Is your commercial landscape winter ready? While most will tend to think of warm weather features and elements when considering landscape designs, it’s equally important to be aware of the unique needs of Canadian developments during the colder months. Failure to plan adequately can lead to significant property risks, as well as hazards for your clientele that result in headaches and even costly lawsuits. At the Krahn Group of Companies, in partnership with our landscaping consultants at KD Planning & Design, we know the value of planning for the inevitable winter months and making sure your landscape is ready for whatever the seasons may bring.
Below, we’ll explore some of the core landscape design elements to keep in mind in cool climates. Read on to learn more.
Selecting the Right Natural Elements
The unfortunate reality of operating in some of Canada’s coldest regions is that your flora will tend to suffer significantly for a good portion of the year. Failing to choose the right topiary and other features can leave your lot looking barren and unwelcoming, where natural evergreen selections like shrubs and trees help to bring vibrance all year round. Make sure you know what features work best for your land and plan accordingly for the winter months.
Pruning and Maintenance
Looming dead trees not only look unsightly, they also pose a significant hazard during the winter. Heavy snowfall and storms can cause branches to fall and become tangled in power lines, damage builds, and potentially even cause bodily harm to passersby. Make sure that your landscaping also includes built-in plans for seasonal maintenance, including adequate snow removal, tending to overgrown or dead trees, allowing for safe drainage during the spring (more on that below), and more.
Designing Drainage
Implementing proper grading for drainage is an essential part of overall landscape safety and becomes even more important during the winter melt in the latter half of the season. Excess moisture can pose risk to people, as well as your property as a whole, meaning that your consultants need to pay extra attention when designing their year-round plans.
Don’t Let Issues Linger
Finally, as is the case for any preventative maintenance plan, the best way you can prepare your property’s landscape for winter is to…well, plan! Don’t be caught off guard as the seasons’ change and be sure to partner with a skilled consultant that knows how to account for each and every detail your site presents. Whether you’re building new or overhauling an existing space, it’s important to be diligent when it comes to staying on top of upkeep and being prepared to replace ageing features as needed. Remember, landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics; it also helps keep everyone safe when it matters most!
Meet the Krahn Group of Companies
At the Krahn Group of Companies, we’re proud to ensure that each of our projects is handled with care and excellence. Our landscape consulting partners, KD Planning & Design offer exceptional design and arborist services as well as unbeatable customer service and transparency through the entire design process. Learn more about how KD Planning & Design, in partnership with the Krahn Group of Companies can help you transform the landscape of your property by contacting us today.
