Winter in Heber is beautiful—but tough on your landscape. Between heavy snowfall, freezing nights, and dry air, your yard can take a serious beating if it’s not prepared. Knowing the signs of frost and weather damage early can save you time, money, and springtime frustration.
1. Cracked or Heaved Soil
When moisture in the ground freezes, it expands and pushes the soil upward. This is known as frost heaving, and it can damage plant roots, dislodge pavers, and affect retaining walls.
2. Burnt Grass Tips
If your lawn has pale, straw-colored tips or patchy brown areas, it could be a result of winter burn—caused by dehydration from wind and frozen soil. Grass may look dead but can often recover with spring care.
3. Broken Branches and Shrubs
Heavy snow and ice buildup can snap tree limbs or flatten shrubs. If your plants look crushed or have visible cracks in the wood, they may need pruning or replacement.
4. Dead Spots Near Walkways and Driveways
Salt used to de-ice walkways can leach into the soil and kill grass or plants. These spots usually appear around the edges of concrete or asphalt.
5. Crown Damage on Perennials
The crown—the part of the plant just above the roots—is vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles. If your perennials aren’t sprouting back in spring, their crowns may have been damaged by frost.
6. Frost Cracks on Hardscaping
Even stone features aren’t immune. If you notice cracks in decorative rock, retaining walls, or patios, repeated expansion and contraction due to temperature swings is the likely cause.
How to Prevent Future Weather Damage
- Use mulch to insulate plants and soil
- Prune trees in fall to reduce breakage risk
- Avoid salt-based de-icers near garden beds
- Install proper drainage to prevent soil saturation and freezing
- Choose cold-hardy plant varieties for Heber’s zone
Protect What You’ve Planted
At Heber Landscaping, we help you prepare your yard for the extremes of Utah’s seasons. Whether you’re winterizing in fall or assessing damage in spring, our team is here to help with smart seasonal planning.
Book a seasonal yard inspection and give your landscape the protection it deserves.