Winter has a way of exposing weak spots in every contractor’s storage routine. What sits quietly in a shed all season can come out damaged, unreliable, or unusable by spring. The recent Country Living article on items you should never leave in a shed through winter touches on several common troublemakers, especially for anyone who works with tools, hardware, or outdoor materials.

In this blog, FSI Landscape Supply shares insight on each item highlighted in the article while adding a professional lens tailored to landscapers and landscape contractors. Beyond that, FSI Landscape Supply also expands the list with four additional landscaping supplies that often get overlooked but deserve the same level of winter protection. (Source: Country Living, 7 Things You Shouldn’t Leave in the Shed This Winter, Lisa Joyner, published December 3, 2025, https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/a69611445/things-to-not-put-garden-shed-winter/ ).

1. Drill bits, saw blades, and lubricants

Drill bits and saw blades may look indestructible, but moisture inside an unheated shed can create rust almost overnight. Lubricants also thicken or separate in extreme cold.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Contractors rely on precision from the first cut to the last bolt. When blades and bits rust, the sharpness fades, and accuracy drops. We always tell professionals to treat metal tools like an investment. Store them indoors, ideally in a temperature-stable area, and coat exposed metal with a light protective oil film. For lubricants, keep containers sealed and off cold concrete floors. Stable temperatures mean consistent viscosity, which matters when you’re servicing equipment at the start of spring.”

2. Paints, glues, and finishing liquids

These products separate, clump, or lose their bonding power in freezing conditions.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Frozen paints and adhesives rarely recover fully. Landscapers working with outdoor structures need predictable adhesion, color uniformity, and drying time. Once these materials freeze, the chemistry changes. Bring all paints, stains, and glues into a heated workshop for winter. Use airtight containers, label dates, and rotate stock as you would any other professional supply.”

3. Batteries for power tools

Cordless tool batteries lose charge rapidly in cold weather and can suffer permanent damage if left in freezing temperatures.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Lithium batteries are the backbone of today’s cordless equipment. A frozen battery not only loses performance but also risks internal damage that shortens its lifespan. Store batteries inside, at room temperature, and never leave them discharged. Professionals should adopt a winter battery routine: full charge, indoor storage, and periodic check-ins through the season.”

4. Gas-powered tools with fuel in the tank

Fuel breaks down quickly in low temperatures, and moisture contamination becomes a serious problem.

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Old fuel gums up carburetors, chokes engines, and creates costly delays when spring work begins. Contractors should drain tanks or use a fuel stabilizer before storage. Run engines dry, clean filters, and keep equipment covered. This kind of winter prep separates smooth spring startups from unexpected repair bills.”

5. Rubber-based materials

Hoses, seals, and gaskets stiffen and crack in freezing weather.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Rubber doesn’t bounce back once winter brittleness sets in. For irrigation systems, water features, and truck-mounted equipment, protect any rubber components by storing them indoors or hanging them in a dry, temperature-controlled area. Professionals who do this avoid leaks and downtime when irrigation season ramps up.”

Four Items Landscaping Professionals Should Never Leave in the Shed

Along with the items noted in the article, FSI Landscape Supply highlights a few more materials that deserve winter care. These often sit in storage unnoticed, but they can make or break early-season productivity.

6. Fertilizers and soil amendments

Moisture turns powdered or granular products into hardened clumps that reduce effectiveness.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Fertilizers absorb humidity fast. Once they cake, spreading becomes uneven, which affects soil performance. Keep bags sealed, stacked off the ground, and stored indoors. Professionals should track humidity in storage areas the same way they track inventory. A dry, stable environment preserves product quality through the off-season.”

7. Sealers and hardscape treatment products

Cold temperatures can cause separation, crystallization, or permanent texture changes.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Hardscape sealers are sensitive. When contractors apply a product that has frozen over winter, the finish becomes cloudy or uneven. That can compromise entire installations. Bring sealers indoors and use temperature-controlled shelving. Never store them near exterior doors where drafts can cause rapid temperature swings.”

8. Irrigation system components

Sprinkler heads, pressure regulators, and poly fittings crack easily when exposed to freezing moisture.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “We often see avoidable early-season replacements because irrigation parts were left where trapped moisture expanded. Drain all components thoroughly and store them inside. Keep small parts in labeled bins so crews can reload trucks fast when spring installations begin.”

9. Landscape lighting fixtures and transformers

Freezing temperatures and moisture can corrode connectors and damage wiring.

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Any landscape lighting components not permanently installed should be treated like electrical equipment, not outdoor décor. Remove temporary fixtures, dry them fully, and store them away from condensation. Protect wiring with sealed containers so crews avoid troubleshooting electrical failures during the busy season.”

Final Thoughts

Winter is the season when landscape supplies either survive or slowly break down. For landscapers and contractors, the difference comes from smart storage. Keeping vulnerable materials out of an unheated shed protects performance, reduces waste, and safeguards spring productivity. A well-organized winter storage routine is another way professionals get ahead before the next season even begins.