Hardscaping Guide: When Should You Start Hardscaping Projects?
Many homeowners dream of starting hardscaping projects but often become too overwhelmed during the planning process. There are many factors to consider during the planning stage, including location, materials for the project, what type of elements to incorporate, how to ensure that new elements complement the current landscape, and, more importantly, when to start a hardscaping project.
Some homeowners may start to plan during the winter when the landscape is relatively empty, which makes it easier to see where elements best fit in. However, once homeowners develop a plan or the beginning of a plan, they’re often held back in the spring and summer due to multiple factors. So, while you may think hardscaping projects are best to start in the spring and summer, you actually want to start them in early fall and winter.
Here are a few reasons why starting hardscaping projects in the fall and winter can be beneficial.
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One challenge homeowners encounter is finding an available landscape design company. Many homeowners and businesses will start to book landscaping services in the spring. By the summertime, many landscaping companies will already have more than enough projects to work on.
In the early fall and winter, landscaping companies usually have more availability, making it easier for you to get booked. Additionally, it’s easier to acquire landscaping materials for a relatively affordable price. In the spring and summer, pricing of landscaping materials usually increase due to consumer demand.
Better Weather
Next, the weather is always an issue in the spring and summer. In the spring, you deal with unpredictable rainfall, storms, and varying temperatures, especially if you live in Michigan. In the summer, it’s normally too hot or humid. And, for certain hardscaping projects involving concrete, high humidity is not ideal.
When you start hardscaping projects in the fall and winter, you’re less likely to encounter project delays. Fall is typically drier than spring and summer, although you still may be likely to encounter varying temperatures depending on where you live.
It’s also important to note that if you live in the northern regions of Michigan, where the winter is more extreme, you’ll have to pay close attention to the forecast. Freezing temperatures and snowfall can impact hardscaping projects. You’ll generally want to look at early September to mid-October for hardscaping projects. For those with milder winters, you could potentially start projects in late October up to mid-December.
Less Damage
Lastly, when you start hardscaping projects in the fall and/or winter, you’re less likely to damage existing plants in your garden. By early September, annual plants are slowly dying, while perennial plants are entering their dormant stage. Machinery and other equipment used in hardscaping projects could potentially uproot or damage plants during their peak growing seasons. Waiting until these plants are pruned back or altogether removed will ultimately reduce this risk.
Let Design One Help You Kickstart Your Next Hardscaping Project
Don’t wait to start your next hardscaping project—get professional advice and assistance from Design One. Founded over 30 years ago, we provide commercial and residential hardscaping services, including professional stonework, brickwork, patio installations, outdoor fire pit installations, and retaining wall installations.
No matter the time of the year, we can help you successfully plan and complete any hardscaping or landscape design project. Contact us today to schedule a free project consultation.
