How to Keep Your Landscape Looking Great All Year

Spring Landscape Maintenance Tips

Start with a Clean Slate

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it’s time to clean your yard. Remove any broken branches, dead leaves, and winter debris that may have collected. This helps prevent disease and gives your new plants a healthy environment to grow.

Assess Winter Damage

Take a walk around your property and examine trees, shrubs, and garden beds for any winter injury. Trim dead branches and consult professionals like Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery if you notice major damage or disease.

Feed Your Lawn

Spring is the right time to fertilize your lawn. A well-balanced fertilizer will give your grass a boost and promote strong root growth as the growing season begins.

Mulch Matters

Apply a fresh layer of mulch around trees and flower beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, prevent weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery offers premium mulching services that add beauty while also being practical.

Prune and Plant

Spring is also a great time to prune flowering shrubs and prepare new planting beds. If adding new plants, choose ones that are native to Illinois or suitable for its fluctuating spring temperatures. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery provides expert guidance for spring planting, helping you select vibrant annuals and perennials that flourish in your area.

Summer Landscape Maintenance Tips

Water Smart

During hot, dry months, your plants and lawn need plenty of water. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Focus on deep watering to encourage root development.

Mow Regularly

Keep your lawn mowed, but don’t cut it too short. Taller grass shades the soil and keeps it cooler, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Control Weeds and Pests

Deal with weeds before they take over. Consider natural weed control methods or safe herbicides. Keep an eye out for pests like Japanese beetles or aphids, which can damage your plants. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery can help diagnose pest issues and provide treatment options.

Seasonal Plant Care

Some summer plants need deadheading or trimming to stay healthy. Maintain your flower beds and prune shrubs as needed to encourage continued blooming and growth.

Boost Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Summer is the season to enjoy your yard. Spruce up patios or add new features like outdoor lighting, seating areas, or container gardens. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery can help you design outdoor spaces that enhance your home’s comfort and entertainment potential.

Fall Landscape Maintenance Tips

Rake Leaves Regularly

Leaving layers of fallen leaves on your lawn can smother the grass and lead to disease. Rake frequently or use a mulching mower to chop and recycle leaves into the soil.

Plant for Next Year

Fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, and even some perennials. Cooler weather allows roots to develop before winter hits. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery offers expert planting services to help you get the timing and placement just right.

Lawn Aeration and Fertilization

Aerating your lawn in the fall improves water and nutrient absorption. Follow it with a slow-release fertilizer to build strong roots ready for spring.

Prepare for Winter

Harvest any lingering produce, cover sensitive plants, and clean out flower beds. Installing protective burlap wraps around delicate shrubs can prevent windburn and winter damage.

Decorative Touches

Consider adding finishing touches like fall planters or seasonal wreaths. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery can provide ideas and products to help your landscape reflect the colors and mood of autumn, enhancing curb appeal going into the holidays.

Winter Landscape Maintenance Tips

Protect Your Trees and Shrubs

Snow and ice can break branches. Brush off heavy snow gently, and avoid using salt-based deicers near landscaping, as they can damage plants. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery recommends using safer alternatives like sand or calcium chloride.

Plan Ahead

Winter is the perfect time to reflect on your current landscape and start planning improvements for the next year. Booking a consultation with Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery during this season gives you a head start when spring arrives.

Decorate with Purpose

Add visual interest to your yard with decorative winter features such as lighting and evergreens. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery specializes in holiday lighting and seasonal décor to help your yard look festive and inviting when everything else is bare.

Keep Walkways Safe

Clear walkways and driveways of snow to avoid accidents. Use landscape-safe materials for ice removal. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery can recommend products and provide snow removal services for residential or commercial properties.

Year-Round Landscape Tips Specific to Illinois

Understand the Climate

Illinois experiences all four seasons, including scorching summers and freezing winters. This range impacts what plants will thrive and when certain maintenance activities should take place. Choose native or hardy plants that can withstand the state’s climate fluctuations. At Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, we understand what works best for northern Illinois and tailor our recommendations accordingly.

Soil Testing is Key

Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels helps you choose the right fertilizers and plants. Having your soil tested once a year ensures you’re not wasting money or effort. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery offers guidance on interpreting test results and selecting suitable treatments.

Irrigation System Maintenance

Installing an irrigation system is helpful, but it needs care too. Check for leaks, clogs, or broken sprinkler heads throughout the year. Winterize your system in the fall to prevent freezing damage. Consider reaching out to Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery for professional maintenance services.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Alongside your personal efforts, setting up a maintenance plan with professionals is a smart choice. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery offers seasonal maintenance packages so you always stay one step ahead. From lawn care and tree trimming to seasonal color updates and snow removal, our team ensures your landscape stays pristine year-round.

Choose the Right Materials

Materials you use in your yard—such as pavers, mulch, and edging—must endure Illinois’s changing weather. Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery uses top-quality, weather-resistant materials for patios, walkways, and landscape features that last through rain, snow, and sun.

Why Choose Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery?

A Deep Rooted Legacy in Illinois

Founded in 1966 by Paul Kjeldbjerg, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery has over five decades of experience in the landscaping industry. Starting with a pick-up truck and a dream, the company has grown into a trusted name serving families and businesses throughout Illinois.

Family-Owned, Locally Focused

Poul’s is a family-owned business with deep roots in the community. With a focus on high-quality service and lasting relationships, they carry forward Paul’s legacy through exceptional landscape design, maintenance, and nursery services. Whether you live in the suburbs or have commercial property in Illinois, you can rely on a team that understands your local needs.

Wide Range of Services

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery doesn’t just mow lawns. Their services cover all aspects of outdoor care, including:

– Landscape design and installation

– Irrigation systems

– Seasonal cleanups

– Mulching and fertilization

– Pest and weed control

– Holiday lighting and décor

– Tree and shrub planting

– Wholesale nursery operations

Experts in Native and Seasonal Landscaping

Our staff includes horticulture and marketing specialists who are well-versed in Illinois’s seasonal demands. Whether you’re planting spring perennials or designing a winter light display, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery has the expertise to guide your every decision.

Trusted by the Community

Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery has built a reputation for reliability, creativity, and excellent customer service. Their portfolio includes beautiful residential yards and show-stopping commercial projects that highlight innovative landscaping tailored to the Midwest environment.

Conclusion

Keeping your landscape looking great all year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right care strategies tailored to each season, you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy yard no matter the weather. These expert landscape maintenance tips Illinois residents can trust will protect your investment and boost your curb appeal. By partnering with a skilled and reputable company like Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, you ensure that your outdoor space receives the highest level of care. Let us help you transform your yard into a beautiful, thriving extension of your home—season after season. From spring plantings to winter lighting, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery is your partner in every step of your landscape journey.