As the seasons shifted from summer to fall and swiftly to winter, my once beautiful Trex deck planters lost their charm, revealing a rather disheartening sight. Filled mostly with perennial plants to avoid yearly replanting, they demanded a creative solution to endure the winter without losing their appeal. I decided to create a Trex deck winter planter cover—a practical remedy to conceal the winter aftermath and shield my dormant perennials from the elements.
summer and winter
You can see the toll the winter weather with freezing nights has taken on my pretty planters.
Prep work
My first step was to cut back all the plants and cover the dormant plants in peat moss. I had peat moss on hand but other mulch like bark, straw, sawdust, or leaves will do as well. This provides a little insulation to protect the perennial plants through the winter.
The Build
Next, I collected the leftover pieces of Trex in Toasted Sand (affiliate) and cut them into strips matching the depth of my planter boxes’ openings. Employing tile spacers, I arranged the planks with gaps mirroring those of the deck, ensuring proper water drainage. If necessary, the last plank may require trimming on the table saw for a perfect fit.
Once I had the spacing perfect I used two strips of 1-in x 2-in treated lumber (affiliate) and screwed them to the back of my prespaced Trex with 1 3/4″ deck screws.
Completed Planter Cover
Once the planks are secured just lay the new Trex deck winter planter covers over the peat moss. As spring arrives, the covers can be gently lifted, allowing the perennials to reclaim their space and flourish once again. Bonus, we won’t have to look at the dead plants on the left all winter.
Now, the transition from summer to winter no longer signals the demise of my deck’s allure; instead, it shows thoughtful design can defy some of the pitfalls of Mother Nature. The Trex deck winter planter covers ensure that my outdoor oasis remains a source of delight throughout the year.
