Recover From Winter’s Wrath
Unpredictable weather is part of the deal during the winter months, and when the weather starts to break, you’ll have a chance to get outside and see just what Mother Nature has done to things on your property. Walking the property and assessing the situation is a great way to see what needs attention, what damage occurred over winter, and what areas are still looking good.
If you’ve had storms recently, it’s a great time to either execute your current cleanup plan or work with your landscape and tree care provider to develop one. Doing so can help you reduce the risk of further damage to property and liability issues after a weather event. Additionally, having a plan in place can help get your property looking great again after a storm does hit.
Inspect Stormwater Systems
In some areas of the country, melting snow creates issues with runoff as the weather starts to warm. But across the board, spring storms can bring large amounts of rain – and if your stormwater systems aren’t functioning properly, you could have big problems when the rain starts to fall. Whether it’s keeping your property dry and reducing the chances for damage or injury from excess stormwater, or simply staying up to code, maintaining your stormwater system is critical.
Irrigation systems also need a good once-over after the winter, and early spring is a great time to get these systems inspected and activated so that once it’s time to irrigate, you can avoid delays or issues that could affect your green assets. Additionally, having a maintenance schedule in place and ensuring that your system is operating efficiently can help you get the most out of your investment.
In contrast to spring rains and winter runoff, ordering and planning for mulching around trees and beds can help lock in spring’s moisture longer and protect plants and trees from drought as the growing season gets into full swing.
Plan Your Improvements
As the saying goes, “The biggest room is room for improvement”. And the same goes for a commercial property. From routine maintenance each year to adding new plants or upgrading existing features, your property is an evolving space – and now’s the time to start thinking about what your plant installations should look like, where to add new plants and trees, or even how to incorporate hardscapes into your property.
In addition to aesthetic upgrades, many property managers are looking to include more sustainable features into their outdoor spaces. Native plant and tree species, pollinator gardens, and stormwater management features are among the most common sustainable updates, but a conversation with your landscape professionals can help you identify which techniques can work best on your property.
Execute Your Plan, From Design To Maintenance
By now, you should be ready to take on the growing season with your best foot forward. It’s time to put your ideas into practice and start making your property look its best for the upcoming year. Training crew members and making sure your staff, vendors, and managers are all on the same page will help streamline your operations and make life easier when things get really busy.
One of the most noticeable – and preventable – issues a property can face is unhealthy turf. After snow melts, make sure to rake up any matted grass areas that have been buried under snow drifts or wet leaves all winter. Also, make sure you’re on top of weeds and pests before they become an issue, and you can enjoy lush, green turf areas all season. Also, throughout your property, it’s important to keep an eye out for invasive species. They can wreak havoc on a property, and if they’re not properly managed or eliminated altogether, your green spaces can suffer the consequences. properly managed or eliminated altogether, your green spaces can suffer the consequences.
Being prepared for the rigors of the growing season – along with recovering from a long winter – takes patience and planning. Make sure you choose a landscape and tree care professional who can work closely with you to understand your property’s needs, as well as your priorities as a property manager. Having the right partnership can help you eliminate headaches and keep your property looking its best, all year long.