Most homeowners overlook seasonal patio prep, but you can protect your outdoor space by tackling seven expert tasks recommended by Smith Brothers Services, Smith Brothers Landscape, Smith Brothers Tree Services: seal surfaces, store cushions, cover furniture, clear gutters and drains, trim overhanging branches, winterize irrigation, and inspect lighting to prevent damage and reduce spring maintenance.
Stop by and see us in person!
We’re always happy to welcome you during regular business hours.
📍 28W563 Roosevelt Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
📞 (630) 934-1369 | (630) 917-2060
📧 smithbrotherslandscape.com
Assessing Your Patio Space
Survey your layout for drainage low spots, sun exposure and storage needs, marking areas where snow will pile or water pools. Note hardscaping types-concrete, pavers, wood-and flag any slopes under 1/8″ per foot that could trap melt; if you prefer a pro review, consider Smith Brothers Services or Smith Brothers Landscape.
Clearing Debris
Start by removing leaves, pine needles and seed pods within 48 hours after storms to prevent staining and mold; rake or blow toward a compost area, then sweep into bins. Move plant pots and outdoor rugs indoors or onto a raised pallet to avoid trapped moisture. For overhanging branches and heavy brush, call Smith Brothers Tree Services to reduce debris and limit winter damage.
Inspecting for Damage
Scan pavers and concrete for hairline cracks, then flag any fissures wider than 1/4″ for repair; inspect wooden decking for soft spots or spikes of rot and test railings for wobble. Check metal furniture and fixtures for rust and loose fasteners, and verify gutters discharge at least 3-4 ft from the foundation to prevent freeze-thaw intrusion.
Use a 4-foot level or straightedge to confirm surface slope and a screwdriver to probe suspect wood-soft, crumbly material signals decay. Take photos of cracks and measure widths; if mortar joints exceed 1/4″ gaps or you detect structural settling, schedule a professional assessment from Smith Brothers Services or Smith Brothers Landscape, who can provide quantified repair estimates and timelines.
Furniture Maintenance
Cleaning and Storing
You should hose frames, scrub wood and composite with warm water and mild detergent (about 1 tbsp per gallon), and spot-test a 1:10 bleach solution for stubborn mildew on cushions. Remove fabric covers, dry them 24 hours in sunlight, then store cushions in breathable bags or sealed plastic tubs elevated on pallets to prevent ground moisture. Stack chairs and label bins by set for quick spring reassembly; for full-season storage or deep-clean services, contact Smith Brothers Services, Smith Brothers Landscape, Smith Brothers Tree Services.
Weatherproofing Solutions
You should invest in breathable, UV-resistant covers-300-denier polyester with a waterproof coating and ventilation flaps-and secure them with adjustable straps to stop wind lift. Measure L×W×H and add 6 inches to ensure a snug fit, apply teak oil in 1-2 coats for hardwoods (allow 24 hours drying), and treat steel with a rust inhibitor spray on exposed seams. For fitted awnings or pergolas, consult Smith Brothers Services for professional installation.
For more protection, measure each piece before ordering covers and use buckled straps or shock cords to keep them tight; store cushions in sealed bins with 100-200 g silica-gel packs to limit moisture. Treat wicker with a soft brush and a UV-protectant spray, wax powder-coated aluminum twice yearly with car wax, and replace interior foam with quick-dry alternatives where possible. If you want permanent shade or a covered storage area, Smith Brothers Landscape, Smith Brothers Tree Services can design and install solutions tailored to your patio.
Plants and Landscaping
Protecting Potted Plants
When temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C), move tender pots into a garage, cold frame, or against a south-facing wall; hardy pots can be grouped and wrapped with frost cloth or bubble wrap to trap heat. Water containers thoroughly before a freeze to insulate roots, elevate pots on feet to avoid standing water, and reduce feeding after October. If you want a professional winter plan, contact Smith Brothers Services for site-specific advice.
Preparing the Garden Beds
Clear diseased foliage, rake out thick leaf litter, then apply 2-4 inches of shredded bark or leaf mulch to sloping beds to prevent erosion and conserve moisture; add a ½-inch top dressing of compost to boost microbes. Plant spring bulbs at 2-3 times their height (tulips 6-8 inches), cut perennials back to 4-6 inches where appropriate, and consult Smith Brothers Landscape, for tailored bed-prep schedules.
