As temperatures warm up it’s time for facility managers to start paying attention to their landscaping. Check the prep list and get commercial gardens spring-ready.
Well-groomed outdoor areas directly contribute to the physical and mental health of tenants and help reduce water damage and pest infestations. International Facility Management Association listed the fundamental steps FMs should take to get gardens of commercial facilities ready for the spring.
Weeds emerging
With spring coming weed seeds get the water and sunlight they need to start popping up. Pre-emergent weed treatments help to counter weeds before they begin sprouting but become less effective as they establish themselves.
Not all plants will survive winter
Now is when plants start showing some renewed vigour, so it’s a good time to pick out the areas that are damaged and in need of re-seeding or replacement. It’s also a good idea to pick out trees or bushes that have outgrown their current spots. Digging them up and moving them to a new location now can make it easier for them to establish themselves since the roots will have a chance to recover before warmer temperatures increase their water needs.
A thorough cleanup
Downed trees or bushes, if left to their own devices, can attract pests in search of food, water, and shelter. Now’s the time to remove dead leaves, sticks, downed limbs, and any trash that might’ve blown onto the property.
When replacing plants
When looking to replace damaged or outgrown plants, for best results, landscape with native plants. Also, specify the growing zone and choose accordingly, avoiding species with a reputation for becoming invasive, like ivy.
Time to fertilize
With spring the nutritional demands of plants increase. For most plants, it’s generally a good idea to fertilize in late spring as it is when plants work on producing foliage and flowers.
Mulch looking a bit ragged at the end of winter
Wind and precipitation knock mulch easily out of place, and it also simply breaks down and becomes part of the soil over time. Now with re-seeding, transplanting, or replacing landscaping plants, it’s also a good time to add new mulch. If termites are a concern, better prefer pine straw to conventional wood – it’s much less appealing to them.
The best landscaping takes care of itself
With some planning, things can be set up to require minimal intervention. “Year-round interest” is a gardening term that describes plants or gardens that have something to offer in every season. Some have beautiful flowers in spring, attractive foliage in summer and autumn, and long-lasting fruits or interesting silhouettes in winter. Leaving space for spring annuals can give the landscaping vibrant colour, and choosing trees or shrubbery based on their year-round appeal will keep the garden looking good through every season.
Spring is when plants start putting their energy back into developing new roots and leaves, and it’s the perfect time to assess a facility’s landscaping and make any necessary changes. By planning well now, one can create planting beds that are beautiful, low maintenance, and increase the appeal of the facility.
