The official start of spring is March 20th. Now is a great time to get out and about and enjoy the beautiful weather and crisp, blue skies while taking a few simple steps to ensure a healthy, vibrant landscape throughout the season, including turf preparation, plant pruning, and plant installation.
Beyond those steps, we’ll also break down the following tasks:
- March irrigation check-ups
- Spring tree and shrub care
- Mulching tasks
- March hardscape inspections
- Pest and disease management to start the growing season
- Fresh curb appeal and sustainability initiatives
- Seasonal enhancement planning
Your Free Spring Landscaping Checklist
First things first, though. Your commercial property’s landscape may have taken some hits this past winter due to rough weather. So, the following assessments need to be at the top of your March commercial landscape maintenance list.
Assessing Winter Damage: Your First Step To A Healthy Landscape
The mindset of “out with the old and in with the new” is perfect for your March landscape to-do list. Winter can be harsh for landscape elements (more so on some aspects than others). But what should your commercial landscaping provider be checking during a March property inspection?
Common Winter Landscape Issues to Look For
Major concerns that should be noted are broken branches and tree damage caused by heavy snow, ice, or winter winds. These issues can cause serious injuries and further property damage. Don’t stop there, though, as the following need to be inspected as well.
- Any damage to pavement, walkways, or utility covers from snow removal equipment
- Turf problems like snow mold and rust disease
- Frost heave, which exposes plant roots
- De-icing salt burns on plants (signs are seriously dry leaf edges)
After the property inspection, you’ll have solid information to go forward with replacements, repairs, and any spring renovations. The next step is a spring clean-up to rid your property of winter debris while clearing space for new growth.
And your irrigation system also needs inspecting and any needed repairs made before the growing season takes off (more irrigation details coming later). This first inspection is a good time to have your provider flush salt-affected green spaces with water to reduce salt left over in the soil.
Early March is also ideal for applying pre-emergent weed control (starting around March 15th). However, be sure to hold off on pre-emergents in thinning turf areas that need overseeding, to avoid harming new seedlings.
Three more considerations for March landscaping tasks:
- Book landscaping services early to ensure you get the provider of your choice during this busy time.
- Review your landscape budget and put essential spring tasks highest on your list.
Preparing Irrigation Systems for Warmer Weather
In March, almost nothing is more time-sensitive than ensuring your irrigation system has held up over the frigid winter. Valves, piping, and sprinkler heads should be inspected throughout the property. Signs of damage should be addressed by your landscape contractor immediately.
Some signs are easily identified by walking the property. But hidden troubles are also common, like valve boxes full of leaves, dirt, or grass clippings.
Why Spring Irrigation Inspections Matter
The irrigation system should be tested by running through watering cycles since this is the only way to test every component. Live testing makes it possible to adjust the system in the following ways for proper coverage once temperatures rise:
- Each sprinkler head should have the same spray pattern and height for consistency.
- Clean clogged nozzles or replace if necessary.
- Adjust spray patterns to match the landscape and avoid wasted water landing away from plants or turf.
- Consider drip-irrigation when possible to reduce water waste and costs.
Saving water is good for your budget and the planet, and more tips can be found in this EPA WaterSense guide.
Lawn Care and Turf Rejuvenation
Unless you’re in the deep South, your turf isn’t likely greening up in early March. However, this time of year is vital to having a lush lawn once the warm weather returns. It’s prime time to lay the foundation for the best turf possible.
- Pre-emergent weed control helps prevent weeds that later rob your turf of water and nutrients.
- Deep core aeration turns average soil into high-quality soil by allowing air, water, and nutrient penetration.
- Overseeding at the same time as aeration is efficient and shows better results than doing the services separately.
- Adding topdressing is another early March landscaping task that’ll pay off for months to come.
What about mowing schedules in early spring?
Depending on your region, the mowing schedule could change quickly if warm weather arrives sooner than expected. After all, ideal conditions are what make lawns grow rapidly into thick ground cover they’re designed to be. Mowing crews typically increase mowing to once every seven days during fast-growth periods.
There are other things to note with March mowing, too.
- Avoid lawn damage from mowing oversaturated turf (spring showers are common).
- Mower blades should be sharp and ready for the busy mowing season.
- Overseeded turf areas should be avoided until the young grass has taken root.
