Quick tip: Choose Low-Maintenance Native Plants: One of the best time-savers is to design your landscape with plants that thrive on their own. Native plants are ideal because they evolved in our climate. The DCNR highlights that natives “require less maintenance such as water and soil amendments” once established.
Creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape doesn’t have to consume all your free time. At Country Farms, we know that many homeowners want to enjoy their outdoor spaces. They don’t want to spend every weekend doing yard work. Here is your complete guide to keeping a beautiful landscape all year. It includes tips and tricks for busy schedules.
Introduction to Year-round Landscaping
A well-planned landscape adds value to your property while providing a relaxing outdoor retreat. The key to successful year-round landscaping lies in understanding seasonal changes and planning accordingly. Here in Greensburg, our zone 6b climate presents unique challenges and opportunities throughout the year.
Benefits of a Well-Designed Landscape
Beyond aesthetic appeal, thoughtful landscaping offers several advantages:
- Increased property value (typically 5-12% higher than homes without landscaping)
- Lower energy bills through strategic tree placement for shade
- Improved drainage and erosion control
- Enhanced outdoor living spaces for family enjoyment
- Natural habitat for local wildlife and pollinators
Seasonal Landscaping Tasks
Spring Preparations
As winter thaws, your landscape needs attention to thrive through the growing season. Here’s what to focus on:
Planting Ideas
- Early-blooming perennials like crocuses and daffodils welcome spring color
- Native shrubs adapt well to local conditions and require less maintenance
- Consider drought-tolerant plants to reduce watering needs in summer
Fertilization Techniques
- Apply slow-release fertilizers to support steady growth
- Test soil pH and amend accordingly
- Focus on root development for stronger plants
Summer Maintenance
Quick tip: Use Groundcovers to Reduce Weeding and Mowing: Tired of constant weeding or mowing large areas? Swap in some groundcover plantings. Penn State Master Gardeners note that native groundcovers can reduce soil erosion and crowd out invasive weeds. Once established, a dense groundcover like Pennsylvania sedge or creeping phlox will fill in and leave little room for weeds to sprout – meaning less labor for you. They also can replace portions of lawn that you’d otherwise have to mow weekly. This strategy keeps the landscape attractive and low-maintenance through the seasons.
Summer in Greensburg can be challenging for plants. Here’s how to keep your landscape thriving:
Irrigation Systems
- Install smart irrigation controllers to automate watering schedules
- Group plants with similar water needs together
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
Weed Control
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late spring
- Use mulch to suppress weed growth and retain moisture
- Consider ground covers in hard-to-maintain areas
Fall Cleanup
Proper fall maintenance sets the stage for next year’s success:
Pruning and Edging
- Remove dead or diseased branches before winter
- Clean landscape edges for a manicured look
- Divide overgrown perennials for healthier growth
Planting for Next Year
- Plant spring-blooming bulbs
- Add evergreen shrubs for winter interest
- Consider late-blooming perennials for extended color
Winter Care
Winter protection is crucial in our zone 6b climate:
Protecting Plants and Structures
- Apply winter mulch to protect root systems
- Wrap sensitive shrubs in burlap
- Remove snow from branches to prevent breakage
Snow and Ice Management
- Plan walkways and driveways for easy snow removal
- Use pet-safe de-icing products near plantings
- Consider hiring professional snow removal services
Easy Landscaping Ideas for Every Season
Quick tip: Plan Tasks by Season (Work with the Calendar): Busy folks can still keep up a great landscape by doing the right tasks in the right season – this prevents overwhelm. For example, do heavy pruning in winter when plants are dormant (and your schedule might be lighter). Winter pruning is ideal for trees in PA. Do mulching and bed preparation in spring, when rains help settle materials (and to get ahead of summer weeds). In fall, focus on cleanup and lawn repair (fall is best for lawn seeding in our region). By following a seasonal game plan, even a busy homeowner can chip away at maintenance in efficient bursts, rather than facing one huge chore list.
Backyard Landscaping Ideas
- Create defined outdoor rooms with strategic plant groupings
- Install low-maintenance water features
- Design multilevel spaces for visual interest
Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
- Layer plants of varying heights for curb appeal
- Install landscape lighting for safety and aesthetics
- Use landscape edging to define planting beds
Hiring a Landscape Contractor like Country Farms
What to Look for in a Landscaper
- Experience with local climate conditions
- Professional certifications and insurance
- Portfolio of completed projects
- Positive customer reviews and references
Questions to Ask Your Landscape Contractor
- What maintenance schedule do you recommend?
- How do you handle seasonal transitions?
- What guarantees do you offer on plants and installation?
- Can you provide year-round maintenance services?
Conclusion: Achieving a Beautiful Landscape with Minimal Effort
Creating and maintaining an attractive landscape doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you prefer to handle maintenance yourself or partner with professionals like our team at Country Farms, the key is planning and consistency. We’re here to help with expert advice, quality plants, and professional services tailored to your needs.
Ready to transform your landscape? Visit Country Farms for personalized advice and everything you need for a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space. Our experienced team understands local conditions and can help you select the right plants and products for your specific situation.
