Landscaping in The Harbor City is a year-round job since temperatures here rarely fall below freezing. Follow this seasonal lawn and landscaping guide to get the most out of your yard.

Spring

• Lawn Care: Mow as needed when coming out of winter. When grass starts growing vigorously in March or April, mow weekly. Some fast-growing grasses, like Bermuda, will need more frequent cuts. Begin fertilizing in late March when soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Aerate if needed.
• Planting: Plant annuals and perennials in late March and weed your flower beds throughout the season.
• Mulch: Add, refresh, or replace mulch.
• Irrigation: Water between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Check with the city and county for area watering restrictions.
• Landscape Lighting: Install outdoor lighting to show off your home and lawn.

Summer

• Lawn Care: Mow weekly and dethatch your grass in early summer. Don’t bother fertilizing since the summer rains will wash it away.
• Irrigation: June-September is our rainy season, so water as needed.
• Landscape Lighting: Do upgrades and maintenance.

Fall

• Lawn Care: Slow your mowing routine to every other week. Fertilize starting in October.
• Leaf Cleanup: Rake leaves, mulch or blow them, or hire a local leaf removal crew.
• Planting: Plant bulbs now to bloom next year. Plant perennials.
• Mulch: Spread or refresh mulch.
• Irrigation: Fall is the best time to install a sprinkler system. 
• Hardscaping: Add concrete patios, decks, and fire pits during the fall and winter when the humidity is low and the ground is warm.
• Fencing: Install fencing now through the winter to save money.

Winter

• Lawn Care: Mow as needed.
• Planting: Plant trees, petunias, pansies, snapdragons, and dwarf calendula. Plant annuals, non-flowering shrubs, fruit trees, and bulbs.
• Pruning: Prune your shrubs and trees in late winter or early spring when plants are dormant.
• Irrigation: Water once a week in the mornings before 10. a. m.
• Fencing: Make repairs and touch-ups to paint/stain while the weather is dry and temperatures are mild. 

Whether you need help with hardscaping, shrub pruning, or routine lawn care, LawnStarter’s Melbourne landscaping pros are ready with a free quote.