Landscaping Checklist

The Importance of Seasonal Landscaping

Seasonal landscape does not only deal with aesthetic concerns:

• Health and the prolonged life of a plant


• Effective drainage and irrigation


• A correct aeration and fertility of the soil


• Avoidance of erosions, pest infestations, and diseases


• An added value in the property and street appeal

Spring Landscaping Checklist (March to May)

Spring is when you need to renew the landscape, make repairs to your winter damage, and provide healthy growth as the basis.

• Clearing of Wastes, Clean Up Debris
  
  
  
  • Eliminate broken tree branches, dead leaves, and mulch piles.
  
  
  • Pull rake beds and lawns.
  
  
  • Wash decks, paths, and patios using power washing.
  
  
  
  


• Inspect Hardscaping
  
  
  
  • Inspect the cracked pavers, displaced stone, or loose edging.
  
  
  • Restack patio stones if you have frost heave.
  
  
  
  


• Soil Testing and Soil Enriching
  
  
  
  • Conduct a soil sample to establish the deficiency of nutrients.
  
  
  • Put compost or organic content in garden beds.
  
  
  • Place mulch at the base of trees and shrubs (2-3 inches dense).
  
  
  
  


• Trim Trees and Hedges
  
  
  
  • Cut out dead or dead branches.
  
  
  • Pruning should be done on overgrown hedges and flowering shrubs after flowering.
  
  
  • Shear ornamental grass to stimulate its regeneration.
  
  
  
  


• Transplant and Divide Perennials
  
  
  
  • Relocate plants that are overcrowded or not located in good spots.
  
  
  • Separate hostas, daylilies, and other perennials.
  
  
  
  


• Plant New Additions
  
  
  
  • Trees, shrubs, and cool-season annuals should be planted in spring.
  
  
  • Opt for native plants that require less maintenance and will support the pollinators.
  
  
  
  


• Irrigation System Inspection
  
  
  
  • Go to your sprinkler system or drip irrigation system and turn it on, and check.
  
  
  • Put on new sprinkler heads and redistribute sprays.
  
  
  • Set your alarm timer to early morning water.
  
  
  
  


• Use Pre-Emergent Weed Control
  
  
  
  • Apply to garden beds and on lawns before germination of the weeds.
  
  
  
  

Summer Landscaping Checklist (June to August)

Summer landscaping is about maintenance and management of water and making use of the outdoor space.

• Water Wisely
  
  
  
  • Keep the watering deep and not too often, preferably early in the morning.
  
  
  • To minimize evaporation, utilize soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
  
  
  • Change the schedule of watering according to the rain.
  
  
  
  


• Mulch Refresh
  
  
  
  • Check the moisture level, replenishing it by checking the depth of the mulch.
  
  
  • Do not keep mulch too close to the trunk of trees, as this promotes rot.
  
  
  
  


• Cut Dead Flowers and Prune Plants
  
  
  
  • Before the annuals and perennials finish their flowering cycle, regularly remove spent flowers.
  
  
  • To keep plants against the wind and rain, stake tall plants.
  
  
  • Fast-spreading plants such as shrubs should also be pruned to keep their growth to a minimum.
  
  
  
  


• Surveillance of Pests and Disease
  
  
  
  • Examine leaves to make sure that they have no holes, coloration, or powdery mildew.
  
  
  • Eradicate or cure using natural solutions.
  
  
  
  


• Lawn Maintenance
  
  
  
  • Routine mowing should keep blades high in hot weather conditions.
  
  
  • Apply a mulching mower that gives nutrients back to the ground.
  
  
  • Summer weeds should be treated before they germinate.
  
  
  
  


• Installation of Outdoor Lighting
  
  
  
  • Wash the outdoor light fixtures.
  
  
  • Check the wiring and do safety replacements of bulbs.
  
  
  
  


• Enjoy Your Space
  
  
  
  • Accentuate the seasonal colouring by the use of potted plants and hanging baskets.
  
  
  • Repaint outdoor furniture and examine it to see whether it has rust or damage.
  
  
  • Look at the shade system, such as a pergola or an umbrella.
  