March Tree and Shrub Care Essentials
Most property owners would say their most valuable landscape elements are trees. So, these elements deserve top-notch care. And there’s no better time than March for proper tree pruning while temperatures are cooler.
Professional tree pruning is necessary for new growth to keep the tree as healthy as possible. Dead, damaged, and diseased branches must be removed to promote healing. And thinning out crowded branches is an often overlooked spring landscape task. Yet it has major benefits, like improved air circulation and lowered risk of certain tree diseases. Allowing more sunlight to break through can also benefit turf and other plants beneath the tree’s canopy.
Signs of disease and pest infestations must also be checked before they spread. Your tree care provider should check for and treat the following threats:
- Cankers
- Leaf spots
- Fungus
- Scale
- Borers
- Egg masses
Dormant oils are an effective and environmentally friendly way to manage insects and their eggs that are legitimate enemies of your valuable trees. What’s your best defense against all threats to your property’s trees? A certified, experienced arborist.
Arborists are trained in every facet of tree care. These professionals can diagnose tree health issues quickly and recommend treatments that can save not just one tree but an entire stand of trees! The difference between having an arborist do proper tree pruning and just “anyone with a saw” is night and day— as you’ve likely noticed on crudely cut limbs that ruin the look and health of a tree.
The value of having an arborist really can’t be overstated, as they also protect property owners from liability risks. Tall tree care and removal are among the most dangerous jobs performed on a commercial property. The best part about hiring a commercial landscaping company with full-time arborists is avoiding unhealthy trees in the first place, which can prevent the need for risky removals later.
Mulching & Seasonal Plant Installations
By the end of winter, even the mulch on commercial properties has been beaten down. As we enter March, your landscaping provider should replenish mulch to ensure plant roots are protected, weeds smothered, and moisture retained. Proper levels of mulch can also reduce irrigation needs, saving you a bit on water bills.
Waiting too late to do mulching for commercial landscapes gives weeds a head start. That’s bad news for early blooming flowers and shrubs being installed for spring color. These new installs need ideal conditions and weed-free spaces to thrive and show off their vibrance.
See the list below for popular springtime bloom options:
- Hellebore
- Forsythia
- Crocus
- Flowering Quince
- Primrose
Plant selection in early spring will impact your landscape the rest of the year. And adopting a “right plant, right place” philosophy will save you money by avoiding exotic species unlikely to thrive in your property's unique environment. Even microclimates and plant groupings impact the health of your landscape. Good communication with your landscape provider helps ensure wise installation decisions are made.
Hardscape Maintenance and Repairs
Not even your property’s hardscape elements are immune to the wear and tear of winter. Walkways and patios should be checked for cracks and uneven surfaces during March. Retaining walls need inspecting for similar issues, including any loose stones.
Why Commercial Properties Need Spring Hardscape Inspections
Some problems are easy to spot. Others need more consideration like the following:
- Does the outdoor furniture have loose screws, cracks, or rust?
- Are there drainage problems that could damage plants or cause falls?
- Any curb damage from snow removal equipment?
- Are all access points within ADA compliance?
- Is the exterior signage stable and easy to see?
After those hardscape issues are checked off your maintenance provider’s March to-do list, cleaning comes next.
Power Washing and Sealing: Extending the Life of Pavers and Stonework
Power washing hardscape elements should remove unsightly stains and grime that have built up over winter. Appropriate pressure should be used by trained staff to avoid injury and property damage. Power washers can send debris flying, strip paint, and cause water damage if not used properly.
Hot water washers and eco-friendly cleaning products may be necessary to remove oil or rust stains.
A great way to avoid tough stains is to seal your property’s stonework and pavers. Sealing can enhance the color, repel stains, and provide a shield against damaging UV rays. Just be sure to let the hardscapes dry thoroughly after cleaning.
A good rule of thumb is to reseal every two to three years. However, timing depends on the hardscaping material, winter weather, and UV exposure.
Pest & Disease Management for a Healthier Landscape
If it seems like no season gives your landscape a break from pests and disease, you’re right. Fending off harmful elements is a four-season process that involves checking for signs of common pests such as:
- Aphids
- Grubs
- Scale insects
Your landscaping provider should also have fungi detection on their spring landscaping checklist. Mushrooms growing at the base of a tree is one sign of trouble. Another is foliage discoloration and “oozing or weeping” caused by fungus.
