How Snow and Ice Impact Your Landscape

The Hidden Effects of Snow and Ice on Outdoor Spaces

Winter brings a quiet beauty to outdoor spaces, but snow and ice can also place significant stress on your landscape. From lawns and plants to hardscapes and drainage systems, cold-weather conditions can cause damage that isn’t always visible until spring arrives.

At Ambrosio Landscape Solutions, we help homeowners throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties protect their outdoor environments with year-round property maintenance. Understanding how snow and ice affect your landscape is the first step in preventing long-term issues and costly repairs.

The Effects of Snow and Ice on Lawns

Heavy snow can compress grass blades and soil, limiting airflow and oxygen. When snow sits for extended periods, it can lead to mold growth and weakened turf once temperatures rise.

Foot traffic on frozen or snow-covered lawns can also damage grass crowns, leading to thinning and bare patches in spring.

Plant & Shrub Damage from Snow Accumulation

Snow and ice buildup on trees and shrubs can weigh down branches, causing them to bend or break. Evergreens are especially vulnerable due to their structure and year-round foliage.

Repeated freezing and thawing can also push plants out of the soil, exposing roots and leaving them vulnerable to cold damage.

Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Hardscape Damage

One of the biggest winter threats to patios, walkways, driveways, and retaining walls is the freeze–thaw cycle. Water seeps into small cracks and joints, freezes, expands, and then thaws, gradually widening cracks and shifting materials.

Over time, this process can lead to uneven surfaces, loose pavers, and structural issues if not addressed.

Drainage Problems Caused by Ice and Snowmelt

Melting snow and ice create excess moisture that must drain properly to avoid pooling and erosion. Poor drainage can cause water to collect near foundations, wash away soil, or refreeze overnight, increasing the risk of damage and safety hazards.

Proper grading and drainage systems are essential to protecting your landscape during the winter months.

Salt & De-Icer Damage

While salt and ice-melting products help keep surfaces safe, they can harm surrounding grass, plants, and soil. Salt buildup can dehydrate plants, burn foliage, and disrupt soil health—leading to poor growth in spring.

Using landscape-safe products and applying them carefully can help reduce damage.

Year-Round Property Care With Ambrosio Landscape Solutions

Winter damage often goes unnoticed until warmer weather reveals the effects. Partnering with a full-service landscape company ensures your property is monitored, maintained, and protected year-round.

At Ambrosio Landscape Solutions, we provide comprehensive landscape design, construction, and property maintenance services to keep your outdoor environment healthy and resilient, no matter the weather.

Contact Ambrosio Landscape Solutions to learn more about winter property maintenance and how we can help protect your landscape all year long.