TIMING IS EVERYTHING
I was talking with a friend the other day about landscaping and they told me what I hear so very often, “I hate yard work, it’s just too hot.” My reply was the same I always give, “Do you really hate yard work or did you wait too late in the year to tackle outdoor projects?”
Here’s a landscape insider truth: The majority of landscapers, gardeners, enthusiasts etc. love what they do, but none of us can be as effective in the hottest months of the year. So I always recommend holding off on the big outdoor projects until it cools down, even if you’re hiring someone else to do the work. If you want bang for your buck you want your hired help to be able to do more than just “beat the heat.”
To really get that above and beyond results from yourself or anyone, or even the plant material, plan a course of action that will not cause stress from the elements. Ill-timed plantings or sod placement without the right resources in place could make the difference in whether or not your project holds up in the long haul.
I understand it’s difficult for most folks to comprehend doing yard work in the cool months, but that really is the best time to get that jump on weeding and clearing beds, doing tree work, changing the landscape, installing and servicing irrigation, and just about anything.
By the time June rolls around for professionals, anybody good will already have their schedules filled up and “squeezing you in” may not get the results you want. In reality, those of us who love yard work really are just focusing on maintenance by this time of the year. We are blessed here in the Lowcountry to have mild cool seasons, so just enjoy the beach and your loved ones until it’s cooler. And what better way to burn off all the holiday treats than to get in the yard and get to work!
Until next time, Aloha!
Charlie Stonecypher is the owner/operator of Suncoast Irrigation and Landscaping. They help people (mostly residential) troubleshoot their landscape and outdoor areas, and specialize in products that work smart without wasting resources. Contact Charlie at 843-327-8642 or suncoastirrigation@gmail.com.
