Design, Installation, and Landscape Maintenance in Grand Rapids, MI

Maintaining a lush, healthy landscape takes more than just a twice-a-year effort. The changing seasons in West Michigan bring new challenges and opportunities for your outdoor space, from mowing and pruning in the summer to snow care in the winter. In this post, we’ll provide a comprehensive seasonal checklist for landscape care, outlining what to do during each season to ensure your plants and lawn stay healthy, beautiful, and well-maintained all year long. Why is Landscape Care Important? Landscape care is more than just keeping your lawn trimmed. A well-maintained landscape enhances curb appeal, boosts property value, and creates an inviting outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment. Regular maintenance can also prevent costly repairs, overgrowth, and reduce the risk of pest and disease infestations. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, well-maintained landscapes can increase property value by up to 15%. By following a seasonal checklist and staying on top of tasks like pruning, fertilizing, and pest management, you’ll ensure that your outdoor space thrives through every season. Spring Landscape Care Checklist Spring is the time for rejuvenation. As the weather warms up, it’s essential to start fresh with a thorough routine to prepare your yard for the growing season ahead. 1. Maintenance Routine for Healthy Plants and Flowers In early spring, your plants are emerging from dormancy. This is the time to assess the health of your garden and start preparing your plants for the warmer months. Regular watering, fertilization, and mulching will promote strong root growth. 2. Cut Back Perennials if Not Done in Fall If you missed the fall cleanup, now’s the time to trim back any remaining perennials. This will encourage new growth and help prevent diseases. 3. Weed Management Weeds can take over quickly in the spring. It is important to consider using pre-emergent weed killers to prevent weeds from sprouting, and make sure to remove any existing weeds manually or with a targeted herbicide. 4. Clean Up Plant Beds Clear out any dead leaves, debris, or old mulch from your plant beds. This allows your plants to breathe and prevents mold and pests from taking root. It is important to cut new bed edges if you have a natural edge or to lift aluminum edging if you go that route. By doing this, you will maintain fresh looking plant beds, and keep grass from creeping into the landscape bed. 5. Fertilizing and Mulching Spring is an excellent time to fertilize your plants and apply a fresh layer of mulch. Fertilizing gives your plants the nutrients they need to grow, while mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Summer Landscape Care Checklist Summer heat can be hard on your landscape, but with the right care, your outdoor space can thrive. From mowing to pest management, summer requires regular attention to the weather and your plants in order to keep your landscape and lawn looking their best. 1. Mowing Keep your lawn trimmed and healthy by mowing regularly. A general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time, which helps maintain strong grass roots. By mowing frequently without bagging the clippings, the grass clippings will retain moisture and feed your lawn. 2. Fertilization and Weed Control In the heat of summer, your lawn and plants need a boost. A balanced fertilizer will promote lush growth, while weed control keeps invasive plants from competing with your grass and landscape beds. 3. Lawn Care In addition to mowing, watering is key during the summer months. Make sure your lawn gets about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. If possible, water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. 4. Pruning Summer is also a great time to prune shrubs and trees to maintain their shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Be cautious not to prune too much, as each plant variety has an optimal pruning time in the season, pruning out of season can prevent optimal blooming. 5. Checking for Pests and Diseases Regularly inspect your plants for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs, which are common during the summer months. Early intervention can prevent widespread damage. Fall Landscape Care Checklist As the days cool down, fall is the time to prepare your landscape for the winter months. Taking the right steps now will ensure your plants and lawn are protected and ready to thrive again in the spring. 1. Cut Back Perennials Just like in spring, you should trim back any perennials that have finished blooming. This will prevent diseases and ensure new growth in the spring. 2. Plant Protection from Deer If deer are a problem in your area, fall is the time to take steps to protect your plants. Consider using deer-repellent sprays or installing physical barriers like fencing or netting. 3. Pest-Repellent Applications Before the cold sets in, apply a pest-repellent treatment to your plants. This will help ward off any pests looking for a warm place to hide during the winter months. 4. Pruning for Dormant Trees Pruning dormant trees in the fall ensures that you can address any issues before the winter chill sets in. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches. 5. Evergreen Care Evergreens need special attention in the fall. Apply a slow-release fertilizer and ensure they’re well-watered before the ground freezes to prepare them for the winter months. 6. Fall Leaf Clean Up Cleaning up fallen leaves from your lawn and landscape before the first snowfall is crucial. If left as a blanket, they can create an unhealthy environment for your lawn. Mulching leaves with a mower frequently throughout the fall not only clears your yard but also provides valuable nutrients back into the soil. Winter Landscape Care Checklist Winter can be tough on your landscape, but with the right care, your outdoor space can weather the season beautifully. 1. Snow Plowing A professional snow plowing service can help you maintain clear driveways and walkways during heavy snowfalls. 2. De-Icing Avoid dangerous ice buildup on your walkways by applying de-icing treatments. Use a safe, non-corrosive de-icer to protect your plants and hardscaping from damage. 3. Shoveling Shoveling your walkways is essential to keep your property safe during the winter months. Make sure to remove snow quickly to prevent ice from forming. Proper landscape care is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about preserving the health and beauty of your outdoor space year-round. By following this seasonal landscape care checklist, you'll ensure your plants and lawn remain healthy and your property retains its value. Need help with your seasonal landscape care? Contact us today for expert lawn care, landscape maintenance, and year-round services. Schedule your consultation now, and let us help you create a beautiful, healthy landscape all year long.