On The Level: Landscaping Spring Checklist

Spring Landscaping Checklist

Spring is finally here! Check out our spring landscaping checklist to make sure you’re starting the season off right.

John Janes | Landscaping Marketing Manager

The busy season is upon us, and the best way to set your business up for success is by having a game plan. Our spring landscaping checklist is a great place to start!

Before The Job

Coordinating Logistics and Materials
The first step in your spring landscaping checklist is to secure your supplies. By now you’ve hopefully started ordering things like fertilizer, mulch, seed, plants and hardscape supplies that you’ll need for the season. Since many industries have been impacted by supply chain shortages and landscaping is no exception, it’s a good idea to be up front with your customers about what materials will and won’t be available this year. Setting expectations now can help you avoid future headaches. You can also take this time to pre-schedule any pending deliveries to suit your workload.
Get the Right Equipment
The next step in your spring landscaping checklist is making sure you’ve got the right tools for the job. Talk to your local Cat® dealer as soon as you can so that you can get any added landscaping machines or attachments you’ll need for the season, whether that’s through buying or renting.
Secure Labor
Labor shortages are always a struggle for landscapers, even in the best of times, so another important step in your spring landscaping checklist is to make sure you have programs in place that will help you attract and retain the right employees. Investing in things like NALP certifications, Aquascape certifications and OSHA training can do a couple things for your business. Not only will these programs and certifications show potential employees that you’re serious about helping further their careers, but they can also give you access to a wider labor pool. This also goes a long way in retaining your current employees and making them feel valued.

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On The Job

Check for Snow Damage
Once you’re on the job site, you should check for any signs of damage to the landscape from snow. If snow removal methods like salt and brine are used heavily in your area during the winter, they can damage the existing soil and mulch. If that’s the case on your job sites, you’ll need to bring in fresh soil or mulch to replace it.
Irrigation System Maintenance
Before you start planting anything, you’ll want to check that irrigation systems are in proper working order and make any needed repairs or updates.
Prep for Planting and Seeding
Once your soil and mulch are in good shape and your irrigation system is ready to go, the next step in your spring landscaping checklist is to prep your flower beds for planting and your lawns for seeding. Explore using compost in place of fertilizer to improve soil health and encourage plant growth.

Use this checklist before you start your next landscaping projects to help the preparation go a bit smoother!

Why Add Composting to Your Business?

Check out the benefits of adding composting services to your revenue stream.

John Janes

Landscaping Marketing Manager

John Janes has been bringing his diversified expertise to sales and marketing initiatives at Caterpillar for more than a decade. Not only does he hold an LIC certification from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), CSP and ASM certifications from the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA), but Janes also serves as an American Concrete Institute (ACI)-certified concrete flatwork technician.

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