Well-maintained landscaping increases property values and resident satisfaction. Here's how to plan a 12-month maintenance program for your Strata common areas.
Landscaping is often the first thing visitors, potential buyers, and residents notice about a Strata property. Well-maintained grounds signal a well-run building, while overgrown, neglected landscaping suggests deferred maintenance and poor council management. Beyond aesthetics, proper landscaping maintenance protects the building by managing drainage, preventing root intrusion into foundations, and maintaining clear sightlines for safety.
A year-round Strata landscaping plan for the Lower Mainland should follow these seasonal priorities. January–February: winter cleanup of fallen branches and storm debris, pruning dormant deciduous trees and shrubs, inspecting drainage swales and catch basins for blockages, and planning spring planting and any landscape upgrades approved in the annual budget.
March–April: spring cleanup and bed preparation, first fertilizer application for lawns and ornamental beds, mulching all planting beds (2–3 inches of quality bark mulch), pruning spring-flowering shrubs after blooming, weed control in beds, pathways, and pavement joints, and irrigation system startup and testing.
May–June: regular mowing begins (weekly during peak growth), annual flower planting in feature beds and containers, hedge trimming (first of typically 3–4 trims per season), broadleaf weed control applications, monitoring for pest and disease issues, and adjusting irrigation schedules as temperatures increase.
July–August: continued weekly mowing with heights raised during hot weather, deep watering during dry spells (Lower Mainland summers are increasingly dry), deadheading annual flowers and perennials, second hedge trim, monitoring trees for dead or hazardous branches, and mid-season fertilizer application.
September–October: fall cleanup of leaves and organic debris (critical for drainage), aeration and overseeding of worn lawn areas, fall fertilizer application to strengthen roots before winter, planting spring-blooming bulbs, final hedge trim of the season, irrigation system winterization and blowout, and pruning of perennials and grasses.
November–December: final leaf cleanup, protecting tender plants from frost, ensuring all drainage is clear before heavy rains, pruning fruit trees during dormancy, and reviewing the year's maintenance with the Strata council and planning the next season's program.
Strata Property Services provides comprehensive landscaping maintenance programs tailored to each property's specific needs, size, and budget. Our programs include all seasonal tasks, and our crews maintain the same properties year after year, building the institutional knowledge that leads to better outcomes. Call 604-761-1518 for a landscaping maintenance quote.