How to Protect Your Outdoor Spaces in Winter: Preparing Balconies, Gardens, and Terraces

If you’re planning to sell or rent your property, a well-maintained outdoor area during winter leaves a positive first impression on visitors, even in the colder months! Here are our tips to preserve your outdoor spaces and keep them in great condition until the warmer days return:

1. Protect your Outdoor Furniture

Storage and Covers

• Store what you can: Foldable furniture, cushions, and other textile accessories should be kept in a dry place, such as a garage or garden shed.
• Cover furniture left outside: Use waterproof covers to shield tables, chairs, and other non-removable items. Make sure the covers are securely fastened to withstand the wind.

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean before winter: Remove dirt, moss, and residues that could damage your furniture.
• Apply protective treatments: Use a protective oil for wooden furniture or an anti-corrosion product for metal pieces to extend their lifespan.

2. Care for your Plants

Potted Plants

• Bring sensitive plants indoors: Tropical or fragile plants should be moved to a sheltered area, such as a conservatory or near a sunny window.
• Insulate pots left outside: Wrap them with bubble wrap or frost protection fleece to prevent roots from freezing.

Flower Beds and Gardens

• Add mulch: A layer of organic mulch protects the roots of perennial plants and minimizes temperature fluctuations.
• Prune and tidy up: Remove dead branches and gather fallen leaves to prevent diseases.

3. Protect your Surfaces

Balconies and Terraces

• Clean the surfaces: Remove dead leaves and dirt to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or slippery surfaces.
• Apply a waterproofing treatment: For wooden or stone surfaces, this helps prevent water infiltration and reduces the risk of cracks caused by freezing temperatures.

Paths and Walkways

• Avoid corrosive products: Use sand or gravel for de-icing paths instead of salt, which can damage surfaces and harm nearby plants.

Protecting your outdoor spaces in winter takes some effort, but it’s well worth it. Not only will you extend their lifespan, but you’ll also have an outdoor area ready to enjoy as soon as the first spring sunshine arrives!