The Pros and Cons of Upgrading Your Landscaping in Winter

When winter rolls around, many of us are already dreaming of warmer days that will bring out the most in our landscaping. But when you live in a climate that spends roughly one-fourth of the year submerged in snow or frigid temperatures, waiting for spring to roll around to tend to your landscaping duties can start to test your patience. 

For many brave homeowners, winter can actually prove to be a sufficient time of the year to tend to or upgrade your luxury landscaping. Whether it’s hiring a softscaping contractor to enhance your surroundings throughout the depths of winter or boosting your curb appeal before trying to sell your home in the spring, there are certainly a few ways you can care for your landscaping, even if the weather outside isn’t so delightful. 

So the question remains: Should you upgrade your landscaping during the winter season? Or is it safer to just wait things out until spring rolls in? 

Before making a decision, here are a few pros and cons of upgrading your landscaping during winter that you should consider. 

Pro: Landscaping Can Be More Affordable During Winter 

One major upside to upgrading landscaping in winter is that landscaping services tend to be more affordable than they are during peak season. You can also have your pick of landscapers, as there's less competition for their services. 

And since winter brings shorter days, you don't need to worry about working under the hot sun or dealing with unexpected weather conditions like hail or rain storms – both of which can delay progress on your project.

Pro: Landscapers Are Generally Easier to Book During Winter 

Perhaps the biggest advantage to trying to upgrade your landscaping during winter is how much more available most landscaping companies are during the season. Booking a landscaping contractor throughout the rest of the year can prove to be quite a difficult task, and more often than not, you’ll need to book them out several months in advance.

While winter isn’t the most ideal season for landscaping services, and not all companies do business during this time of year, you’ll be surprised how available some contractors are throughout the colder months. 

Con: Colder Climates Means Difficult Digging 

On the other hand, landscaping upgrades in cool weather can be tricky. In colder climates, the ground may be too hard to dig, or there could be a shortage of landscaping material which could delay the project's progress. 

Additionally, softscaping contractors may charge more for garden landscape design and planting services in winter since they need to take extra measures to ensure plant roots survive cold temperatures.

Con: Not All Landscapers Are Equipped For Winter Landscaping 

Just because a landscaping company agrees to provide you with landscaping services during winter doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the most equipped or experienced to do so. In fact, if you wind up hiring a landscaping company out of desperation during the winter months, you could ultimately pay double what you initially invested if their services prove to be inadequate or even potentially damaging. 

From staffing issues to lack of equipment and resources, there are many reasons why most landscaping choose not to do business during the winter months. 

Always be sure to do your research on a landscaping company beforehand and make sure they’re able to successfully perform all their landscaping services, no matter what time of year it is. 

5 Tips for Winter Landscaping 

While winter might seem like an unlikely time for landscaping, it certainly can be an opportune season to at least prepare your outdoor space for the upcoming spring. Even though the ground may be frozen and snow-covered, there's plenty you can do to ensure your landscape thrives when warmer weather arrives. Here are five essential tips for winter landscaping:

1. Winter Pruning 

Winter is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs. With foliage gone, it's easier to see the structure of the plants, allowing for strategic trimming. Pruning encourages healthy growth by removing dead or diseased branches and shaping plants for better form and aesthetics. However, be cautious not to over-prune during extremely cold weather. 

2. Protecting Plants 

Safeguard vulnerable plants from harsh winter conditions by applying a layer of mulch around their bases. Mulch acts as an insulating barrier, protecting roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, consider wrapping delicate plants with burlap or protective coverings to shield them from frost and snow. 

3. Planning Hardscapes 

Utilize the winter months to plan and design your hardscapes. Whether it's constructing pathways, adding a patio, or installing retaining walls, winter is an ideal time for layout and design. Prepare sketches and consult with landscaping professionals to ensure a smooth execution when the ground thaws. 

4. Winter Lawn Care 

Don't overlook your lawn during the colder months. While grass growth may be dormant, it's crucial to continue minimal maintenance. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent suffocation and disease. Also, aerate the lawn to allow air and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting healthier root systems. 

5. Choosing Winter Plants 

Introduce plants that thrive in winter to add visual interest to your landscape. Evergreens, ornamental grasses, and winter-blooming flowers like witch hazel and winter jasmine can bring color and texture to an otherwise subdued winter garden. Consider planting these for a lively touch.

Bottom Line: Weigh All Of Your Options Before Your Final Decision 

At the end of the day, it's important to weigh your options before making a decision on landscaping upgrades during winter. 

If you have an issue with your landscaping that needs immediate attention, then upgrading in winter might be worth it, especially if you're able to find competitive pricing from landscapers who are experienced with working in cooler weather conditions. However, if you don't have any pressing landscaping issues, it may be best to wait until spring when landscapers are more available and the soil is warmer.

Whether you choose to upgrade your landscaping in winter or wait until spring, taking some time to consider the pros and cons of landscaping during this season can help ensure that the work gets done on time and within budget. With a little bit of research and planning, you’ll be able to create the perfect landscaped yard for your home, even in cold weather!

Luxury Landscaping Services From MH3 Design Group 

At MH3 Design Group, we work hard to ensure that all our clients are completely dazzled by our custom landscaping services. If you’re ready to upgrade your landscaping this year, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team of luxury landscaping specialists!