In Chicago’s North Shore or the Midwest in general, the seasons bring unique challenges and opportunities. A well-maintained landscape requires attention all year round. For tips to keep your space thriving, beautiful, and ready for use, read on!
Winterizing Your Landscape: Expert Tips for Wilmette & Chicago North Shore Homes
No one needs a reminder about how harsh the winter can be in the Chicago North Shore from Lake Forest to Wilmette. From freezing temperatures, to snow and ice, protecting your luxury backyard and hardscape elements t for these conditions is essential. Some tips for ensuring a healthy return in the spring include:
- Winterizing Irrigation Systems: to prevent pipe damage from freezing, make sure to drain sprinkler systems.
- Protecting Dormant Plants: Shield delicate shrubs and trees from harsh conditions by wrapping them in burlap.
- Using Anti-Desiccants: Applying anti-desiccant sprays can help reduce moisture loss.
- Preventing Frost Heaving: You can regulate soil temperature and prevent roots from frost damage by applying mulch around plant bases
- Managing Snow and Ice: Sand and pet-safe ice melt alternatives are better for everyone and make sure to avoid using salt near plant beds
Spring: Preparing for New Growth
Spring is where the fun begins in the world of luxury landscape architecture. It is the best time to lay the groundwork (literally!) for a stunning North Shore landscape design. Whether you’re in Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook or anywhere in between, these are the best tips for preparing your North Shore home for this new, fresh season.
- Assess Winter Damage: This is a good time to search for any damage caused by winter conditions. Inspect trees, shrubs, and lawn areas in Wilmette landscaping projects, and prune any broken branches to maintain a high-end landscape design.
- Soil Preparation: Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable landscape solutions in Chicago suburbs. If soil pH is off, treat with compost or organic matter to restore nutrients and support native plant landscaping.
- Choose the Right Plants: This will be specific to you and your location!
- Lawn Aeration and Fertilization: Aerate compacted soil and apply non-toxic fertilizer to enhance root development.
- Install New Hardscaping Features: Spring is a great time to start on custom stone patios in North Shore properties, retaining wall installations in Chicago, and other hardscape elements to be ready for summer!
Fall: pruning, mulching, winter prep
Fall means winter is around the corner in the Chicago North Shore. This is the time to ensure your landscape is ready for the changing seasons while keeping it vibrant during the transition.
- Pruning and Trimming: Promote healthy regrowth in spring by removing dead or diseased branches.
- Mulching and Lead Removal: Apply a fresh layer of mulch to insulate roots, and remove fallen leaves to prevent mold growth.
- Lawn Care: One of the keys to a thick, green lawn in the spring is to aerate and overseed lawns in advance.
- Winter Plant Protection: Wrap young trees to prevent damage from harsh winter winds and hungry wildlife.
- Hardscape Maintenance: Prevent cracks and damage from freezing temperatures by inspecting patios, walkways, and hardscape elements.
Summer: Keeping Your Landscape Thriving in The Midwest Summer Heat
Summer in Chicago’s North Shore is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor living space. However, it is important to maintain your landscape so that you’re prepared for heat, humidity, and any chance of a dry summer.
- Smart Watering: Implement a practice or watering early in the morning or evening. Encourage strong root growth by watering deeply a few times of week instead of frequent shallow watering.
- Fertilization: Boost soil moisture retention and promote a healthy ecosystem with the use of compost or organic matter. Consider organic or slow-release fertilizers that provide steady nutrients without causing excessive growth or pollution.
- Pest and Disease Control: Be on the lookout for pesky intruders and consider natural treatment solutions.
By following these steps, homeowners in Wilmette, Winnetka, and Highland Park can ensure their landscapes thrive in spring. If you need expert guidance on residential landscape design North Shore or sustainable landscape solutions Chicago, contact our team today!
