Your Landscaping New Year's Resolution - Do These 4 Things

With every new year comes a chance to start fresh. Make it a goal to accomplish these 4 things this year and your landscaping will surely benefit. January is a great time to get started on your landscape plans.

1. Have a Plan For Your Landscape For The Entire Year

Dormant season is ideal for identifying drainage issues, assessing areas of your turf that may need repaired, and evaluating the current state of your hardscaping. Additionally, without foliage on the trees and shrubs we can more closely study the structure and overall health of the plants to make recommendations on any needed treatments or pruning.

2. Pay Attention to Your Specific Yard Conditions

When planning your landscape think about your regional climate, the topography of your site, and your soil type. Not sure which zone you live in, check out USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Keep in mind that the specific conditions of your yard are likely to create a microclimate based on the amount and length of sun and shade exposure the area receives. Microclimates are usually broken into one of four categories: full sun, partial shade, shade, or deep shade; take note of your landscape's microclimate when selecting plants for your landscape.

Topography of your yard is also an important consideration as you notice drainage issues with the coming of Spring rains; does the water flow away from your foundation. The best landscape design will promote water movement away from your home towards other areas of your yard.

3. Determine Your Hardscaping Needs

As you reflect on this past year and make plans for the one ahead, now is a great time to evaluate what you want out of your backyard. Are there underutilized areas that could be maximized for entertaining, have you outgrown your current patio size, or does your patio and sidewalk need power washing, Polymer sand, and resealing to refresh and protect your prior investment?  Winter is a great time get the design process started so that you can enjoy the finished project later in the year.

4. Schedule Key Seasonal Services

Don't get locked out of your Spring clean-up scheduling preference. Spring clean-ups typically start in March (weather permitting), leaving only a few weeks to meet with a designer to discuss property goals and set the tone for the year. This is the time of year when landscapers do their scheduling and preparation for the upcoming season.  Finalizing a contract now will ensure timely service in the spring.

Also consider your lawncare needs, will you be needing mowing services, monthly bed maintenance, fertilization or aeration? All of these service contracts can be written and initiated now so that come spring and summer all you have to worry about is enjoying the nice weather.