Winter can feel like the “off-season” for landscaping—until spring arrives and every problem shows up at once: dead areas, weeds, broken irrigation, snow damage, muddy drainage spots, and a flood of resident requests.
The truth is, winter is one of the best times for property managers to use their landscape contractor strategically. Many of the highest-impact services are easier, cheaper, and less disruptive in winter—and they directly determine how successful your spring growing season will be.
Here’s what you can hire landscapers for in the winter, and how each item prepares your property for spring.
1) Shrub Pruning and Rejuvenation Planning
Winter is ideal for structural pruning because plants are dormant and you can clearly see form and problem wood.
Winter pruning services can include:
- removal of dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- structural shaping (not shearing) for long-term plant health
- rejuvenation pruning for overgrown shrubs (when species-appropriate)
- clearing visibility around intersections, signage, and entrances
Spring payoff: healthier shrubs, better bloom performance (when timed correctly), reduced snow breakage, and fewer “why do these look terrible?” complaints in May.
2) Tree Maintenance and Risk Reduction
Trees are high-value assets—and winter is a great time to address risk while canopies are visible.
Winter tree services may include:
- deadwood removal
- raising canopies for clearance over sidewalks and drives
- identifying storm-damage risks and weak unions
- coordinating certified arborist work for larger pruning needs
Spring payoff: fewer broken limbs, fewer emergency calls, reduced liability exposure, and improved access/visibility.
3) Irrigation Audits, Repairs, and Spring Startup Prep
Even if irrigation isn’t running, winter is when you want to plan and prep.
Landscapers can:
- inspect and document known weak zones and chronic turf loss areas
- flag broken heads, missing parts, and exposed valve boxes
- plan repairs and parts ordering before spring rush
- confirm winterization status and schedule spring startup early
Spring payoff: faster startup, fewer leaks, fewer “first hot week” turf losses, and less scrambling when every contractor is booked.
4) Bed Edge Redefinition and Hardscape Cleanouts
Crisp bed lines and clean edges are one of the biggest curb-appeal multipliers—and winter is a low-stress time to reset them.
Winter services include:
- redefining bed edges and cutting clean lines
- cleaning out leaf buildup and debris from beds
- removing dead annuals and spent perennials
- resetting small rock migration and edge creep
Spring payoff: properties look “maintained” immediately when green-up starts, with less labor needed during peak season.
5) Weed Prevention Strategy (Pre-Emergent Planning)
Weed problems are often won or lost before spring even starts. The timing of pre-emergent applications matters, and winter is when you plan the schedule.
Elevate can:
- review last season’s weed pressure areas
- build a pre-emergent and post-emergent plan
- coordinate spring timing with irrigation availability and weather patterns
Spring payoff: fewer weeds, fewer resident complaints, and less need for aggressive mid-season correction.
6) Drainage and Erosion Repairs (When You Can Actually See the Problems)
Winter shows you where water sits, where ice forms, and where runoff cuts paths through turf.
Winter services include:
- identifying pooling zones and downspout discharge issues
- correcting minor grade problems
- adding rock swales, splash blocks, or drain improvements
- stabilizing erosion areas before spring melt worsens them
Spring payoff: fewer mud areas, less turf loss, better pedestrian safety, and reduced ice-prone zones next winter.
7) Soil Improvement Planning (The Root of Spring Success)
Colorado Springs soils are often compacted and clay-heavy. Winter is the time to plan soil improvement so spring growth isn’t fighting a losing battle.
Landscapers can:
- assess compaction and poor drainage areas
- plan aeration schedules and topdressing needs
- recommend compost amendments where turf repeatedly fails
- identify areas where turf isn’t sustainable and needs a different approach
Spring payoff: stronger root growth, better water absorption, less patchy turf, and improved drought tolerance.
8) Turf Repair Strategy and Scheduling
If you had thin turf, pet damage, or high-traffic wear, winter is when you decide how to repair it—before you’re forced into reactive fixes.
Winter planning can include:
- identifying areas for spring overseeding
- planning traffic management and rest zones
- staging seed, soil, and materials early
- building a watering strategy that complies with restrictions
Spring payoff: better germination timing, fewer failed repairs, and faster recovery.
9) Spring Color and Enhancement Planning (Before Everyone Gets Busy)
If you want seasonal color, bed refreshes, or enhancement work, winter is when you get the best pricing and scheduling.
Landscapers can:
- design spring annual layouts
- plan mulch refreshes and bed renovations
- propose entrance upgrades and small curb-appeal projects
- order materials early and schedule installations
Spring payoff: you’re not competing with every other property for install slots in April/May.
10) Site Walks, Reporting, and Budget Forecasting
This is one of the most valuable winter “services” because it reduces surprises.
Elevate provides:
- a winter site inspection with photos
- a prioritized action list:
- safety issues
- irrigation and turf risk areas
- plant health issues
- spring readiness items
- budget numbers for each item (now vs later)
Spring payoff: fewer emergency proposals, fewer board escalations, and clearer planning.
Bottom Line
Winter is not downtime—it’s planning season. The properties that look best in spring are usually the ones that handled the “invisible” work early: pruning, drainage corrections, irrigation prep, bed cleanup, and weed strategy.
If you want a smoother spring and fewer surprises, winter is the best time to get ahead.
