When the ground has been locked under ice and snow for several weeks, the damage doesn’t always show up right away. As temperatures begin to fluctuate and thaw cycles start, small issues can quickly turn into bigger, more expensive problems if they go unnoticed. Taking a few minutes to walk your property and look for early warning signs can help protect your lawn, hardscapes, and drainage areas as winter loosens its grip.
1. Soft, Spongy Lawn Areas
Prolonged snow cover can trap moisture against the turf, leading to saturated soil and weakened root systems. As things thaw, you may notice areas that feel unusually soft or muddy underfoot.
DIY What You Can Do: Limit foot traffic and avoid placing heavy items on soft areas. Once the ground firms up, lightly rake matted grass to improve airflow. If areas stay soggy, check for compacted soil and gently aerate in spring to improve drainage.
2. Shifting Pavers, Steps, and Walkways
Freeze–thaw cycles can cause hardscape elements to heave, settle, or separate slightly, creating trip hazards and allowing water into the base.
DIY What You Can Do: Brush polymeric sand back into small gaps and sweep away debris. If a paver is slightly uneven, you can gently tap it back into place with a rubber mallet once the base dries out. Avoid power washing until everything fully settles.
3. Cracks in Masonry and Mortar Joints
Moisture that seeps into tiny cracks expands when frozen, causing cracks to widen during thawing.
DIY What You Can Do: Clean loose debris from small cracks and apply masonry crack filler or exterior-grade sealant on dry days. Avoid patching when temperatures are near freezing. Keep water from entering cracks by clearing nearby downspouts and splash zones.
4. Pooling Water & Drainage Issues
Blocked drainage paths can cause water to collect near foundations and walkways, increasing erosion and settlement risks.
DIY What You Can Do: Clear ice, leaves, and debris from drains, catch basins, and low spots. Redirect downspouts away from the foundation using extensions. Gently shovel channels through snow piles to allow meltwater to flow away from structures.
5. Heaved Edges Along Driveways & Borders
Driveway edges and stone borders are especially vulnerable to frost heave and shifting.
DIY What You Can Do: Mark lifted edges so you remember to address them once the ground fully thaws. Avoid driving or placing heavy loads on raised edges. In spring, reset minor lifted stones by re-leveling the base and compacting the soil beneath.
Why Early Awareness Matters
Most winter-related property damage doesn’t happen all at once — it builds slowly beneath the surface. Noticing subtle changes after extended ice and snow coverage helps prevent small issues from turning into major repairs once the ground fully thaws. A quick seasonal check can go a long way in preserving your landscape, masonry, and overall property condition.