4 Reasons To Use The Winter To Plan Your Yard For Spring
Winter takes a toll on landscapes and can make yards look as dreadful as the weather. Planning for spring projects doesn’t have to wait until close to the season. Winter is the perfect time to prepare for the next garden and assess any challenges from last season. Here are some reasons to use winter to plan for spring yards.
1. Scheduling Availability
Landscape architects’ schedules fill up quickly, so take advantage of the off-season by getting on their schedule. Do some research to find an architect that has a similar style and taste with reputable experience.
Landscape contractors, designers and architects are busier than one may think, so book as early as possible to ensure a spot is available. Consulting with an expert during winter provides many benefits, like more time to discuss details and begin planning. Early planting and performing routine maintenance can maximize the hired professionals' work. Bare root trees and shrubs can be planted as early as January in some areas of the U.S.
Planning without a rush allows landscape architects or designers more time to get creative and devise something spectacular for the outdoor space. From privacy fences to swimming pools to luscious gardens, a skilled professional can elevate an ordinary yard into something extraordinary.
2. Snag Materials Before They Sell Out
Many gardeners and contractors are itching to work in the yard as soon as the snow melts. Many items fly off the shelves as soon as spring begins–people don’t like staying indoors for that long in the winter. Use the winter months to snag items while they’re available.
Spring yard decor, potted plants and comfortable outdoor furniture are great items to snag in the winter. Ensure to take proper care of these items to protect them from winter elements until spring arrives. Cold weather significantly impacts outdoor furniture and can cause cracking or weakening of tables and chairs. Store them in a shed or garage or cover them to protect them from the environment.
Hardscape elements can be hard to come by during the busy season of spring, so if there are needed things for projects, winter is the perfect time to shop ahead. If rental equipment and other items are noticed during the planning process in the winter, they can be available when needed. Also, some aspects of landscaping are more accessible in the winter. Fallen leaves, for example, provide ample space to evaluate yard needs.
3. Allows Time for Permits
If permits or approvals are needed for large landscaping projects, they can some time to get approved. Many homeowner associations (HOA) require residents to submit request applications for any home improvements, including landscaping.
Some HOAs have a list of approved plants to choose from and don’t allow any others. Many HOAs have a review period that lasts 30-45 days, which can delay landscaping projects significantly. This makes winter the prime time to apply for approvals and permits to cover all the bases.
Since more time is spent indoors during the winter months, it might be an excellent time to review the policies and processes of the HOA in the area. Planning accordingly allows plenty of time for the approvals and permits required for any spring projects.
4. Plants Are Easy To Relocate
Many plants are dormant in the winter months, which makes them much easier to relocate to allocate for future landscaping. The simplest plants to move during the winter are bushes and shrubs. Plants are easily stressed, so moving them does require some planning. Even low-maintenance indoor plants are sensitive to relocation and require extra care.
If the landscape design for spring differs from the current one, bundle up and maximize the opportunity to relocate the plants that need to be moved easily. If plants are moving indoors, ensure they don’t go into shock by gradually exposing them to the environment and change in temperature. Begin with putting them in the shed or garage, for example, to let them adjust before bringing them into a warmer climate. Moving plants can also help them get more or less sunlight, depending on their needs.
Some plants are fickle, so conduct proper research to avoid harming them during relocation. Winter is also an excellent time to plant seeds of more hardy plants that will go outdoors in the upcoming warmer months. Ensure to rotate seedlings, so the sun reaches all sides of them. When they’re ready, ensure to help them gradually adapt to the outdoor environment before completely relocating them.
Winter Planning for Spring
Planning for spring can ensure that projects are ready to enjoy as early as possible. If the planning begins during spring, the yard may meet requirements and be ready to enjoy in the following year. Preparing in the winter can save time, money and offer plenty of time for creative decisions.