Getting your garden ready for winter
Winter can arrive quickly in the Highlands, and a little time spent outdoors now will save you a lot of hassle once the frost, wind and snow set in. Whether you have a full garden, a small patio or a shared drying green, these simple steps will help you protect your outdoor space through the colder months.
Secure anything that could blow away
Highland storms can turn garden furniture, trampolines and plant pots into flying hazards. Store what you can in a shed or garage, and tie or weigh down anything that has to stay outside. Keep your wheelie bins tucked against a wall or fence when they are not out for collection.
Turn off and drain outdoor taps
An outdoor tap that freezes can split and leak, sometimes into the walls of your home. If your tap has an isolation valve indoors, turn it off, then open the outside tap to let any remaining water drain away. Disconnect and store your hose and fit a tap cover if you have one.
Clear leaves and garden waste
Wet leaves make paths and steps slippery, and they can block drains and smother your lawn. Rake them up regularly and add them to your compost or brown bin. Highland Council’s last garden waste collection of the year is on Wednesday 11 November, so plan a final tidy before then.
Look after pots and plants
Terracotta and ceramic pots can crack when the soil inside them freezes. Move them close to the house, where it is a little more sheltered, and raise them on bricks or pot feet so water can drain away. Bring delicate plants indoors or onto a bright windowsill.
Give your lawn a rest
Give the grass a final cut on a high setting before the weather turns, then leave it be. Try not to walk on a frosty or waterlogged lawn, as this can damage the grass and leave muddy patches come spring.
Keep paths and steps safe
Ice can catch anyone out. Keep a bag of salt or grit handy for your front path and steps and spread it before a frost rather than after. It is also worth checking where your nearest council grit bin is.
Let us know about any problems
While you are out in the garden, keep an eye out for loose fence panels, damaged gates or overflowing gutters. If you spot anything that needs fixing, report it through the Tenant Portal or if it’s an urgent repair, call us on 01463 251133, and we will arrange for it to be looked at.
A few small jobs now mean a safer, more comfortable winter, and a garden that is ready to enjoy when spring comes round again.