Many homeowners do not consider landscaping a garden in winter, but they could be missing a perfect opportunity to transform their outdoor space. Here at House Gardens, we receive plenty of enquiries from people in the Hitchin area in the final quarter of the year.
In this article, we list the benefits (as well as a few negatives) of redesigning your garden over the autumn and winter months.
Get your garden ready for summer
One of the main benefits of starting your garden project in winter is that it will be finished when the warmer weather arrives. In peak seasons like spring and summer, lead times can extend up to six months, which could mean your garden isn’t ready until late autumn. While there’s always the chance of a warm spell, most people don’t want to wait that long to enjoy their outdoor space.
Landscaping a garden in winter means that when the first warm weekend of the year hits, your garden will be ready for barbecues, family gatherings, or simply relaxing in the sun.
Less disruption to your daily life
Garden transformations can be disruptive, and in summer you’re more likely to want to use your garden. The initial stages of landscaping usually involve clearing and excavating, which can leave your garden looking like a construction site before the magic happens.
In winter, you’re less likely to be using your outdoor space regularly, so any disruption will be far less inconvenient. You won’t be missing out on sunny days, making the transformation process easier to handle.
Soft ground makes digging easier
Excavation is a key part of most landscaping projects, whether you’re installing a new patio, decking, or fencing. Winter’s increased rainfall softens the ground, making digging and earth-moving quicker and easier. In contrast, during the height of summer, the ground can resemble concrete, making excavation more challenging and time-consuming.
Cooler temperatures for manual work
Landscaping a garden in winter might seem like madness, but the cooler weather makes physical work much more comfortable. With the right clothing and preparation, working in the winter can be pleasant. You’re less likely to overheat, which can be a major concern during summer heatwaves.
In extreme heat, especially over 30degC, landscaping teams may have to down tools due to health and safety concerns, potentially causing delays. Winter, by contrast, allows for steady progress on your project.
Availability of materials
Spring and summer are peak periods for landscaping materials, leading to delays in receiving what’s needed for your project. Suppliers are often busier, and materials may need to be ordered in advance. Winter, however, is a quieter time for suppliers, meaning materials are usually readily available. This reduces the chance of delays so your project stays on schedule.
The downsides of landscaping a garden in winter
Of course, working in winter isn’t without its challenges, so here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- Rain: while rainfall can soften the ground, heavy downpours can slow work and lead to waterlogged areas. That said, we rarely lose whole days to rain, as most showers are brief and work can resume shortly afterwards.
- Frost: frozen ground can cause issues when working with mortar or concrete. When there is a particularly hard frost, we might have to pause certain tasks, but there are usually other aspects of the project we can continue working on.
- Snow: this is perhaps the biggest hurdle, but thankfully heavy snow is rare in Hertfordshire. Snow usually melts within a few days, allowing us to get back to work quickly.
Need advice on garden landscaping?
Hopefully, you can now see that while winter may not be the most obvious time for a garden makeover, it can be a golden opportunity to get ahead. At House Gardens, we are firm believers in landscaping a garden in winter – so if you are thinking about revamping your outdoors, book your FREE consultation today.
