When Does My Landscaping Need Maintenance?

This might sound familiar:

You’re walking your commercial property—maybe a winery, a corporate center, an HOA—and something feels… off. The plants look tired. There’s a sprinkler shooting sideways. Weeds are creeping in.

And suddenly you’re wondering:

“Wait—should we have done maintenance already?”

It’s a common question. At Landesign, we get asked all the time:

“How often should we be doing landscape maintenance?”
“What’s the best time to prune trees?”
“Do we really need service every week?”

Here’s the deal: Commercial landscape maintenance in Sonoma County isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. But there are patterns. Seasonal ones. Property-specific ones. And knowing what to do when can save you a lot of money, stress, and dead plants.

Let’s break it down—real talk, no fluff.

First—Why Regular Maintenance Actually Matters

Before we get into timing, let’s be real. If you let your landscape go for “just a few months,” here’s what you might run into:

• Bad first impressions. People do judge a book by its cover—and your landscaping is the cover.
• Safety risks. Overgrown shrubs block sightlines. Tree limbs can fall. Sidewalk cracks widen.
• Wasted water. A leaky irrigation head left unchecked in July? That’s not just water lost—it’s money out the door.
• Sick plants. Weeds, pests, and poor soil conditions don’t wait for your budget meeting.

The truth? Good maintenance pays for itself. Bad maintenance costs more later.

Sonoma County’s Landscape Calendar (Yep, You Need One)

Our climate’s a mix of cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers. So what your landscape needs changes fast. Here’s a seasonal cheat sheet:

🌧️ Winter (Dec–Feb): Prep Mode

Focus on:

• Tree and shrub pruning (especially for shape + safety)
• Mulching and soil health
• Clearing drains, checking storm damage
• Planning: Want new plants in spring? Design now.

Why bother?

This is when you set up your whole year. Miss this window, and you’re playing catch-up come March.

🌼 Spring (Mar–May): Growth Explosion

This is the big one. Plants, weeds, bugs—everything wakes up.

Must-do tasks:

• Feed your turf and beds (fertilize!)
• Spray for weeds early
• Clean up winter debris
• Tune up irrigation (check pressure + coverage)
• Plant seasonal flowers if you want color pop
• Aerate lawns if compacted

Extra tip:

If you’re managing retail or medical campuses, this is when people really see your property again. It better look ready.

🔥 Summer (Jun–Aug): Survive & Conserve

Main goals:

• Monitor for heat stress (plants and people)
• Stay on top of irrigation—adjust for drought conditions
• Prune as needed (but don’t overdo it in the heat)
• Weekly mowing + trash patrol
• Mulch helps conserve moisture—refresh it

Things go south fast in summer. A single broken sprinkler in 90º+ heat? Say goodbye to that lawn patch.

🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov): Clean Up & Prep Again

This season helps you set the stage for a vibrant spring.

What to do:

• Clean up leaves + drop zones
• Overseed turf if it’s struggling
• Fertilize before winter dormancy
• Dial back irrigation
• Plant fall color or hardy perennials

Bonus:

Fall is also a good time to schedule budget reviews for next year’s upgrades.

What Needs Attention All Year?

Even with seasons in mind, some stuff just needs eyes on it constantly.

🟩 Turf Areas

• Mow weekly during growth season
• Edge + clean up walkways
• Watch for weeds and brown patches

💧 Irrigation

• Monthly checks—don’t “set it and forget it”
• Adjust based on weather
• Look for weird puddles or dry spots = red flag

🌳 Trees + Shrubs

• Annual pruning (or more if storm-prone)
• Safety checks for overhangs, branches near paths
• Pest control (aphids, scale, borers—you name it)

🧱 Hardscapes

• Pressure wash stains or gum (retail especially)
• Weed between pavers
• Fix loose stones or broken concrete

👀 Public-Facing Spots

• Weekly trash patrol
• Flowerbed freshening
• Keep signage clear—no vines eating your branding

Wait—How Often Should We Actually Service?

Here’s what we’ve found works best for most properties:

• Weekly visits during spring and summer
• Bi-weekly or monthly during winter (depends on the site)
• Monthly irrigation checks
• Annual tree assessments (with as-needed storm cleanup)

But truthfully—it depends on:

• Property type
• Plant types
• Irrigation setup
• How visible the site is to the public

Example: A corporate campus in Rohnert Park probably needs more upkeep than a low-traffic utility lot.

Proactive vs. Reactive: This Is Big

There are really two types of landscape maintenance:

✅ Proactive (smart):

• You plan ahead
• You prevent major issues
• You stay on budget

❌ Reactive (stressful):

• You’re always fixing problems
• Things die before you notice
• Emergencies = $$$$

Guess which one gets better results long-term?

Tailored Tips by Property Type

Let’s be specific for a sec. Here’s what your landscape might need depending on your property:

🛍️ Retail + Shopping Centers

• Keep entrances weed-free + seasonal
• Trash pickup is non-negotiable
• Color rotation = visual impact

🏘️ HOAs + Communities

• Keep walking paths clear + safe
• Work with resident feedback (seriously)
• Common areas need consistency

🏢 Corporate Campuses

• Turf + trees are employee perks—treat them like it
• Think drought-tolerant + native
• “Landscape” = recruiting tool, believe it or not

🍷 Wineries + Hospitality

• Walk paths should be spotless—guests notice
• Blend pretty with practical: herbs, vines, natives
• Privacy + fire safety matter more every year

What Landesign Brings to the Table

Since 1990, we’ve been working on landscapes that don’t just look good—they function. We’re based right here in Sonoma County, and we know what thrives and what fails in this soil and sun.

What our commercial clients get:

• A dedicated crew that actually shows up
• Certified irrigation and tree specialists
• Customized plans based on your property (no copy-paste)
• Transparent communication (we answer the phone, too)

We serve:

• HOAs
• Business parks
• Hospitals + campuses
• Retail centers
• Wineries
• And more across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin

When you choose Landesign, you’re getting more than a mow-and-blow. You’re getting a trusted landscape partner.

One Last Thing…

Landscapes don’t wait around for you to make decisions. Plants grow. Water runs. Weeds… well, they love a break in attention.

So here’s your move:

👉 Reach out to Landesign and let’s walk the site together.

Whether you already have a vendor or you’re starting from scratch, we can help you understand exactly what your property needs—and when.

Contact us online or call Landesign at (707) 578-2657 to get started.