Test compacted or clay soils and amend with 1-2 inches of compost plus coarse sand or grit to improve drainage; install temporary row covers over newly planted areas when frosts threaten. Edge beds to stop lawn thatch from migrating, remove invasive runners, and call Smith Brothers Tree Services if roots from nearby trees are crowding beds or impacting soil moisture.
Patio Heating Solutions
You can extend your outdoor season with targeted heating: electric infrared for intimate seating, propane mushroom heaters for larger gatherings, or hardwired gas for built-in terraces. Choose units based on patio size, wind exposure and proximity to trees – consult Smith Brothers Services, Smith Brothers Landscape and Smith Brothers Tree Services for site-specific placement.
Choosing the Right Heater
Match output to area: electric infrared units (1,500-3,000W) work well for 50-150 sq ft, while commercial propane towers (20,000-40,000 BTU) typically cover 150-200 sq ft. Consider fuel availability, runtime and operating cost – a 40,000-BTU propane unit often warms a standard 12×12 seating area comfortably and runs several hours on a 20 lb tank; you should also weigh portability versus permanent installation.
Safe Setup and Usage
Keep at least 36 inches clearance from combustibles and overheads, mount heaters on level, stable surfaces, and use GFCI-protected outdoor circuits for electric units. If you use propane, secure tanks upright, test fittings with soapy water for leaks, and never operate heaters in fully enclosed spaces; you should shut units off when unattended and store fuel away from the patio.
Inspect fittings and hoses annually and replace any component showing cracks, rust or chafing; regulators generally perform well for about 10 years, but replace sooner if damaged. Fasten freestanding heaters to their base or use concrete pavers in windy spots, and keep a 3-6 ft clear zone around heat sources to prevent accidental contact. For hardwired or gas-line installations hire a certified technician – Smith Brothers Services can perform installs and safety checks – and install a CO detector within 10 ft of patios that are semi-enclosed to monitor air quality.
Preparing for Snow and Ice
You should stock ice melt, a durable shovel and a snow blower service plan before the first freeze; if you get 2-3 inches or more, clear promptly to stop pack and freeze cycles that stain pavers or lift joints. Use tarps on furniture and move planters off flat surfaces. For larger jobs, call Smith Brothers Services to schedule preventative visits and have Smith Brothers Tree Services trim overhanging limbs that could snap under snow load.
Ice Melt Products
Choose ice melt based on surface and temperature: calcium chloride works in very cold conditions (down to about -25°F), magnesium chloride is gentler on plants and masonry, and plain rock salt can corrode metal and pavers. Apply sparingly – a thin even layer often outperforms heavy coverage – and test a small area on sealed pavers. Smith Brothers Landscape, can advise blends that balance effectiveness with material safety for your patio.
Snow Removal Techniques
You should push fresh snow off patios instead of lifting when possible, using a plastic-blade shovel to avoid scraping stone or decking; remove snow after every 2 inches to prevent compaction. For larger areas, set a snow blower skid shoe to the correct height and clear in strips, moving snow away from foundations. If trees hang over the patio, coordinate with Smith Brothers Tree Services so limbs are safe while you work.
For more detail, start by creating a 3-foot primary path from door to driveway and then clear adjacent zones; angle the shovel to toss snow downhill and alternate directions each pass to reduce surface wear. Use a roof rake for deck edges to prevent runoff that refreezes on the patio, and apply a pet-safe ice melt only after removal. When snowfall exceeds 6 inches or becomes wet and heavy, hire professionals to avoid injury and surface damage.
Conclusion
As a reminder, you should complete the seven winter prep tasks to protect your patio, from furniture storage and sealant application to gutter checks and tree trimming; if you need professional help, contact Smith Brothers Services, specialists including Smith Brothers Landscape, and Smith Brothers Tree Services to ensure your outdoor space is ready for cold weather.
Visit us anytime during business hours — we’d love to see you!
📍 28W563 Roosevelt Rd, Winfield, IL 60190
📞 (630) 934-1369 | (630) 917-2060
📧 smithbrotherslandscape.com
