Winter Landscaping Tips

Winter (December – February)

Trees and shrubs:
• Prune trees as needed to shape and raise the undercarriage
• Prune shrubs to allow for penetration of light and moisture
• Apply dormant oil to shrubs to reduce problems with insects during the spring and summer
• Trim crape myrtles and Liriope
• Apply post-emergent weed control as necessary.
• Begin mulch applications toward winter’s end

Lawns:
• Apply coating of lime to warm season turf
• Apply post-emergent weed-control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• After February 15th, apply pre-emergent weed control to entire lawn

Planted beds (softscapes):
• Remove leaves, weeds, sticks, debris, etc., from planted areas
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Cut back ornamental winter grasses as needed
• Install spring bulbs by January 15th
• Begin mulch application as weather permits
• After February 15th, apply pre-emergent weed control

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
• Keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice by contracting a dependable service

Additional:
• Continue planning and designing of next year’s landscaping projects
• Begin making decisions about next year’s landscape management and maintenance contracts by collecting information and speaking with representatives from qualified landscape firms
• Finish any wintertime home-improvement projects

Fall Landscaping Tips

Fall (September – November)

Trees and shrubs:
• Fertilize trees and shrubs using a balanced fertilizer
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary

Lawns:
• Aerate, over-seed, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to fescue grass
• Apply a high-potassium fertilizer to warm season turf
• Apply post-emergent weed-control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Mow, trim, and edge lawn areas as needed
• Remove autumn leaves from lawns as necessary

Planted beds (softscapes):
• Remove leaves, weeds, sticks, debris, etc., from planted areas
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Maintain flowers regularly by deadheading, weeding, and fertilizing as necessary
• Install fall flowers (such as mums) from September 15th through October 15th.
• Begin planting spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc.)
• Dig up delicate bulbs for storage
• Divide and/or transplant other perennials (daylilies, iris, etc.)

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
• Turn off and “winterize” irrigation systems before the first freeze (by October 15th)
• Drain and winterize water features (as necessary) before the first freeze (by October 15th)
• Reset automatic timers on outdoor lighting when Daylight Savings Time ends
• Inspect outdoor lighting fixtures, replacing bulbs if necessary

Additional:
• Begin the planning and designing phases for next year’s landscape projects by deciding upon an appropriate landscape design firm
• Arrange for consultants with your landscape design firm to take measurements and survey current conditions before the ground is covered with snow
• Finalize winter service contracts for snow removal, deer-netting, dormant-season pruning, etc.
• Arrange and schedule a contractor or home-repair specialist for wintertime home-improvement projects

Summer Landscaping Tips

Summer (June – August)

Trees and shrubs:
• Prune shrubs as necessary
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Prune azaleas and rhododendrons after blooming, prior to July 4th

Lawns:
• Apply slow-release turf fertilizer to warm season turf (Bermuda and Zoysia)
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Mow, trim, and edge lawn areas as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Apply a lime application on fescue grass

Planted beds (softscapes):
• Complete spring flower installation by June 15th
• Maintain flowers regularly by deadheading, weeding, and fertilizing as necessary
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
• Maintain water features by keeping them clear of debris and sustaining proper water and chemical levels
• Periodically inspect moisture content of separate zones for proper irrigation
• Clean and treat hardscapes if necessary (paint, wood-treatment, etc.)
• Begin thinking about and planning for next year’s landscape projects

Spring Landscaping Tips

Landscaping Tips for the Spring Season

Spring season (March – May)

Trees and shrubs:
• Prune trees to shape and raise undercarriage
• Trim crape myrtles and Liriope
• Prune rose bushes
• Fertilize trees and shrubs
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary

Lawns:
• Gradually lower warm season turf to appropriate turf height of 1” (Bermuda) or 1.5” (Zoysia)
• Apply pre-emergent weed control over entire lawn
• Apply post-emergent weed-control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Mow, trim, and edge lawn areas as needed

Planted beds (softscapes):
• Apply a fresh layer of mulch to beds
• Remove weeds, sticks, debris, etc., from planted areas
• Apply pre-emergent weed control in planted areas
• Apply post-emergent weed control as needed
• Inspect for insects and disease, treating as necessary
• Begin spring flower installation after the last frost, usually May 15th or later (annuals, perennials, herbs)
• Maintain planted areas by deadheading flowers, weeding, and fertilizing as necessary

Hardscapes, water features, irrigation systems, and outdoor lighting:
• Reset automatic timers on outdoor lighting when Daylight Savings Time begins
• Turn on and inspect irrigation systems after May 1st
• Fill, treat, and open water features as necessary after May 1st
• Check outdoor lighting fixtures for damage, replacing bulbs if necessary
• Inspect hardscapes for any damage caused by winter weather, repairing as necessary

Additional:
• Finalize design and installation plans for this year’s landscaping projects
• Finalize and sign maintenance contracts with a reputable landscape management firm