As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time for commercial property managers to start thinking ahead. Effective end-of-year landscape planning not only ensures your property remains in top condition throughout the winter, but it also sets the stage for a successful and vibrant landscape when the new year begins. By strategically planning your landscape care, you can save time, reduce costs, and elevate the appeal of your property as you enter the next season.
Here are key steps to help you prepare your commercial landscape for a smooth transition into the new year:
1. Assess Your Landscape’s Current State
Before jumping into new projects or changes, take the time to evaluate the current state of your landscape. Walk through your property and assess any areas that may need attention, such as worn-out grass, overgrown shrubs, or damaged trees. Early detection of problems allows you to address issues before they become more costly or complicated in the spring.
Take note of any high-priority tasks such as:
- Pruning trees and shrubs to prevent damage from winter storms
- Repairing irrigation systems to ensure efficient water usage during the cooler months
- Identifying any areas that may need winterizing, like ponds or water features
2. Winterize Your Irrigation System
Winterizing your irrigation system is a crucial task to avoid frozen pipes and ensure your system is ready to go when the warmer months arrive. This includes draining excess water from the pipes, blowing out the system using compressed air, and shutting off any automatic timers. This step can save you from expensive repairs and interruptions when the first signs of spring emerge.
3. Prepare for Seasonal Color Displays
While the colder months typically limit the color palette of your landscape, there are still ways to keep your property vibrant. Plan for seasonal color displays that work well in the winter months. Plant hardy perennials, ornamental grasses, or evergreen shrubs to add texture and visual interest. You can also use winter annuals such as pansies and snapdragons to inject some color into flower beds.
Planning for these winter-friendly additions can keep your property’s curb appeal strong, even when the weather isn’t.
4. Mulch for Protection and Insulation
Applying a layer of mulch before the winter chill sets in is one of the most effective ways to protect your landscape. Mulch acts as an insulator for your plants, helping to retain moisture in the soil and keeping the roots from freezing during extreme temperatures. Additionally, it can help suppress weed growth and provide a polished look throughout the colder months.
Be sure to use the appropriate mulch for your area. In Texas, for example, shredded bark, pine needles, and wood chips work well for most landscapes.
5. Schedule Tree and Shrub Maintenance
Before the colder months arrive, ensure that trees and shrubs on your property are well-maintained. Prune dead or damaged branches to reduce the risk of falling limbs during winter storms. Proper pruning can also help improve the overall health and appearance of your trees and shrubs.
Consider adding a winter tree health check to your planning process, where a certified arborist can assess the health of trees and make recommendations for preservation and safety.
6. Review Your Landscaping Budget
The end of the year is an ideal time to review your landscaping budget for the upcoming year. Assess what worked and what didn’t over the past year and make any necessary adjustments. Are there areas where you could cut costs, or does your property need an increase in maintenance to improve curb appeal? Planning ahead allows you to manage your landscaping expenses proactively and ensure you stay within budget.
7. Plan for Spring Landscaping Projects
The best time to tackle larger landscaping projects is often early in the year, when the weather is just beginning to warm up. Use your end-of-year planning to map out what improvements you’d like to make once spring arrives. Whether it’s installing new hardscaping features like walkways and retaining walls, upgrading outdoor lighting, or planning a new landscape design, having a plan in place will help you hit the ground running.
Consider scheduling a consultation with your landscape provider to discuss your goals for the upcoming year and get their input on how to execute your plans efficiently.
8. Review Your Service Agreement
Finally, review your service agreement with your landscape maintenance company. Check if any adjustments need to be made for the upcoming year. Do you need more frequent visits, or are there new services you’d like to include? Whether it's upgrading your seasonal color program or incorporating tree care services, ensuring your landscape services match your needs will help you maintain a high-quality property year-round.
The Benefits of End-of-Year Landscape Planning
By taking a proactive approach to end-of-year landscape planning, you’ll not only ensure that your property is well-prepared for the winter months, but you’ll also be setting the stage for a beautiful and healthy landscape in the new year. It’s an investment in both the aesthetics and health of your landscape, which directly impacts the first impression your property makes on visitors and tenants.
At Monarch Landscape, we specialize in helping commercial properties create customized landscape care plans that ensure long-term success. Whether it’s winterizing your landscape or planning for future upgrades, our team is ready to support your property’s goals.
Next Steps:Contact Monarch Landscape today to discuss how we can help you get your property ready for winter and beyond. Let’s work together to ensure that your landscape not only survives the cold months but thrives throughout the year.
