Hard Landscaping in Winter: What Can (and Can't) Be Done in the Cold Months

Winter Doesn't Mean Downing Tools

There's a common assumption that all landscaping stops from November to March. While it's true that some jobs are better suited to warmer, drier conditions, plenty of hard landscaping work can carry on right through winter — and in some cases, it's actually the best time to get it done.

What Can Be Done in Winter

Fencing

Fencing is one of the most common winter jobs we do. Posts can be set in postcrete or concrete even in cold weather, and panel installation isn't affected by temperature. If a storm has damaged your fencing, there's no reason to wait until spring to replace it — your garden is exposed to more storms in the meantime.

Groundwork and Drainage

Winter is actually a useful time to spot drainage problems because you can see exactly where water collects. Installing land drains or digging drainage channels can often be done in winter, as long as the ground isn't frozen solid. If you've got areas that turn into ponds every year, it's worth getting them looked at while the problem is visible.

Demolition and Clearance

Ripping out an old patio, removing a shed, or clearing overgrown areas — none of this depends on warm weather. Getting the clearance done now means your site is ready for construction as soon as spring arrives, putting you weeks ahead.

Raised Beds and Retaining Walls

Sleeper beds, brick raised beds, and small retaining walls can all be built through winter. The mortar needs to be protected from frost overnight, but an experienced landscaper will manage this without any issues. Getting these built now means they're ready to fill and plant in spring.

What's Better Left Until Spring

Patios and Driveways

Laying a patio or driveway involves mortar, pointing, and sometimes concrete sub-bases — all of which can be damaged by frost before they've had time to set. While it's possible during milder winter spells, most landscapers (us included) prefer to wait for more reliably dry conditions to get the best finish.

Turfing

Turfing is generally best left until late February at the earliest. The roots won't establish until the soil warms up, and there's a higher risk of the turf sitting in waterlogged ground and failing. It's worth the wait to give it the best chance of taking properly.

Planting

While bare-root hedging and trees can be planted through winter, most soft landscaping is best done in spring or autumn when the soil is warm and moist. Container-grown plants can go in year-round in theory, but they'll establish much better with warmer soil.

The Advantage of Planning Now

Even if your project needs to wait for better weather, getting a quote and booking in over winter means you're ready to go as soon as conditions allow. We get busy from March onwards, so it's worth getting things lined up early. We're happy to visit for a free site assessment at any time of year.

Get in Touch

Got a project in mind? Whether it's fencing that needs doing now or a patio you'd like to plan for spring, contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. We cover all of Northamptonshire.