Keeping up with the landscaping of a commercial property is important all year around. New Jersey winter weather can take its toll on many of the landscape elements. As the spring approaches, property managers need to take advantage of the pleasant weather and start preparing the landscape for the coming season. By following some of the guidelines listed below, property managers can ensure their commercial properties will be bustling with vibrant and healthy landscapes.
If you’re needing local landscaping services near you, Chris James Landscaping can help. We have been in business for over 40 years, serving the landscaping needs of our clients. As a local landscape contractor, we take great pride in helping the people of Mahwah, Oakland, Paramus, and Fairlawn NJ areas with their lawn care needs.
1. Deal with winter damage
The harsh New Jersey winters can wreak havoc on a commercial property’s landscaping elements. When the weather begins to get warm in the spring, be sure to assess any damage that has occurred on the property. Pay close attention to trees and shrubs that either were not covered at all or not covered properly. Signs of winter damage include brown leaves or needles and dead buds. Be sure to discard any elements that did not make it through the winter and replace them with new ones.
2. Clean up the debris
After a long Jersey winter, a commercial landscape needs lots of cleanup. Rake up any leaves that are on the ground and pick up any stray branches and twigs. Making sure the debris is cleaned up will allow for the first mowing of the season as well as prepare the ground for mulching and planting. Another benefit of clearing away the debris is to allow fresh air to circulate around the grass, which will alleviate any winter diseases that cropped up. Proper lawn care is aesthetically pleasing for both customers and employees and makes lawn mowing easier to complete.
3. Repair or replace turf
Once the snow has melted, it will be easy to see which grassy areas need attention. For minor issues, spreading some grass seed will suffice. Larger areas that are damaged may need to be sodded again. A landscape contractor can help estimate a turf replacement or landscaping project.
4. Check the equipment
Any good commercial property landscaping is dependent on adequate watering and irrigation. As soon as the ground thaws in the spring, check the irrigation system to make sure it is functioning properly. Check the valves and controller, and be watchful for any wear and tear. Make sure there is nothing blocking the nozzles and sprinkler heads and that there is adequate water pressure. Take this opportunity to take a look at the flower containers. Replace any that are no longer functional. Consider painting any that are drab and tired-looking. Local landscaping companies can help with this if desired.
5. Mulch
Winter weather can break down the mulch that was on the ground. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, lay a new layer of mulch down. Adding new mulch will allow the soil to retain its moisture, keep weeds away, and prevent too much temperature fluctuation of the soil. Mulch can also add brightness and cleanliness to your landscape design.
6. Apply herbicide
Nothing can ruin a commercial property’s curb appeal than the presence of crabgrass and other weeds. Applying an herbicide in the spring will help prevent the germination of these weeds. It is better to apply the herbicide in the spring before the weeds appear because it is more effective than applying herbicide after the fact. Chris James landscaping services can help with this.
7. Change up the flowers
Many planted flowers are seasonal, so they will need to be changed out as the winter morphs into spring. Adding new flowers will give the landscape a refreshed appearance, which will be pleasing to those who visit the property. Changing the flowers as the seasons change will also help keep the bedding clean. Proper landscape design is important for customers and clients.
8. Fertilize
Since there will be lots of new flowers, and grass in the spring, it is important to make sure they are properly fertilized. Fertilization will help to make all of the new seedlings grow. It will also be beneficial to the landscaping elements that are already established. Local landscaper services can help with this if needed.
9. Insect control
Bugs can quickly invade a landscape and cause a significant amount of damage. Take time during the spring to spray for bugs in order to avoid the problems that can arise if they are left to fester.
10. Trimming
During the first few weeks of spring, be sure to trim trees and shrubs. Doing so will help them keep their shape and prevent them from becoming a hazard to passers-by. Pruning trees and trimming bushes on a commercial property will also help keep them looking attractive, which means increased visual appeal for the property.
11. Hardscaping maintenance
It is important to pay attention to the hardscaping as well as the landscaping at a commercial property. Make sure any pathways are clean and in good repair. Replace any broken or loose paving stones, install hardscaping where needed, and take the opportunity to power wash the walkways and driveways.
As spring arrives, it brings with it lots of work that should be completed around a New Jersey commercial property. Taking the time and effort to complete the necessary tasks can assure a property manager that the property will remain aesthetically pleasing and in good repair the entire season and into the future.
Thank you for reading our blog! If you’re looking for local landscaping services near you, look no further than Chris James Landscaping! We even offer free estimates for any professional landscaping services you need. How can we help you? Contact us today.