Summer offers many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. But, when it comes to landscaping in Denver, it’s best to start your project in the milder seasons of spring or fall.

Plan on taking a DIY approach to landscaping? Or will you enlist the aid of a Denver landscaping service this year? In either case, use these season-based tips to guide your decision-making.

April and May

In early spring, take the time to inspect manmade structures and trees on your property. Look for any damages that may have occurred during the winter months. For example, you may find that you need to clear away branches or repair your sprinkler system.

Lay mulch around trees and shrubs. This will help prevent your soil from drying out and help moderate its temperature. Mulch can also hinder the growth of weeds. However, not all mulch is the same in terms of cost, coverage, and appearance. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the different types, including wood chips, lawn trimmings, and hay.

Use new plants and flowers to add pops of color to your space. By starting in spring, you give the plants time to adjust to their new home. Remember that Colorado has multiple climate zones with varying average temperatures. Just because a plant is native to the state of Colorado doesn’t necessarily mean it will flourish in every part of the state, notes Better Homes & Gardens. Denver is in USDA Zones 5-6, so you’ll want to focus on plants that thrive in those zones.

September and October

Fall brings another opportunity to manage your landscaping, and some people find the falling temperatures more comfortable to work in. At the start of the season, begin to assess any damages caused by summer storms and tidy up fallen leaves and branches.

This is also a good time to fertilize the soil, remove old mulch, and add a new layer. Organic mulch made of pine needles offers a good way to protect any fall plantings during the colder seasons, says the Denver Post.

Many people realize when it’s time to winterize their home, but it’s easy to forget those basic landscaping chores. For example, it’s important to cut the water supply to the sprinkler system and use compressed air to remove any remaining moisture. If you forget to do so, you might find yourself paying for sprinkler repairs when spring comes back around. And that could potentially delay your landscaping plans next year.

Planning Throughout the Year

Even as you’re waiting for spring or fall to roll around, you can still take the time to plan your landscaping. Measure your available yard space and reimage the possibilities. Begin to sketch a map that reflects what you want the space to eventually look like. Need some inspiration? Don’t hesitate to borrow some ideas from your neighbors’ landscaping efforts. You can also reach out to the experts at Colorado Sprinkler Service for landscaping ideas, maintenance tips, and a variety of services.