The Southern California sun never sleeps, so Oceanside landscaping is a year-long job.

To keep your landscaping its stunning best, follow our calendar for planting, hardscaping, lawn care, and more.

Spring

• Lawn Care: Clear debris and start mowing when grass reaches 3 inches.
• Planting: Consider using native plants like California poppy or sage.
• Fertilizing: To promote healthy grass growth, use a slow-release fertilizer.
• Shrub Pruning: Remove salt or winter damage and shape your bushes.
• Irrigation: Activate, repair, or install a water-wise irrigation system.
• Mulching: Keep common California weeds at bay with a fresh layer of mulch in your garden beds.
• Fencing: Check for and repair winter damage, or install a privacy fence.
• Hardscaping: Make your outdoor space more usable with a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen.
• Landscape lighting: Make your evening yard brighter and safer with energy-efficient landscaping lights.

Summer

• Lawn Care: Mow regularly and protect your grass by mowing a little higher.
• Pruning: Only remove damaged growth and gently shape.
• Irrigation: Follow Oceanside’s water efficiency plan and water rarely but deeply.
• Landscape Lighting: For later sunsets, adjust timers or install solar-powered pathway lights.
• Hardscapes: Install a covered patio or pergola for some extra shade.
• Fencing: Check fencing and gates for damage and maintenance needs.

Fall

• Lawn Care: As the grass growth slows you can reduce mowing frequency.
• Pruning: Shape trees and shrubs before winter dormancy.
• Leaf Cleanup: You can hire a local leaf removal crew or remove them yourself to protect your lawn from damage.
• Planting: Put in spring bulbs or winter annuals.
• Irrigation: Reduce watering schedule as cooler temperatures move in.
• Fencing: Protect your fence with a sealant.
• Hardscaping: Consider adding a rock garden or a fire pit.
• Landscape Lighting: Install or update your security lighting or add some walkway lights for the earlier evenings.

Winter

• Lawn care: Reduce mowing frequency. Monitor for winter weeds.
• Planting: Add some native plants or bare-root trees.
• Planning: Plan and budget for landscaping projects you want to do in the new year.

A beautiful, lush landscape is yours by following these tips. Or, just connect with one of LawnStarter’s local Oceanside landscaping pros for a free quote.