity, and when they fall from a height, they can cause serious injury to anyone standing or walking underneath them.
You should never try to knock down large icicles yourself, as this can be incredibly dangerous and might damage your gutters or roof. If they are a recurring issue every winter, the root cause needs to be addressed, likely by improving the attic insulation to keep the roof’s temperature even. Until then, any area directly under large icicles should be taped off and considered a restricted zone.
Poor Lighting
The amount of time people are moving around outside your home in the dark might not matter to you if you’re used to it, but if your garden lighting is faulty, too dim, or doesn’t even work, then steps, uneven pavement, or toys left in the garden can be easy trip hazards. Good lighting (sometimes motion sensitive) is always worth the investment for preventing accidents during the evening hours, and it can put off thieves too.
You should check all your existing outdoor lights to make sure they’re working correctly and haven’t been obscured by overgrown plants at the same time. You can also add slight garden lights to help people know there’s a wall there, or to guide a new visitor into your driveway. It means you’re less likely to have your wall bumped into. A well lit garden is a much safer garden, and it makes coming home after dark much more secure.
Unsecured Furniture
Outdoor furniture is usually safe and sturdy in the summer months if it’s in good condition, but even then, it can turn into a projectile when strong winter winds come a’blowing..
This especially goes for any lightweight plastic chairs, trampolines, and large planters you have, as it usually only takes one gust to throw that at mach speed at the most inconvenient thing (or person) possible. All items that aren’t firmly anchored should be put away or secured in your garden shed, or at least tied down with tarpaulin and safety braces.
Brittle, Weakened Trees
Even if they’re strong and even if trees are somewhat known for having long, impressive lifespans (perhaps you boast a tree or two with over a century of life in your garden), winter weather can still be incredibly hard on them.
That’s because freezing temperatures and heavy snow or ice can place immense stress on branches that may already be weak from disease or rot. This means a severe storm can cause a brittle branch or even the entire tree to fail and come crashing down, which is one of the most serious dangers a homeowner faces.
You should have the health of your large trees assessed by an tree surgeon (or arborist, as they’re officially known) before the cold season truly sets in. They’ve seen it all, and can spot in two minutes any dead or weakened limbs that are likely to break under the weight of ice.
If a tree is deemed to be a possible problem, taking the step of organizing tree removal is the only way to ensure the safety of your home and your family during the worst of the winter weather. The truth is, you could be saving property damage, but you could also be saving a life. It’s that important.
With this advice, we hope you can avoid the six most common garden area threats.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
