When winter arrives in Nashville, many homeowners may feel like their outdoor spaces are off-limits until the warmer months return. With some thoughtful residential landscaping and the right preparations, your outdoor space can actually be a welcoming and enjoyable retreat during the colder season. We’ll discuss shelter considerations to make your outdoor space comfortable and provide tips on creating a cozy winter oasis. From placing fire pits and quality furniture on a paver patio to adding ambiance with outdoor lights, we’ll help you make the most of your outdoor space, even in the chill.

Understanding Nashville’s Winter Climate

Nashville’s winter climate is relatively mild compared to many other parts of the country. The city experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making it a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor spaces throughout the year. Here are some key aspects of Nashville’s winter weather:

• Average Temperatures: During winter, average high temperatures range from the 40s to low 50s, with lows typically in the 20s to low 30s. This makes landscaping in Nashville easier than harsher climates found in the north.
• Precipitation: Nashville receives a modest amount of precipitation in the winter, primarily in the form of rain. With only occasional light snow, there’s rarely a time when your outdoor space will be unusable.

Features That Make Your Yard Useable All Winter

Landscaping in winter leans more toward hardscaping elements, which are the features you’ll want to consider when it comes to being outside comfortably in colder temperatures. Having a shelter to protect from rain and snowfall, an element to warm you such as a fire pit, a well-crafted surface to put out furniture, and landscaping to elevate the view are all key points.

• Shelter: The goal is to put up a cover that can protect you from the elements all year, including snow or rain in winter and sun in summer. By investing in an option that can withstand all seasons, you get excellent value from your choice. Pergolas with retractable covers provide shade and shelter since you can extend the cover during rain or cold spells and retract it during sunnier days. Gazebos offer an attractive, standalone shelter option that can be customized with curtains or screens for added protection. Retractable awnings allow you to control sun and rain exposure. Some models even include integrated heating elements.
• Outdoor Fireplaces: An outdoor fireplace or fire pit can keep your outdoor space warm and cozy, even on chilly nights. The key is crafting one the right size to accommodate how many people are typically spending time with you and building it securely so that it is safe as well as within regulation. Many cities have requirements for how far from the house it has to be. Outdoor fire pits need to be laid correctly so that the flame element works and the structure is stable, which is why many hire professional hardscaping contractors to build them.
• Surfacing: A paver patio or similar space serves as a level area for any furniture, grills, or other elements with you. It’s significantly easier to keep clean, prevents treading over wet or muddy ground when there is precipitation, and is a safer surface to walk on when it’s dark out. It also adds a decorative element since patios can be crafted according to your color, design, and shape preferences.
• Low-Voltage Lighting: With more hours in the dark during winter, lighting is an important factor to think about. Low-voltage lighting allows you to illuminate the space without worrying about the electrical components being exposed to the elements. String lights and ground lights can be installed around your outdoor space to help brighten walkways, provide ambiance, and uplight features in the yard as a focal point. These lights can be installed on your own, or you can rely on professional hardscaping contractors who can ensure they’re put in correctly while taking the work off of you during a busy time of year.

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Adding Cozy Elements to Your Winter Oasis

To create a more inviting outdoor space for winter enjoyment, consider the following options that elevate the space:

• Use Blankets and Pillows: Drape warm outdoor blankets over seating areas on your paver patio and add plush pillows for extra comfort. Look for fabrics that help retain body heat.
• Find Quality Furniture: Invest in outdoor furniture designed for durability and longevity. Look for materials that can withstand winter conditions, and invest in covers for them when not in use.
• Enhance Decor: Embrace the season and decorate your outdoor space! Add seasonal elements based on holidays or change your color scheme from summer decor. Switch out the cushions on the furniture and change decorative elements like statues and stakes.

Try Outdoor Cooking Year-Round

Your patio or outdoor space can be used for more than hanging around. If you’re an avid outdoor cook in the summer, carry that over to the winter! With the right equipment and a little planning, you can continue to enjoy delicious meals outdoors. Here are some ideas for winter outdoor cooking:

• Fire Pit Cooking: Fire pits are excellent for roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, or even cooking a hearty stew in a cast-iron Dutch oven if it’s set up correctly.
• Portable Gas Grill: A portable gas grill is ideal for winter barbecues. Keep it on your paver patio or under an awning to protect it from the elements.
• Outdoor Pizza Oven: Consider investing in an outdoor pizza oven for making homemade pizzas with your favorite toppings. It’s a great way to get fresh air while experiencing the fun of DIY pizza.
• Winter Picnics: Pack a picnic basket with warm beverages, sandwiches, and other cozy treats for a winter picnic on your paver patio. A thermos of hot chocolate or coffee will warm you up as you spend time outside.
• Cooking With Friends: Invite friends and family over for a winter cookout on your paver patio. Prepare hot chocolate, grilled sandwiches, and roasted chestnuts for a memorable outdoor gathering.

Nashville’s mild winter climate makes it an excellent place to enjoy your outdoor space, even during the colder months. With the right shelter options, landscaping features like a paver patio and a fire pit, and creative approaches to creating a cozy atmosphere, you can make the most of your outdoor space all year long. Don’t have that patio yet, or want a fire pit but aren’t sure where to begin? That’s where Greenway of Nashville comes in to lend a hand. With nearly two decades of experience performing residential landscaping near Nashville, we’re able to help you craft the perfect outdoor space you can use all year. Investing in your outdoor space will turn it into a year-round oasis with our expert help, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come since we use top-quality materials meant to last. We’ll help you design the ideal setup, carry out the work, and leave you with a ready-to-use space you can enjoy with the family.

Whether you’re cuddled up with blankets and pillows on your paver patio, gathered around a fire pit, or cooking delicious meals outdoors, your outdoor oasis can be a source of comfort and enjoyment during winter. Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors; embrace the season and make the most of your outdoor space in Nashville. We’re the experts in landscaping in Nashville, Tennessee! Call us at (615) 238-4574 for your free consultation to create your perfect outdoor space for this season and beyond.

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