These inspections are part of Yellowstone Landscape’s integrated pest management programs. A comprehensive approach ensures your landscaping is prepared to fight off pests and disease. It starts with site assessment and regular inspections during other commercial landscape tasks.
A key part of thorough spring pest control is selecting pest-resistant plants (when possible). Strategic mulching for commercial landscapes and proper irrigation techniques play a role as well. Beneficial insects can be part of integrated pest management, too, as they help eliminate overuse of chemical pest products.
What’s the most crucial aspect of an effective pest and disease prevention strategy? Ongoing monitoring that informs any necessary adjustments to the program.
Enhancing Curb Appeal and Sustainability Initiatives
It’s hard to imagine a better time than March to do spring enhancements. Simple upgrades in key, highly visible areas are the perfect way to enhance first impressions of your commercial property. An example is adding fresh flowers bursting with color at entryways, around signage, and in high-traffic areas.
Even on small landscape budgets, without seasonal flower rotations, refreshing the mulch and removing unhealthy growth is a step in the right direction.
As for outdoor gathering areas, you want to blend vibrant aesthetics with functionality. Consider fast-growing trees that offer shade for your employees, residents, and guests. And if you want year-round engagement on the property, consider shade structures with rain protection.
Yellowstone Landscape recommends using sustainable materials for shade structures. This approach goes nicely with the use of native plants and drought-tolerant species as much as possible.
If you’re curious about the benefits of sustainable landscaping, here are ten of our favorites:
- Reduced water usage and lower utility bills
- Decreased commercial landscape maintenance costs through efficient design
- Enhanced property value and market appeal
- Improved stormwater management and reduced flooding
- Local ecosystem and biodiversity support
- Heat island mitigation around buildings
- Positive brand image
- Potential tax incentives and compliance with green building certifications
- Increased employee / tenant satisfaction
- Long-term resilience against potential climate change
Many Yellowstone clients are seriously invested in sustainability, with several achieving LEED certification—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This designation is set by the US Green Building Council for environmentally sustainable construction.
Planning for Seasonal Enhancements and Landscape Contract Reviews
March is the best time to review commercial landscape maintenance contracts and discuss property enhancement possibilities. This shouldn’t be a complicated process as long as your commercial landscaping provider takes a hands-on approach. A quality provider will walk your property with you to assess your current maintenance needs and contrast those with your existing contract.
Discussing how the landscape held up during the prior season is vital to preparing for success going forward.
Why March is the Best Time to Review Landscaping Agreements
A few things to consider about the prior year are below:
- Was the landscaping service frequent enough?
- Did certain outdoor areas get underutilized by tenants, guests, and staff?
- Were new structures added to the property that impeded plant health (i.e., new construction blocking sunlight)
- Any delays with snow and ice management?
- Was the budget transparent and were additional costs clarified?
As for enhancement planning, start by identifying areas that will benefit from small upgrades or complete renovations. Adding new flower beds or elegant hanging baskets is a popular option. Another common enhancement project is updating your irrigation system so existing flower beds can thrive once they receive precision watering through smart irrigation.
But don’t forget all the hardscape enhancement possibilities. Hardscape elements like dry river beds, stone benches, small fountains, or fire pits give you options if you lack space for adding softscape elements—or if you don’t wish to add maintenance tasks that come after installing shrubbery or trees.
Having one provider for your softscaping and hardscaping enhancements is a good way to avoid scheduling conflicts. Plus, it’ll save you time and hassles because you only have to deal with one company. With Yellowstone Landscape, you get a dedicated account manager, further simplifying your job.
Contact Yellowstone Landscape for a consultation.
ConclusionEarly spring is an exciting time for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. It’s also a busy one for property owners and managers juggling a lot of landscaping responsibilities in March. Ensuring your landscape endured this past winter and setting up your contract for the coming season can get hectic.
Our hope is that this article gave you a useful list of tasks to keep an eye on, though. Hiring a commercial landscaping company that communicates promptly and effectively can take a lot of the burden off your shoulders.
To recap the points we discussed, you can download your free Spring Landscaping Checklist.
If you prefer to simply let Yellowstone Landscape handle all the checks and tasks for you, get in touch with us today.
