The holiday season is here, and nothing makes a home feel more festive than bright Christmas lights twinkling across the lawn. However, before you start hanging lights or setting up inflatables, it’s essential to ensure your lawn and outdoor space are safe. At LawnMart, we care about helping homeowners keep lawns looking great all year — and that includes keeping them safe and ready for the holidays.
Below are practical lawn safety tips to help you enjoy your Christmas decorations without damaging your lawn or risking any accidents.
Check Your Lawn Before You Decorate
Before installing lights or setting up displays, take a good look at your lawn. In the winter, the ground can be frozen, wet, or uneven — all of which can cause slips or trip hazards.
Here’s what you can do before decorating:
- Clear debris: Remove fallen branches, leaves, and snow piles.
- Check for soft spots: Avoid placing heavy decorations where the ground is muddy or soft.
- Inspect walkways: Ensure that any paths around your yard are clear and free from ice.
This quick inspection helps prevent both lawn damage and accidents while setting up decorations.
Protect Your Lawn from Heavy Decorations
Large holiday displays, such as inflatable Santas, light-up reindeer, or nativity scenes, look great — but they can damage grass and leave brown spots if left out for too long.
To protect your lawn:
- Use a solid base: Place decorations on plywood or rubber mats to distribute weight evenly.
- Avoid leaving them in one spot all season: Move them slightly every few days to prevent damage to the grass underneath.
- Be mindful of cords: Run extension cords along walkways or driveways, not directly over the grass, where moisture can cause damage.
Be Careful with Extension Cords and Outlets
Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of outdoor decorating. Winter weather can cause cords to become brittle or expose them to moisture, which can lead to electrical problems.
Some simple safety reminders:
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords and lights.
- Keep plugs off the ground and away from snow or puddles.
- Avoid overloading outlets — use a power bar with surge protection.
- Always unplug displays before leaving home or going to bed.
A well-lit yard should be festive, not risky. Taking these precautions helps ensure your decorations shine safely throughout the entire season.
Mind the Snow and Ice
Snow adds a magical touch to your Christmas lights, but it also makes lawn care a bit tricky. Avoid piling snow directly on top of decorations or electrical cords. The weight can cause damage, and melting snow can expose wires to moisture.
If you use salt or ice melt around your pathways, keep it away from the edges of your lawn. Some products can burn the grass or change the soil chemistry, making it harder for your lawn to recover in spring.
Keep Your Lawn Clear
If you’re planning to hang lights around your yard or outdoor trees, make sure your lawn is ready for the extra traffic. Wet or frozen grass can easily be damaged by foot traffic or ladders.
To avoid damage:
- Place a sturdy board under the ladder to distribute weight evenly.
- Avoid walking on the same patch of grass repeatedly.
- Keep tools and light boxes off the lawn when possible.
If you’re not comfortable installing lights yourself, LawnMart also offers professional Christmas light installation — a safe and efficient way to decorate your home without damaging your lawn. Contact us today to inquire about our holiday light installation services.