Here in Kansas City, we may not always want to think about what’s going on outside during the cold days of winter—our minds are understandably fixated on spending time bundled up in front of a warm fireplace with a mug of hot coffee! But with spring fast approaching, it’s still not a bad idea to think about what we can do to get our outdoor spaces ready for warmer weather.
If you’ve been thinking about tackling a hardscape project, such as a patio, retaining wall or walkway, here are some reasons winter is a great time to get started:
- You’re working on solid ground: The ground is more likely to be frozen, so you’ll have a solid foundation to work from. The last thing you want is for any of your hardscape work to mix with the dirt underneath and cause shifting or other issues.
- More time: It’s often easier to take advantage of extra free time in the winter. If you’re not at work or school, you can get started early on your project before the weather becomes too warm to work outdoors comfortably. Also, don’t forget about any long weekends you may have coming up—they’ll also give you a good window of time to work on your project.
- No excess moisture: You may need to drain your garden of any remaining water at the end of the season. A cold winter makes this task easier because you won’t have to worry about any remaining water freezing and expanding, which can cause damage to your hardscape and garden.
- No weeds: You won’t have to deal with weeds! This is especially important if you’re planning to put in a hardscape surface, such as a patio. If you do it during the winter, your surface can be free of any grass or other plants that may have grown on it during the spring.
- Pair it with your landscaping efforts: If you’re putting in a hardscape surface, like a patio or deck, winter is the time to figure out your landscaping plan and ensure your new hardscaping and landscaping work together well. You can be sure there’s enough room for guests to walk on it during parties or other gatherings. While you’re at it, you can also consider the space you have available to store any landscaping materials, like winter mulch.
- Fewer pests: You will likely encounter less damage from insects and other pests during the winter. Insects, such as ants and millipedes, are more active during the warm seasons, so they will be less likely to cause problems for you.
- Easier scheduling: You won’t have as many scheduling restrictions with nearby homeowners or management companies. Since everyone else is inside during the winter, you won’t have as many concerns about noise and debris restrictions. And if the project has anything to do with landscaping, you’ll have complete managerial discretion over the area until the spring. Just be sure to check all of your local laws before starting.
With these reasons in mind, you’ll soon realize that winter really is a good time to start a hardscape project. Contact MSE Hardscape Design and Installation to get your project underway, and get ready to enjoy your outdoor space even more this spring!