L: WINTER OBSERVATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL TO GOOD LANDSCAPE PLANNING: YOU CAN MAKE NOTE OF THE SPACE NEEDED FOR PLOWING AND PILING SNOW. C: A DEEP SNOW LOAD ON YOUR ROOF IS A SIGN OF GOOD INSULATION—BUT YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT A SIGN THAT SAYS, “LOOK OUT BELOW!” R: DAGGERS OF DEATH–DON’T PLACE A WALKWAY UNDERNEATH. PHOTOS BY ERICA BOWMAN.
Winter in cold climates poses a number of landscape hazards and challenges. It is also the perfect time for assessing issues that can be addressed to make your home safer and more comfortable. Erica Bowman, landscape designer at JMMDS, reminds homeowners that not only must garage entrances remain clear (obviously!), but there must also be a place to push and store all that snow until it melts. Walkways need to be carefully considered so as not to put people in range of falling snow and icicles, and there must be positive drainage away from your home’s foundation and off of surfaces such as patios. Read all of Erica’s recommendations here.
