Yearly Landscape Maintenance in SLO County: Season by Season

All landscaping needs year-round maintenance, but the exact type of maintenance that needs to be done changes from season to season. As a long-trusted San Luis Obispo landscaping company, AAA Landscaping handles all kinds of landscape installation & maintenance jobs throughout the year for our clients, and we've seen—and done—it all. Though the needs of different landscapes vary between each one, these are generally the kinds of landscaping tasks that we recommend SLO locals prioritize during each season of the year.

Spring (March-May)

As winter starts to melt away, spring is the time for reviving your outdoor spaces. Plants that may have gone dormant during the colder months start to reawaken and grow again—and there's usually plenty of things to do to perk up your landscaping and shake off the winter blues. Here's what we recommend:

• Inspecting and adjusting irrigation systems: Check for any damage that may have gone unnoticed over the winter, repair drip or sprinkler systems, and ensure timers and sensors are working. While below-freezing temperatures are rare here, freezing temperatures can potentially cause damage to water lines, so be extra mindful during your inspection if there was a particularly frosty cold snap during the winter.
• Clean-up and renewal: Remove winter debris, prune shrubs and trees for new growth, aerate lawns, dethatch if needed, fertilize turf and plants to give them the boost they need.
• Planting and mulching: Replace any plantings lost over the winter, refresh the mulch in your landscape beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and adjust beds to accommodate growth and newer plantings.
• Hardscape check-in: If you didn't get much use out of your hardscaping over the winter, now's a good time for an inspection. Look for settling, damage, or improper drainage in and around your hardscaping.

Summer (June-August)

On the Central Coast, summer brings heat, bright sun, and dry conditions, so your landscape maintenance focus should shift to conservation and strategic care.

• Water management: Continue to inspect your irrigation system for leaks and water waste—and if you don't already have an irrigation system installed, it might be time to consider doing so, as watering by hand often leads to accidental overconsumption.
• Mulch and soil care: Top off mulch to keep soil cool and moist; amend soils as needed to support stressed plants.
• Monitoring plant health: Shrubs and trees may need extra attention—prune dead or stressed limbs, watch for pests and disease, trim lightly to maintain form and airflow.
• Lawn upkeep: Summertime is prime growing season for many lawns, so keep your lawn on a frequent, consistent mowing schedule to promote healthy, controlled growth.

Fall (September-November)

As the summer heat slowly gives way to cool autumn air, fall is an excellent time to prepare your landscape for the winter months.

• Clean-up and leaf removal: Collect fallen leaves and debris, especially around shrubs and ground-covers, to prevent fungal issues.
• Soil preparation and planting: Fall is the optimal planting season for many trees and shrubs, as it gives them plenty of time to establish healthy roots that will keep them cool and hydrated in the hot summer months.
• Irrigation transition: Gradually reduce watering frequency as the weather cools; adjust timers accordingly.
• Hardscape inspection: Winter storms may bring more moisture; check drainage, pavers, and walls, and look for any required maintenance or repair.

Winter (December-February)

If you've maintained and prepared your landscaping throughout the year, then winter will likely be a slow maintenance season for you. Luckily, SLO County winters are milder than in many regions, so we don't have to brace for extreme weather conditions. All the same, it's good to check in on your landscaping throughout the winter, and take care of things as needed, such as:

• Irrigation shutdowns and checks: While minimal watering may be needed, ensure systems are winter-proofed and unchecked leaks are addressed.
• Pruning and structural maintenance: For many trees and shrubs, this is the time for structural pruning, removing dead wood, and shaping for next season.
• Hardscape care: Inspect entry paths, patios, walls, and lighting systems—tighten up loose pavers or reseal as needed when traffic is light.

Landscaping Maintenance Made Easy

As an SLO landscaping company founded and staffed by area locals, we excel in providing landscape installation & maintenance services that are tailored to our clients' needs and the local environment. Maintaining beautiful and thriving landscapes throughout the year shouldn't feel like a hassle. From mowing lawns to pruning, planting, and more, we're happy to do it all for our customers and save them plenty of time, stress, and effort!

If you're looking for expert landscape installation & maintenance services in the San Luis Obispo area, call AAA Landscaping at 805-542-9695 and ask for a free consultation today!