Year-in and year-out you spend your time trying to improve yourself or the things around you. One of these things is most likely your lawn or property and whether you’re a home owner or a business, your landscaping makes a huge difference on perception. While many people won’t consciously notice landscaping (some people will notice regardless), psychology research states that we regularly recognize things unconsciously and that this can change our mindset. As a homeowner, you’ll be more revered by those around you if your property is beautiful, while as a business, you might get that extra sale because your property is well maintained.

By following the yearly schedule here, you’ll maximize the potential of your property. The greens will be greener, the shrubs will be fuller and your flowers more vibrant. While it’ll take a lot of work, it’ll make everyone that lays eyes on your property extremely envious. Good luck and get to work!

January

January can be a month of rest in terms of landscaping as the lower temperatures and inclement weather not only thwarts us, but also slows plant changes to a standstill. However, this does not mean that there’s nothing to do!

– Continue maintaining a safe property with cleared walkways, driveways and parking areas. This will not only increase safety, but also help preserve your hardscapes.

-If there is any debris (branches, leaves, trash) take the time to clean it up as it will inhibit growth when warmer temperatures return.

– Now is the time to plan any hardscape changes. Talk to companies to plan building a new patio, install a new pool or redo any retaining walls.

February

February is cold in the Hudson Valley, but there’s plenty to do in terms of landscaping! This is the unofficial start of true outdoor property management as each month from here on will involve multiple items to handle.

– Keep up with the winter cleaning/clearing of snow and ice.

– Start pruning. Focus on trees at this time, especially ones that are increasingly in the way. This pruning will not only open up the property, but will also help the tree continue growing in a healthy manner. This should be done every year.

– If you have specific areas that a lot of weeds grow in, apply a weed premergent there to proactively combat the issue.

– Finish plans to complete a hardscape. Either schedule a company to finish plans, or have a well-defined plan for you to follow and complete your dream layout.

March

March starts the treatment of your lawn, continues the pruning of your plants. Much like the quote “April showers bring May flowers”, the landscape work completed in March will bring a beautiful setting in the upcoming months.

– Continue pruning, but focus on your spring blooming shrubs and smaller plants. As they’ll be blooming in the upcoming weeks, early March is the best time to prune. With the treatment, your shrubs will bloom fuller and healthier, leading to spectacular results. Make sure to only prune them slightly.

– Fertilize your lawn to ensure it gets the nutrients it was lacking over the winter.

– Start monitoring for any pests. If there are specific pests that you’re worried about, look into ways to prevent them.

– Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials if necessary.

April

Once April rolls around, the ground is thawed and it is time to start treating everything for the picture perfect look. Not only will you be focusing on individual plants now, you’ll also be framing them which will make them pop.

– Start watering your plants a couple times weekly. This will bring life to your landscape as it will keep plants healthy and vibrant.

– Apply fertilizer to perennials while also monitoring them and cutting them back if needed.

– Prepare plant beds by edging, adding mulch and weeding. This will help make the plants stand out and ensure moisture stays where the plants can access it. You can also edge around your walkways and any hardtop if necessary as it will create a “cleaner” look.

– Add grass seed wherever there are patches in the lawn. By doing it earlier, there’s more opportunity for the seed to activate.

– Prune the shrubs and plants that bloom later in the year.

May

May is more of a maintenance month when it comes to landscaping. Take this time to treat what you’ve already worked on, continuing to pamper your beautiful landscape. Note when the frosty mornings have ended as it is time to plant the annuals at this time!

–  Continue to water the plants at the same rate as in April. Continue monitoring for any issues and weeding when necessary.

– After frost has stopped completely, analyze your property and figure out the best place to plant any annuals you bought this year. These will liven up plant beds and your hard work so far this year will begin to show.

– If interested in composting, you can start a compost pile using your lawn clippings, trimmed bushes and pruned plants.

– Since there is less to do, this month would be the perfect time to schedule hardscape construction. It would allow you to complete the work without it being too cold or too hot.

