Winter snow clearing is essential for keeping your walkways and driveways safe—but it can also put your garden beds at risk. From shovel damage to salt runoff, your landscaping can take a beating if it’s not properly protected.
The good news? With the right preparation and snow-clearing techniques, you can maintain curb appeal, protect your plants, and avoid costly spring repairs.
Here’s how to protect your garden beds all winter long.
Garden beds close to driveways or walkways are prime targets for accidental snow dumping.
Best protective barriers include:
Snow stakes: Inexpensive and easy to install
Low fencing: Wood, vinyl, or metal works well
Raised garden bed edging: Helps define boundaries for shovellers or service crews
Temporary burlap screens: Reduce wind and salt exposure
These barriers prevent accidental shovel strikes and keep plows or compact snow blowers from pushing snow directly into your plants.
Mulch creates a protective layer that:
Insulates plant roots
Reduces soil temperature fluctuations
Helps prevent frost heaving
Minimizes salt infiltration
Aim for 3–4 inches of clean, natural mulch (cedar, pine, or shredded hardwood).
Pro Tip: Avoid mulching too early—wait until the ground is lightly frozen to deter rodents from nesting.
When clearing pathways or driveways, it’s tempting to push snow into open areas—but snow piles can crush dormant plants.
Heavy mounds lead to:
Broken branches
Soil compaction
Delayed spring growth
Mold and ice buildup
Designate a safe snow-dump zone away from your landscaping.
If you hire a snow removal service, make sure they know which areas should be avoided.
Salt is one of the biggest winter threats to garden beds.
Salt exposure can:
Dehydrate plant roots
Alter soil chemistry
Cause browning and dieback in spring
To protect your garden beds:
Use pet-safe, chloride-free ice melts near landscaping
Lay burlap or landscape fabric to block runoff
Build a slight berm of soil or mulch along the edge closest to walkways
If salt contamination occurs, flush the area thoroughly once the ground thaws.
A small mistake with a shovel can cause big damage.
When clearing snow:
Use plastic shovels, not metal
Shovel away from the garden bed
Avoid stabbing downward—use a sweeping motion
Remove loose, fluffy snow gently around plant edges
This reduces the chances of cracking edging, uprooting plants, or scraping bark.
If you have garden beds in windy areas, drifting snow and ice can cause uneven coverage or expose delicate plants.
Consider adding:
Burlap wraps
Wind fencing
Evergreen branches as natural shields
These help maintain stable snow cover, which is actually beneficial insulation for wintering plants.
A trained winter maintenance team can:
Clear snow without damaging landscaping
Use low-impact techniques around gardens
Avoid pushing piles into your yard
Apply safer de-icers when necessary
If you use a professional service like Neighbourhood Heroes, you get crews who understand how to protect your property—not just clear your driveway.
With the right precautions, your garden beds can survive winter snow clearing with no stress, no dieback, and no spring surprises.
Remember:
Create barriers
Mulch adequately
Avoid piling snow
Limit salt exposure
Shovel carefully
Protect from wind
Hire professionals
Taking a little time now will keep your landscaping beautiful and healthy when spring returns.