Seasonal Landscape Maintenance Checklist for Property Managers
As a property manager, keeping your commercial landscape looking its best year-round is no small task. Each season brings unique challenges and opportunities that can impact curb appeal, safety, and the overall value of your property. With a proactive maintenance plan in place, you can stay ahead of the elements, protect your investment, and make a great impression no matter the time of year.
To make your job easier, we’ve created a Seasonal Landscape Maintenance Checklist tailored specifically for commercial properties. Use this as your go-to guide for maintaining beautiful, functional, and safe outdoor spaces from spring through winter.
🌸 Spring: Refresh and Rejuvenate
After months of cold weather, spring is the perfect time to revitalize your landscape and prepare for the growing season. Think of this as your landscape’s “reset” button.
Spring Maintenance Tasks:
Clean up debris: Remove fallen branches, leaves, and dead plant material from lawns and garden beds.
Inspect irrigation systems: Test for leaks, clogs, and proper water coverage. Adjust timers based on seasonal needs.
Mulch beds: Add fresh mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give beds a clean appearance.
Fertilize and seed lawns: Apply slow-release fertilizer and overseed any bare patches to promote lush growth.
Prune shrubs and trees: Trim back winter damage and encourage healthy, controlled growth.
Install spring flowers: Add pops of seasonal color with early-blooming annuals or perennials.
🔧 Pro Tip: Schedule your spring services early—landscape companies book up fast as the weather warms.
☀️ Summer: Maintain and Monitor
Summer is peak season for plant growth, but it also brings heat stress, weeds, and heavy foot traffic. Your focus now shifts to maintenance, consistency, and water management.
Summer Maintenance Tasks:
Mow regularly: Maintain lawn height based on grass type. Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the blade at a time.
Control weeds and pests: Use targeted treatments to manage invasive species and insects without harming your plants.
Water efficiently: Ensure irrigation systems are working properly and schedule watering during early morning hours to minimize evaporation.
Inspect for plant stress: Watch for signs of overwatering, underwatering, or sun scorch.
Deadhead flowers: Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep plantings looking fresh.
Maintain hardscapes: Power wash walkways, check for cracks, and ensure signage and lighting are clearly visible.
🌿 Pro Tip: Summer is a great time to assess your landscape for areas that might benefit from drought-tolerant or native plant replacements.
🍂 Fall: Prepare and Protect
Fall is all about preparation—getting your landscape ready for winter while setting the stage for spring success. It’s also one of the most critical times for property maintenance.
Fall Maintenance Tasks:
Leaf cleanup: Regularly remove leaves from lawns, beds, and hardscape areas to prevent mold and drainage issues.
Fertilize the lawn: Apply a high-phosphorus fertilizer to strengthen roots before winter dormancy.
Cut back perennials: Trim dead foliage and divide overgrown plants if necessary.
Aerate the lawn: Reduce compaction and improve air and water flow to the roots.
Winterize irrigation systems: Blow out sprinklers and shut off systems to prevent freezing and damage.
Plant fall flowers: Mums, pansies, and ornamental cabbages add color as other plants fade.
Install fall mulch: A fresh layer insulates roots and keeps soil temperatures more stable.
🍁 Pro Tip: Fall is also the perfect time for landscape planning—identify any redesigns or improvements to implement during the slower winter months.
❄️ Winter: Monitor and Maintain Safety
While most plant life goes dormant in winter, property maintenance doesn’t stop. In fact, winter weather can create hazards that affect tenant safety and property integrity.
Winter Maintenance Tasks:
Snow and ice removal: Keep walkways, entrances, and parking areas clear and safe. Use de-icing agents as needed.
Monitor drainage: Ensure melting snow isn’t creating pooling or ice patches near building entrances.
Protect plantings: Use burlap wraps or barriers to shield vulnerable shrubs and trees from wind and salt spray.
Prune dormant trees: Winter is an ideal time for structural pruning and removing dead or dangerous limbs.
Inspect hardscapes: Freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage. Check pavers, retaining walls, and paths for cracks or shifting.
Plan ahead: Use the quieter season to assess the year’s performance and schedule next season’s landscaping projects.
❄️ Pro Tip: Work with a professional snow and ice management provider to create a reliable response plan before the first storm hits.
Final Thoughts
Managing a commercial property comes with plenty of responsibilities, and landscaping is a major piece of the puzzle. With a strategic, seasonally adjusted maintenance plan, you can ensure your property stays beautiful, functional, and safe all year long.
Partnering with a professional landscape company makes this process easier and more effective. From spring revitalization to winter safety, we take the guesswork out of year-round care—so you can focus on what matters most.