Your Winter Landscape Prep Guide for a Stellar Spring at your commercial site

As the vibrant colors of autumn fade and the chill of winter starts to settle over the northern parts of South Carolina, many commercial property owners might be tempted to put their commercial landscape management on hold. Don't! The winter months are a crucial time for strategic preparation that ensures your grounds look their absolute best when spring returns.

Think of it as an investment: smart winterization now is the key to unlocking the best value for commercial landscape services and securing a healthy, stunning display come spring.

Here is your essential checklist for preparing your commercial landscape for the coming season and guaranteeing a lush, welcoming spring.

1. Turf & Soil: The Foundation of a Healthy Spring Lawn

Even though your turfgrass is slowing down, its root system is working hard to store energy. Providing the right care now is vital for robust spring growth.

• Fertilization & Aeration: A balanced fertilizer application in early fall provides the essential nutrients for root development throughout the dormant season. Combine this with lawn maintenance aeration to reduce soil compaction, allowing water, oxygen, and those critical nutrients to reach deep into the roots.

• Leaf and Debris Removal: Don't let a thick layer of fallen leaves smother your lawn. This traps moisture, blocks sunlight, and can lead to turf disease like snow mold. It also changes the pH of your soil which leads to sub-par turf results. Consistent leaf removal is a simple yet high-impact step in your overall landscaping plan.

• The Final Mow: Cut your grass to a slightly shorter height - roughly an inch or so lower - for the last cut. This helps reduce the risk of matting and fungal issues over the winter.

2. Protect and Prepare Plantings

Trees, shrubs, and perennial beds need special attention to guard them against cold damage and winter stress.

• Strategic Mulching: Refresh or apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like pine straw or wood chips) around the base of trees and shrubs, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk/stem. This acts as an insulating blanket, helping to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, which is especially important during dry, cold spells.

• Dormant Pruning: Winter is the ideal time for the heavy pruning of many deciduous trees and shrubs. Because they are dormant, it minimizes stress and allows for clearer visibility of the plant structure. Schedule this with your commercial landscape professional for optimal plant health and hazard reduction.

• Seasonal Color Transition: While winter is approaching, you can still maintain curb appeal. Swap out summer annuals for cool-weather favorites like pansies, violas, or ornamental kale to keep high-visibility areas bright and welcoming well into the season.

3. Irrigation System Winterization

Failing to properly prepare your irrigation system is one of the most common and costly mistakes a commercial property owner can make.

• Drain and Insulate: While South Carolina rarely experiences sustained, deep freezes, the above-ground components are highly vulnerable. At a minimum, we must shut off the main water supply and open valves to allow for any freezing water to expand. Preferably, we should drain water from exposed parts like pumps and backflow preventers to prevent freezing, cracking, and burst pipes. For lines below ground, professional "blowing out" is the best way to ensure all water is removed.

• Adjust Schedules: Even in winter, established plants may need occasional watering during extended dry periods, but this must be managed carefully. Your commercial landscape management team will adjust or shut off the system, then monitor conditions to avoid ice formation or overwatering.

Your Partner in Commercial Landscape Success

The winter season is not a time for your commercial landscape to hibernate completely—it’s a time for smart, proactive care. By addressing these critical steps now, you protect your investment, minimize the need for expensive repairs, and guarantee that your commercial property is primed for a spectacular start to the spring growing season.

Choosing a professional partner for your commercial landscape maintenance ensures these vital winterization tasks are done correctly, maximizing the best value for commercial landscape investment.

Ready to secure a healthy, beautiful spring for your commercial property?

Call CMS Landscape Management in Rock Hill, SC. We service a pretty wide area so don’t let our location fool you. Call or email today!

803-327-6333

sales@cmslawns.com