A successful landscape is built through consistent, thoughtful maintenance. In central Virginia, where seasons can change dramatically, your landscape care should adapt accordingly. This guide covers the essential tasks for each season so your property looks its best and is well-prepared for the next phase of growth. You can also download our landscape maintenance checklist PDF.
Spring Landscape Cleanup
1. Clear Leaves and Debris
Winter often leaves yards with accumulated leaves, fallen branches, and other debris. Clearing these out early helps your lawn and garden beds get the sunlight and air circulation they need for healthy growth.
2. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Spring pruning encourages new growth. Focus on removing any dead or damaged branches; this can help prevent disease and improve the overall appearance of your plants. Avoid over-pruning, as you want to give plants space to bloom and grow naturally.
3. Fertilize Beds
Applying fertilizer to your garden beds in early spring gives plants the nutrients they need to grow. Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support roots, flowers, and foliage throughout the season.
4. Apply Mulch
Mulching in spring helps retain soil moisture, prevents weed growth, and gives beds a polished look. Aim for a layer about two to three inches thick around flower beds and tree bases, and be careful not to pile mulch against plant stems or tree trunks.
5. Plant Annuals
Early spring is the perfect time to introduce vibrant annuals to your landscape. Flowers like pansies, petunias, and marigolds bring color and beauty to beds and planters, enhance curb appeal, and set the tone for the season.
Summer Landscape Maintenance
1. Mow and Edge Lawn Areas
Frequent mowing keeps grass looking neat and encourages strong root systems. Edge around garden beds and pathways for a clean, defined look. Aim to mow weekly, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height to prevent stress.
2. Remove and Spray Weeds
Weeds can quickly take over garden beds and lawns during summer. Regularly pull or spray weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. A post-emergent herbicide can also be useful in controlling aggressive weeds.
3. Maintain Irrigation
During hot and dry spells, make sure your irrigation systems are functioning correctly. Set sprinklers to water deeply and less frequently to promote strong root growth. Consider early morning watering to reduce evaporation and avoid fungal issues.
4. Deadhead Flowering Perennials
Remove spent blooms from perennials to encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading redirects energy from seed production back into the plant and prolongs the blooming period.
5. Prune Select Plants
Not all plants benefit from summer pruning. Avoid trimming spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas, as this can prevent next year’s blooms. Instead, focus on lightly shaping fast-growing shrubs and hedges.
6. Apply Pest Deterrents
Summer often brings pests like aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. Use eco-friendly insecticides or natural deterrents, like neem oil or insecticidal soaps, to keep harmful bugs under control. Always apply in the evening to protect pollinators.
7. Clean Up Debris
After a summer storm, check for fallen branches and damaged plants. Clearing debris quickly will keep your landscape safe and looking well-kept. Regular cleanup also prevents moisture build-up that can lead to fungal growth.
Landscaping Fall Cleanup
1. Remove or Mulch Leaves and Debris
Leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn can suffocate grass. Either rake and remove leaves or mulch them into the lawn. A mulching mower can grind leaves into fine pieces so they can break down and nourish the soil.
2. Deadhead and Trim Perennials
Cut back spent perennials to tidy up beds and reduce the risk of pests or diseases overwintering. For some perennials, you may want to leave seed heads as winter food for birds.
3. Aerate and Fertilize Lawn
Fall is an ideal time for a second round of aeration and fertilization. Aerating before the first frost helps roots receive nutrients, and fall fertilization prepares grass for winter dormancy.
4. Final Lawn Mowing and Edging
Perform a last mow of the season and leave the grass slightly longer for winter. Edge beds and pathways for a clean look and to define areas and prevent overgrowth during winter.
Why Let GSU Handle Your Landscape Maintenance
Green Side Up Landscaping is dedicated to providing comprehensive landscape maintenance throughout Richmond, Williamsburg, Glen Allen, Henrico, Midlothian, and the surrounding areas.
Our team brings years of horticulture, agronomy, and turf maintenance expertise to each task to give your property customized care that enhances its appearance and health. From the right fertilization plans to meticulous pruning, we have the skills it takes to keep your landscape looking its best year-round.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expertise in local plant and soil needs: Our team knows Virginia’s climate and soil conditions inside and out. We customize our maintenance practices to give each plant the specific care it needs to thrive in this environment to keep your landscape healthy, resilient, and seasonally stunning.
- Seasonally-tailored service: We handle all aspects of seasonal care so that your property is prepped for lush summer growth and winter dormancy alike. You’ll enjoy a well-maintained landscape without the hassle of keeping track of seasonal tasks.
- Efficient, reliable workmanship: Landscape maintenance can be time-consuming, especially for larger properties. Our team’s experience and efficient processes mean that we complete each task thoroughly but with minimal disruption to your day.
- Advanced equipment and eco-friendly practices: We use professional-grade equipment designed for high performance and precision so each job is done correctly the first time. Our commitment to sustainability also means we select eco-friendly practices whenever possible, so you can rest assured that your landscape is being cared for responsibly with both aesthetics and the environment in mind.
- Proactive pest and disease management: Our team is trained to identify early signs of potential issues and take proactive measures to prevent or treat them. By catching problems early, we help avoid costly damage and keep your plants healthy.
- Cost-effective and stress-free: Professional landscape maintenance is an investment that can save money in the long run. With Green Side Up, you avoid costly mistakes, expensive repairs, and the hassle of buying and maintaining equipment.
With Green Side Up, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your landscape is in capable hands. We manage every seasonal need with precision, so you can focus on enjoying your property, worry-free.
Get Started Working with Us
Ready to simplify your landscape maintenance? Reach out for a consultation, and let’s make your landscape the best it can be, every season of the year.
