When Is the Right Time to Hire a Landscaper for Landscape Plantings in Westchester County, NY?

There’s an art to landscape plantings: as much as you want your landscape to look mature and exhibit its full glory, the planting schedule has to happen on the plants’ timelines to give them the best chance for survival. Depending on the intensity of the weather in late spring, planting may be delayed. So, you may be asking: When is the right time to hire a landscaper for landscape plantings in Westchester County, NY?

Related: 2 Tips for Landscaping With Summer Plantings in Mind in Pleasant Valley NY

Different Planting Schedules for Different Plants

Unless you are having a new landscape installed in late spring after the danger of frost has passed; or, in early fall before the deep freeze, you may need to stagger plantings. 

More mature plants with established root systems (for example, a 10-year-old tree) can be planted earlier than immature plants with barely developed root systems.

When in Doubt, Opt for Native Plants

A big challenge in landscaping is knowing the right time to plant exotic (non-native) plants. They are not adapted to the climate and even if they can survive, they will likely not thrive unless they receive a lot of care.

Choosing native trees, shrubs, grasses, annual and perennial flowers, and groundcovers ensures that your landscape will be filled with natural beauty that is ideally suited for the local growing conditions.

Because native plants belong to the area, they require far less water, fertilizer, and pest control than imported exotics. In fact, these plants absolutely thrive where you live while more exotic plants might react unfavorably to the hot summers and harsh winters of the northeastern United States. 

One type of gorgeous native New York flower is the Smooth White Beardtongue, which can make a beautiful addition to your greenscape and live a long and healthy life next to other natives. 

When it comes to your lawn, opt for native cool season grasses. Talk to your landscaping company for recommendations for the best turf grasses for the area.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

While the actual plantings may have to be timed and may be staggered or even delayed due to weather, it’s important to schedule the work ahead of time because spring is the start of the busy season for landscaping companies. 

Your landscaping contractor can help determine the best time for plantings - but don’t delay in setting up a contract because if their work schedule is full, your plants will have to wait, potentially until it’s too late in the season to ensure optimal establishment of their root systems.

In addition, setting up a contract early in spring ensures that your landscaper can purchase plants and supplies early enough to avoid the mad rush of spring planting - meaning you’ll have the best choice of the healthiest plants available from nurseries. It’s best to move quickly and begin projects with your landscaping professionals so that no jobs are delayed by a potential lack of necessary products. 

So while there is no one time of the year that is perfect for planting each species you want to feature in your landscape, you can contact your landscaping professional now, to ensure that the correct planting schedule is implemented. 

Taking action in early spring means you’ll be on the schedule, you will have the best choice of plants, and you will give your new plants the best chance for survival. This is the fastest way to enjoy a lush and thriving landscape.

Related: Landscaping with a Naturalistic Aesthetic in Mind in Hopewell Junction, NY