With the Central Valley’s mild to hot weather, landscaping is a four-season job. Below is a calendar of landscaping tasks to help you stay on track.

Spring

• Lawn Care: Mow weekly.
• Fencing: Repair or replace fencing after any winter storm damage.
• Irrigation: Modesto lifts its watering restrictions on March 31. Check irrigation systems and start watering regularly. Consider drip or smart irrigation systems to get a rebate.
• Hardscaping: Spring and fall are the best time to pour concrete for patios, walkways, and other hardscaping projects. It’s also a good time to install patio covers for shade.
• Shrub Pruning: Prune most plants in early spring. Prune flowering plants after they bloom.
• Planting: Plant shrubs, trees, and produce starting in March. Plant flowers in May.

Summer

• Lawn Care: Mow once or twice a week as long as the grass is green and irrigated.
• Fencing: Paint or stain fences.
• Mulch: Place mulch to insulate soil and preserve water. Don’t use flammable mulches near the house.
• Irrigation: Water plants regularly. Stick to early morning watering to minimize evaporation.

Fall

• Lawn Care: Mow lawns weekly.
• Hardscaping: Prepare drainage systems for possible winter floods.
• Leaf Cleanup: Collect leaves with a rake, leaf blower, or bag and put them in your green bin. You also can use a mulching mower or hire a leaf cleanup crew.
• Irrigation: Follow Modesto’s water restrictions and schedule starting November 1st. Water before noon or after 7 P.M. Drip irrigation is always allowed.
• Planting: Plant flowers for spring in early fall. Plant trees and shrubs in mid fall.

Winter

• Lawn Care: Mow every other week. Don’t mow your lawn when it’s wet.
• Leaf Cleanup: Keep removing leaves. Place them 18 inches away from the curb for the city’s December leaf collection.
• Landscape Lighting: Add lights for improved visibility, decoration, and security.
• Irrigation: Keep following Modesto’s water restrictions. Rain will cover more of your plant’s water needs.

All these tasks add up, but you don’t have to do it alone. With LawnStarter, booking a local landscaper is easier than a delta breeze.