  
  
  

Fall Landscaping Checklist (September to November)

Fall is the prepping season, and you aim to get plants dormant in good health and winter-ready.

• Leaf and Debris Cleanup
  
  
  
  • Compost and rake up the leaves frequently.
  
  
  • Clean gutters, garden beds, and sweep around shrubs.
  
  
  
  


• Feed and Aerate the Lawn
  
  
  
  • Compacted soil should be aerated in order to enhance deeper roots.
  
  
  • Put on a fall fertilizer to stimulate root growth.
  
  
  
  


• Indigenous Spring Design
  
  
  
  • Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are the kinds of bulbs that should be planted in the fall.
  
  
  • Plants that are planted in the fall have a better chance of establishing roots.
  
  
  
  


• Trim Perennial Flowers and Grasses
  
  
  
  • Cut off old stems and trim old fading leaves.
  
  
  • Put ornamental grasses away to have winter interest (optionally).
  
  
  
  


• Tear Down and Regrowth
  
  
  
  • Congested perennials should be divided.
  
  
  • Renew divisions in regions that require increased coverage.
  
  
  
  


• Shield Delicate Plants
  
  
  
  • Sensitive plants must be covered using burlap or frost cloth.
  
  
  • Bring pot plants indoors or into a sheltered space.
  
  
  
  


• Hardscape Repairs
  
  
  
  • Cement cracked walkways, leaning fences, and loose stones in the patio.
  
  
  • Cover outdoor furniture or keep the tools away.
  
  
  
  


• Final Irrigation
  
  
  
  • Water heavy trees and shrubs before the first freeze.
  
  
  • The use of drain irrigation systems and disconnecting hoses should be done to avoid damage to the pipes.
  
  
  
  

Winter Landscaping Checklist (December to February)

• Protect Trees and Shrubs
  
  
  
  • Young trees should be wrapped with burlap to help them avoid sunscald and windburn.
  
  
  • Use tree guards to scare away the deer or rodents.
  
  
  
  


• Salt Damages Prevention
  
  
  
  • Utilize pet-safe or plant-safe ice melt substances in walkways and in the driveway.
  
  
  • Wash out salt left near flora during floods.
  
  
  
  


• Reduce Foot Traffic
  
  
  
  • Do not move on frozen lawns and garden beds.
  
  
  • Avoid forming lumps of snow on grass and plants.
  
  
  
  


• Trim Dormant Trees
  
  
  
  • Structural pruning should be done in the late winter.
  
  
  • Take out crossover branches and encourage good form.
  
  
  
  


• Plan Spring Projects
  
  
  
  • Draw plans or modifications of landscape designs.
  
  
  • Find out about research plant varieties and place an order for the seed or materials early enough.
  
  
  
  


• Maintain Tools
  
  
  
  • Re-clean, re-sharpen, and re-oil shears plus gardening tools.
  
  
  • Be housed in a safe, dry place.
  
  
  
  


• Snow Removal
  
  
  
  • Use gentle means to clean up heavy snow on shrubs and branches.
  
  
  • When shovelling snow, do not dump it on the flower beds or the transplanted trees.
  
  
  
  

All-Season Landscaping Transformation Tips

• Plant Indigenous Drought-Resistant Plants
  
  
  
  • Reduced rain water consumption, reduced, and easier maintenance
  
  
  • Get enhanced support for pollinators.
  
  
  
  


• Incorporate Evergreens
  
  
  
  • Add colour and form even in the middle of winter.
  
  
  • Layered planting can be used.
  
  
  • Use the combination of trees, shrubs, annuals, and ground covers to add depth and dimension.
  
  
  
  


• Add Hardscape Decorations
  
  
  
  • The usability and design are enhanced by benches, arbours, retaining walls, and garden paths.
  
  
  
  


• Put up Smart Irrigation Systems
  
  
  
  • Make it automatic and save on water and time based on the weather conditions and soil moisture.
  
  
  
  


• Install Year-Round Lighting
  
  
  
  • Exterior landscape lighting increases security and allows you to use it even at night.