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February Grounds Management: Key Tasks for Commercial Properties

February is the final cold month of the winter for a lot of areas across the UK, and signals a final chance to attend to those winter grounds maintenance jobs before the spring arrives towards the end of March.

The start of the year brings new opportunities and responsibilities, including the care and maintenance of commercial property grounds. The deep winter months like January and February are pivotal for grounds management, laying the foundation for a well-maintained landscape for the rest of the seasons to come. A proactive approach now will not only keep your property neat and visually appealing, but also contributes to the safety and well-being of all who interact with it.

Here are some of the key winter maintenance services that the SPA Landscaping team offer when carrying out February grounds management to ensure that your commercial property is ready for the challenges of the year ahead.

 

Winter cleanup

The remnants of winter weather will still be a feature in many parts of the UK, with snow and ice taking a toll on a property. We can never accurately predict what February will bring weather-wise, so being prepared for further snowstorms and cold-snaps is an absolute must. Where the weather windows open for long enough in between cold snaps, taking time to get your grounds cleared up is also an opportunity to be grabbed whenever possible.  

Once all chances of further snow have gone, it’s important to thoroughly clean up any remaining ice melt, salt, or sand used for snow and ice management, as well as removing any accumulated debris, fallen branches, and other winter-related clutter. If there have been storms, there will likely be debris in guttering and land drains that will need clearing. If rain has been really heavy, or the property has suffered flooding, clearing away silt, and remulching planted beds will help give a tidier appearance as well as help planted areas to recover quicker.

Tree and shrub inspection

Strong winds and heavy snow might have also caused damage to shrubs, trees and other large plants that will need pruning out for either the health of the plant, or for the safety of the surrounding public areas.

Checking for signs of pests and diseases that may have overwintered is beneficial during the colder months. Early detection and treatment can prevent infestations from spreading in the warmer months.

Trees and shrubs need inspecting for signs of winter damage, including broken branches, split bark, and pest infestations, and pruning and trimming as necessary to ensure the health and safety of the landscape. This proactive approach sets the stage for healthy spring growth. For some trees and plants, February is the last chance to restore the shape of the plants or to apply a final winter hard-prune. So taking a critical look at the larger shrubs and trees on your property and the structural and visual appeal they bring to your landscape is a key task to finish off this month.

 

Soil testing and amendment & mulching

Conducting soil testing to determine the pH and nutrient levels of a landscape is beneficial for seeing if the soil needs amending to provide optimal conditions for plant growth. This step is crucial for the long-term health and appearance of your grounds.

As well as applying topical feeds and soil improvers, it’s also a good opportunity to mulch planted areas. Refreshing mulch in flower beds and around the base of trees and shrubs helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Proper mulching also enhances the aesthetics of the grounds, offering an instant tidy up to areas where the plants might not always be looking their absolute best in the depths of winter.

 

Pruning dormant trees and shrubs

Dormant pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring, making this time of year an excellent time for this essential task. Pruning dormant trees and shrubs encourages healthy growth, improves structure, and removes dead or diseased branches. It’s also the perfect time to carry out structural tree shaping tasks like crown lifting too.

If left unmaintained, trees can pose a potential risk due to fallen tree branches or disease, causing damage to the property or worse, a person. Through our tree care and other grounds maintenance services, we can ensure your site is safe and risk-free.

And if you are looking to add to your stock, then February is a best ‘last chance’ month to plant trees whilst they are still dormant.

 

Irrigation system inspection

Even though winter is typically a season of reduced irrigation, it's important to inspect systems for any damage that may have occurred during freezing temperatures and address any issues promptly to avoid water waste and costly repairs when the irrigation season resumes. Check any under ground irrigation systems and ensure they are obstruction free, and check for leaks caused by winter cold snaps. Testing taps and standpipes, and any water recycling or soak aways you have on your property to make sure all is in good working order.

Plan for spring plantings

The deep winter is an ideal planning period for spring plantings. Think about the colour schemes you might want to introduce for any annuals such as formal bedding designs, or whether you are thinking of using an area for wildflowers to increase biodiversity.

If you want to add to your landscape, decide on what you want to achieve and get them ordered in advance. Proper planning ensures you have everything in place when the weather becomes conducive to planting so that your landscaping team can get to work as soon as possible.

 

Budget review and planning

Performing a safety inspection of your grounds, paying particular attention to paths, walkways, car parks, and signage to address any potential hazards, such as cracked pavement, uneven surfaces, or damaged signs, ensures the ongoing safety of employees, clients, and visitors. It will also inform your budgetary planning for the coming year to help you achieve your goals.

Reviewing your grounds management budget for the year and planning accordingly ensures you have allocated funds for necessary maintenance, repairs and improvements.

 

Contact Us

At SPA Landscaping, we create a bespoke maintenance plan that caters to your budget, needs and frequency of site visits, allowing you to get the most out of the services we provide. If you are a facilities manager, property or land owner looking for a regular grounds maintenance contract, seasonal grounds maintenance upkeep or more, get in touch with us.

Telephone: (0114) 269 9119

Email: info@spalandscaping.co.uk

 

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