Louisville Residential Landscaping Maintenance

How Can Landscape Maintenance Helps You Save Time & Money?

The time you get with your family or the time you get to enjoy your friends is time that isn’t coming back after it’s gone. The time you have for your hobbies is hard enough to find in the midst of your responsibilities to your family, friends and career. Weekends and evenings are meant for these kinds of activities. 

Moreover, DIY landscape maintenance doesn’t come without concrete financial costs. All these activities require buying equipment, fertilizers, and other treatments. Your landscape maintenance professional has already bought those. 

Before taking on your own landscaping, do some calculations–add up the time lost and consider what you might otherwise do at that time. Add up the money you’ll still spend. Then, after all that, make your decision. If that decision is to outsource your landscape maintenance work, we’d love to help.  

How Do You Winterize Your Landscape For The Cold Season?

Winterizing your landscape is essential to protect your plants and outdoor features from the harsh conditions of the cold season. 

Here are steps to help you winterize your landscape:

• Clean Up and Remove Debris: Begin by cleaning up fallen leaves, branches, and any debris from your lawn and garden beds. This prevents potential mold and disease issues during the winter.
• Prune Trees and Shrubs: Pruning during the dormant season (late fall to early winter) helps remove dead or diseased branches and shapes plants. Be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the plants.
• Mulch Garden Beds: Apply a layer of mulch (2-4 inches deep) to garden beds to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch also helps control weeds.
• Protect Sensitive Plants: If you have tender plants or shrubs that are susceptible to cold temperatures, consider wrapping them in burlap or applying a frost cloth to shield them from frost and windburn.
• Watering: Properly water your landscape before the ground freezes. Hydrated plants are more resilient to winter stress. However, don't water excessively, as this can lead to root rot in cold weather.
• Winterize Irrigation System: If you have an underground irrigation system, drain it to prevent freezing and potential damage. Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor faucets.
• Protect Outdoor Furniture and Features: Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and other outdoor items to prevent damage from snow and ice.
• Check and Adjust Lighting: Make sure outdoor lighting fixtures are working correctly. Adjust timers or consider using winter-specific outdoor lighting.
• Inspect and Repair Structures: Check fences, trellises, and other garden structures for damage and make necessary repairs before winter storms arrive.
• Prepare Your Lawn: Continue mowing your lawn until it stops growing but avoid cutting it too short. A slightly longer grass length can provide insulation. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen grass to prevent damage.
• Apply Anti-Desiccant to Evergreens: Anti-desiccant sprays can help evergreen trees and shrubs retain moisture during the winter. Follow the product instructions for application.
• Snow Removal Plan: Develop a plan for snow removal to ensure safe access to your home and protect your landscape. Use snow shovels or snow blowers to clear walkways and driveways.
• Consider Winter Interest: Choose plants with winter interest, such as ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs, or trees with interesting bark, to maintain visual appeal during the winter months.
• Winter Bird Feeding: Provide bird feeders with seeds and water sources to attract and help sustain local wildlife during the winter.
• Regular Monitoring: Throughout the winter, check on your landscape periodically, especially after heavy snow or ice storms, to ensure everything is in good condition.

By following these steps, you can help protect your landscape from winter damage and ensure a healthier, more vibrant yard when spring arrives.