THE DORMANT SEASON

Historically, the dormant season (December-March in most regions) is the time of year when landscapers take a deep breath and breathe a sigh of relief that the pace will finally slow down. No grass to cut, plants stop growing, flowers have less maintenance, irrigation systems finally aren’t leaking at the most inopportune time and the mechanics can get caught up on their preventative maintenance for the equipment. Some companies mandate that key employees take their vacation because they know they will be needed in the high production months.

Property managers accept that the weather conditions affect the properties appearance and maybe turn their focus to other projects and details. They are more understanding of the challenges the weather has placed on the landscaper.

At OLM, however, we know that this is the time to continue to press on with important details.

1. Turf. Not much has been going on here, but your landscaper will be ordering products for the important round one application beginning in mid to late February.
2. Site cleanliness. With OLM contracts, the “spring clean up” is a myth. They are required to be on the property weekly to provide service which includes policing trash, random fallen branches, and clutter. It may not be blazing green, but it can be clean. (Note that sand/gravel may linger until spring.)
3. Annuals. Pansies and violas, believe it or not, do require dormant season maintenance. Deadheading, fungiciding, and fertilization are required even up into the mid- Atlantic region.
4. Irrigation. Even with systems shut down and winterized, the irrigation manager can be reviewing each property’s system and develop recommendations to improve operation and effectiveness of the system. At OLM, we see wise water management as critical both to plant health, the budget, and as requirements for local ordinances, new laws, etc.
5. Site improvements. Dormant season is a great time to plant. Maybe not in the mid-Atlantic until closer to spring, but plants have less demand for water and can get established before the summer arrives. Landscapers can look at your property for new design and facelift opportunities now so the property manager can have the time to review and evaluate them.
6. Pruning. OLM’s favorite topic! A future newsletter will be more thorough, but now is the time to allow the landscaper to do what is necessary to manage the the overall dimension of the plants BEFORE spring arrives. Although rejuvenative pruning can be completed up to approximately June or so (with some risks if the summer gets hot quick) the landscaper has to map out his work flow through a 12 month period. Requesting pruning in April during the peak labor months places a burden on their ability to provide a good service.

Finally, enjoy the season! Yes we all know that snow and cold temperatures are hassles. Here in the southeast we just experienced the tsunami of winter storms where virtually no work was done. Wasn’t it fun to see kids sledding, having snowball fights, and making snow angels! Ahhh, the smell of hot chocolate is still in the air!