When the Kansas wind is howling and the ground is frozen, the last thing on most homeowners’ minds is their patio or swimming pool. Most people wait for that first warm Saturday in April to look out their window and think, “I should redo the backyard.”
But here is the industry secret that proactive homeowners know: By the time flowers bloom, it’s already too late to beat the rush.
If you want to enjoy a new outdoor living space this summer, winter isn’t the time to hibernate, it’s the time to plan. Here is why winter is the absolute best season to start your landscape design process with Schendel Lawn & Landscape.
1. Beat the “Spring Rush” (And the Waitlist)
Our landscaping industry in Kansas is incredibly seasonal. Once the weather turns warm in Topeka and Lawrence, our phones ring off the hook.
By starting your design process in November, December, or January, you are effectively skipping the line. You get your design approved, materials ordered, and your project placed on the construction schedule before the spring rush even begins.
The Result: While your neighbors are just making their first phone calls in May, you could be hosting your first barbecue on your new patio.
2. A More Relaxed, Detailed Design Process
Great landscape design takes time. It involves site analysis, design renderings, material selection, and revisions to get everything exactly right. We focus on 3 things when designing: Aesthetics, Function, and Interaction with the space. Read more about our process here: Landscaping.
During the chaotic spring season, timelines are naturally tighter. In the winter, the pace is different. Our designers have more breathing room to collaborate with you, explore different concepts, and refine the details of your hardscaping or plant palette without the pressure of a looming installation deadline.
3. “Seeing the Bones” of Your Property
It might seem counterintuitive, but winter is actually a fantastic time to analyze a property and its needs. Without the distraction of lush foliage, flowers, and leaves, our designers can see the “bones” of your landscape.
We can clearly identify:
- Drainage issues and challenges.
- The true architectural lines of your home.
- Screening and privacy gaps that need to be addressed (like that view of the neighbor’s garage that summer leaves usually hide).
Designing in winter ensures your landscape looks good 365 days a year, not just in peak summer.
4. HOAS and Material Lead Times
The least exciting parts of a landscape project are the paperwork and the logistics, and spoiler alert: they always take longer than you think.
- HOA Approvals: Review boards often meet only once a month.
- Materials: High-end pavers, natural stone, and specific plant varieties can have lead times.
Winter gives us the luxury of time to clear all these administrative hurdles. By completing the red tape in January and February, we ensure that when the ground thaws, we are ready to break ground immediately.
5. Be Ready for the Whole Summer
The biggest tragedy in landscaping is a project that starts in July and finishes in September. You get a beautiful new pool or patio, but you only get to use it for a few weeks before the weather turns cool again.
By designing now, we aim for a spring installation. This ensures you maximize your return on investment by giving you the entire warm season to enjoy your new outdoor oasis.
Start Your Dream Project Today
Don’t wait for the grass to turn green to start dreaming. Let’s use the “off-season” to build something spectacular.
Contact Schendel Lawn & Landscape today to schedule your winter design consultation!
Topeka: (785) 377-6050
Lawrence: (785) 258-6341
