can I leave my cement planters out in the winter without covering them?

Question

I have 2 cement planters that I've stored away in the my shed every winter, but this year, I don't have room and they're extrememely heavey to move.

Answer 1

From:
http://www.huntree.com/statuarywintercare.html

"Winter Care of Cement Statuary

Proper winter care is necessary to protect all cast stone products from the freeze-thaw cycles that occur in the winter. Anything that can hold water, snow, or ice, such as a planter, birdbath top, shell and anything that sits directly on the ground, such as a statue, birdbath base, planter, or bench leg, can be damaged by winter freeze-thaw cycles. To minimize any possible winter damage, please follow the simple suggestions listed below:

Cement Planters
If a planter is to be left planted over the winter, we suggest that you raise it up off the ground by placing two pressure treated wood strips underneath the planter making sure not to block the drainage hold.

If a planter is not to be planted over the winter, we suggest that it be stored in a garage, shed, or on a porch away from the elements. Empty the soil and turn the planter upside down onto wood strips and then cover or wrap the planter with absorbent material such as burlap, an old blanket, or towels and then cover with dark plastic. This will prevent any moisture from getting into the planter.

Birdbaths, Benches, & Statuary
Cement birdbath tops should not be left outside in the winter. Once the top fills with water/snow and freezes, the top may crack. Ideally, all bases, lench legs, and statuary should be moved away from the elements and stored as outlined above. If this is not possible, they should be raised up off the ground for the winter seaseon to avoid freezing to the ground surface.

Huntree Nursery will NOT be respoinsible for any damage due to weather conditions.

For further information or assistance, please contact us at Huntree Nursery. 2340 Blue Star Hwy, Fennville MI 49408 [phone]"

Answer 2

Wow! The above answer is perfect! You do not want the planters to hold water as it will freeze, expand and crack the cement. Since plastic alone would cause moisture to build up just under the plastic, you need an absorbant layer or two or three. Do you have covered area such as under a patio cover to further help keep the planters dry??

Answer 3

leave cement planters winter covering

Answer 4

Yep. Just don't get them full of salt. That would destroy them.