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Winter-Ready Yard Checklist
Protect your Boise home from freeze-thaw damage. Use this printable checklist to inspect and prepare your property before winter hits the Treasure Valley.
Drainage & Grading
- ☐Walk your yard after rain — note any standing water or soggy patches
- ☐Check that yard slopes away from the foundation (min. 6" drop over 10 ft)
- ☐Clear debris from French drain outlets and catch basins
- ☐Inspect downspout extensions — water should discharge 4-6 ft from the house
- ☐Look for erosion channels along foundations, walkways, and driveways
- ☐Test sump pump operation — pour a bucket of water into the pit
Foundation & Exterior
- ☐Inspect foundation walls for new cracks (inside & outside)
- ☐Photograph any existing cracks to track changes over winter
- ☐Check basement or crawl space for moisture, stains, or efflorescence
- ☐Seal small cracks in foundation walls with hydraulic cement
- ☐Ensure window wells have covers and proper drainage
- ☐Confirm exterior caulking around windows and doors is intact
Gutters & Downspouts
- ☐Clean all gutters and remove leaves, needles, and grit
- ☐Check for sagging sections — resecure with gutter hangers
- ☐Flush downspouts with a hose to confirm free flow
- ☐Install gutter guards if you have heavy tree cover
- ☐Extend downspouts to discharge away from foundation
- ☐Inspect gutter seams and end caps for leaks
Crawl Space & Basement
- ☐Check vapor barrier for tears, gaps, or displacement
- ☐Inspect insulation for moisture damage or sagging
- ☐Verify crawl space vents are functional (or sealed for encapsulated spaces)
- ☐Look for signs of mold, mildew, or musty odors
- ☐Confirm dehumidifier is running and draining properly
- ☐Test backup battery on sump pump if equipped
Irrigation & Outdoor Plumbing
- ☐Blow out and winterize sprinkler system before first freeze
- ☐Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets
- ☐Install insulated covers on hose bibs
- ☐Shut off and drain exterior water lines if possible
- ☐Mark sprinkler heads to avoid snow plow damage
Landscape & Hardscape
- ☐Trim tree branches hanging over the roof or gutters
- ☐Remove dead plants and debris that trap moisture near the foundation
- ☐Check retaining walls for leaning, cracking, or bulging
- ☐Fill and compact any low spots in the yard that could pool water
- ☐Apply winter mulch to garden beds (2-3" layer)
- ☐Inspect driveway and walkway for heaving or new cracks
💡 Pro Tip from Idaho Drainage Solutions
The most common winter drainage failures in the Treasure Valley come from clogged French drain outlets and improper grading near foundations. If you find standing water within 3 feet of your home, that's a problem that should be addressed before the first hard freeze — typically mid-November in Boise.
Need Help With Any of These Items?
Our team handles drainage, foundation, crawl space, and grading projects across the Treasure Valley.