Smart Winter Landscape Design for Toronto Homes

Written By Stephanie LeBlanc

When winter hits in Toronto, our outdoor spaces don’t disappear—they transform. As a landscape designer, I’m always thinking beyond summer patios and spring perennials. I want to help homeowners build landscapes that not only survive but shine in the winter. And that starts with design.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the essentials of winter-ready landscape design, including smart snow storage, windbreaks, drainage, winter interest, and material choices—so your outdoor space is functional, beautiful, and built to last.

Why Winter Landscape Design Matters

Toronto receives around 115 cm of snow annually (Environment Canada), with frequent freeze-thaw cycles that wreak havoc on hardscapes, plants, and lawns. Without proper design, you’ll find yourself dealing with water damage, broken branches, and crushed garden beds.

Thoughtful winter design can:

  • Prevent damage from snow plows and salting

  • Protect delicate plants from heavy snow and salt exposure

  • Direct snow melt away from foundations

  • Add beauty and structure even when everything else is dormant

Snow Management Begins in the Design Phase

Let’s face it: snow is inevitable in Southern Ontario. That means we need to design space for snow storage instead of dumping it on top of perennials or blocking walkways.

Tips for Smart Snow Storage:

  • Leave a buffer zone next to driveways and walks for snow piling.

  • Use hardier plants like red twig dogwood, winterberry, or mugo pine in high-snow zones.

  • Avoid delicate, sprawling perennials near plow paths.

  • Use stakes or markers to guide snow plows and avoid damaging lawn edges or hidden garden features.

For more on protecting your lawn, visit our guide on How to Take Care of Your Lawn in Toronto.

Plant Windbreaks to Control Drifting Snow

Winter wind doesn’t just chill your bones—it shapes your landscape.

Position dense evergreens like spruce, juniper, or cedar on the north and northwest sides of the property. These trees reduce wind velocity and redirect snow drifts. For rural properties, plant in layers:

  • Tallest trees inside

  • Shorter shrubs on the outside

  • Space each row 10–15 feet apart for best coverage

Wrap tender evergreens like yews or columnar cedars in burlap to prevent winter burn.

Drainage and Freeze-Thaw Protection

Winter thaw and spring melt can cause serious frost heaving and waterlogging. That’s why I avoid poured concrete in many projects.

Better Surface Materials for Toronto Winters:

  • Permeable pavers allow water to drain through

  • PurePave is another great 100% permeable option

  • Flagstone set in pea gravel allows for natural movement and prevents cracking

Slope walkways and patios 1–2% away from the home to encourage runoff. Consider incorporating rain gardens or French drains in heavy water areas.

You can explore more drainage-friendly designs in our Backyard Remodels: What to Expect article.

Winter Planting for Structure and Beauty

Winter doesn’t have to mean brown and boring. Strategic plant choices add texture, movement, and color. Keep in mind the architecture and form of trees and shrubs that become snow kissed. A number of Perennials are evergreen such as Pachysandra, Artemisia and Heuchera. Evergreens and broadleaf evergreens like Yew, Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Euonymus, Holly and Boxwood are green year-round and anchor the landscape while deciduous plants are dormant. The peeling bark of the Paperbark Maple, River Birch or the London Plane. A shrub like the Red Twig Dogwood or tree like a Coral Bark Japanese Maple add red all winter long!

My top picks for winter interest:

  • Evergreens: Spruce, pine, and juniper for privacy and snow-capped beauty

  • Colorful stems: Red-twig and yellow-twig dogwoods

  • Architectural trees: Japanese maple, birch, and paperbark maple

  • Grasses: Leave them standing for sound, texture, and frost sparkle

  • Berry producers: Winterberry holly, sea buckthorn, and cotoneaster (bonus: birds love them)

These elements come together to create a winter landscape that looks intentional, not abandoned.

Materials That Stand Up to Winter

Everything in your outdoor space—from furniture to flagstone—needs to withstand Toronto winters.

  • Natural stone is durable, elegant, and ages well.

  • Man-made pavers are versatile and budget-friendly but can shift if the base isn't properly prepped.

  • Composite decking is low maintenance and moisture resistant.

Choose quality materials once, and they’ll save you repair costs later!

Looking to combine structure and shelter? Check out our guide to pergolas for ideas that work year-round.

Final Tips for Winter Landscaping Success

  • Leave garden beds clean but not over-cut—some stems protect roots

  • Mulch perennials after the first frost to lock in soil warmth

  • Wrap young trees in burlap and stake them properly

  • Store tools and clean pots to prevent rust and disease

  • Use salt alternatives like sand or pet-safe de-icers on walkways

Ready to Design for All Seasons?

At Master in the Field Landscape Design, we help Toronto homeowners create outdoor spaces that are just as stunning in January as they are in June. Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an existing yard, we’ll guide you through designs that balance beauty, safety, and long-term value.

Want to see how it all comes together? Browse our Portfolio or contact us to book your consultation.

Sources

Stephanie LeBlanc
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How to Winterize Your Garden in Toronto for a Healthy Spring