June

June brings a new threat into the world of landscaping throughout the Hudson Valley and that is the hot sun. From late morning throughout the day, the sweltering heat can wreak havoc on your plants, especially if they are still wet from watering. Be careful while landscaping and enjoy the beauty that exudes from the property.

– Continue watering your property throughout the week, but ensure that you water in the mornings or late afternoon. The sun will burn the plants if watered during the hot portion of the day, leaving the property less beautiful than intended.

– Start deadheading your flowers. This act will help ensure your flowers bloom throughout the season. If you need to know how to deadhead read this article.

– Continue weeding and monitoring for pests. Pest control is tough in the Hudson Valley, as there are many unique pests that inhibit the area. If left alone, pests can cause issues for vegetation, humans and pets alike.

– Prune any evergreens on the property at this time. This will help create strong trees over the winter months.

July

Now in the middle of summer, we are at risk of droughts and extreme heat that can leave your lawn looking lifeless. Combating this with early morning/early evening watering will help preserve the property and continue to impress visitors.

– Continue watering, weeding and deadheading as instructed over the past months. This keeps the property looking clean, vibrant and eye-catching through the dog days of summer.

– If adding/moving annuals, try to finish up as early in the month as possible to ensure they take well, any later in the month/year and you risk the plant dying or not re-blooming.

August

The beginning of August brings continued excruciating temperatures, but also the ending of the summer season. Different plants and flowers will be blooming soon, so hopefully you’ve been preparing for them to take over your property.

– Continue watering, weeding and deadheading as instructed over the past months. Hopefully you’ve noticed the distinct difference this creates on the landscape.

– After a long summer, it is time to edge again. The sharp edges you leave behind will frame the beautiful designs and will noticeably spark a stunning view.

September

September has kids going back to school and less outdoor parties, but a beautiful landscape will still be making an impact. This time of year starts the preparation for the property next year. Your persistence this year was noticeable, however it will be much more noticeable next year if you continue working at it.

– Unless you have planted new plants, watering your property is only necessary during dry spells this month. If you’ve planted new vegetation, water on a weekly basis.

– Start de-thatching and aerating the lawn. This will help keep a healthy lawn grow after the winter. Seed where necessary, as a lot of growing happens during this month.

– Continue monitoring the property and treating any pests or weeds.

– Start thinking about how to handle the winter months. Purchase salt (check out our guide), check/fix snow blowers or hire a company to provide snow removal.

October

With leaves falling daily, there’s a lot of work to be done. Keeping the lawn mostly clear will allow the grass and plants to breath. Not every leaf needs to be raked up though, as some will give the yard some nutrients to strengthen the grass.

– Rake up leaves and add them to the compost pile if you have one. Make sure to rotate the compost pile as that helps it break down over time.

– Continue seeding until the first frost.

– Test or have your soil tested. The results will let you know how much fertilizer and lime you need to apply. Apply the fertilizer once you complete the soil test.

– Finish cleaning up any dead plants while planting hardy bulbs for an early spring bloom.

November

Winter is around the corner now and everything is starting to look a little greyer. Congratulations on a season full of bright colors and a healthy property. At this time you should feel proud of the results and looking forward to the holiday season.

– Finish raking up the leaves. Don’t allow the snow to bury it over the winter season as this will hurt the grasses ability to grow.

– Now is the time to fertilize the shrubs and trees throughout your property. Make sure this vegetation has been established for a year.

– If you didn’t get the chance to fertilize your lawn in October, you have the opportunity to do it now before the snow starts falling.

December

The year is coming to a close and it’s been successful! Now it’s time to plan for next year’s garden and lawn design while ensuring safety for your plants this year.

– It’s time to start clearing your property of icy, snowy or dangerous areas. This will not only increase safety, but also help preserve your hardscapes.

– Start planning your beautiful landscape for next year.

– Ensure your shrubs underneath your room aren’t being damaged by falling snow or ice.

Landscape Maintenance Schedule – Unconscious Mind – When to Start Mowing –  Deadheading: Enjoying Nature’s Second Bloom – New York Pests –  Seasonal Lawn Maintenance