Why Winter is the Best Season to Plan Your Summer Outdoor Project
As the leaves fall and the rainy season sets in, outdoor projects might be the last thing on your mind. The trees are bare, flowers have faded, and the ground feels too wet or frozen to work with. It is easy to assume nothing can be done, but think again. Winter is actually one of the best times to plan and begin landscaping projects in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and here is why.
Landscaping Can Be Done in the Winter
Even with rain or a snowstorm, winter is one of the best times to move ahead with landscaping. Wet ground can be managed with tarps to prevent mud, and base preparation for hardscapes follows the same process as in summer. Transplanting existing plants or planting new ones is often more successful in winter, with less stress on the plants.
While some tasks, like sod installation, are best left for warmer months, most parts of your project can move ahead without delay. Waiting for the perfect weather to start landscaping is a myth.
Front and Backyard Makeovers Take Time
From the first consultation to the start of construction, every stage of an outdoor project takes time. If you wait until June or July to begin, weeks can pass before designs are finalized and work begins. This can leave you with a yard that is not ready until the end of summer or even fall.
Whether you are planning a completely new outdoor space, adding custom features, or upgrading your garden, it is important to allow enough time for thoughtful design and planning. Larger or more detailed projects can take several months to complete. Plans often evolve as new ideas emerge, which is why starting your landscaping project in winter reduces stress and ensures your yard is ready to enjoy as soon as the warm weather arrives.
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Contractors Are Available Now
Summer is the peak season for landscape designers and contractors, with bookings often stretching two to three months out. Starting your project in the slower months gives you more flexibility and helps guarantee everything is finished by the time summer arrives.
Better Price & Product Availability
One of the biggest advantages of starting your outdoor project in winter is cost savings. At WestView, we offer better pricing during the slower months, and with lower demand overall, suppliers and contractors often do the same.
Another advantage is product availability. In winter, materials like pavers, stone, and plants are easier to source, while in summer they can sell out quickly or come at a higher price. By planning early, you secure the best selection and pricing while avoiding delays, keeping your project on budget and on track.
Clearer Vision for Your Yard
In the winter, it is easier to get a true sense of how your yard looks and feels. You can clearly see what needs attention, what works, and what does not. In the summer, when everything is in full bloom, it is easy to overlook areas that could be improved.
Some of the most common things that get missed in the summer include drainage issues, how space is used for gathering or entertaining, pathways, and slopes. Identifying these challenges in winter, before you start designing, saves you surprises, costly pivots, and unnecessary expenses down the road.
Still Unsure About Winter Landscaping?
Starting your project in the winter means:
Most work can move ahead without delay
Projects have more time for thoughtful design and completion
Easier access to contractors and shorter wait times
More affordable pricing and better product availability
A clearer view of your property’s layout and needs
A yard ready to enjoy as soon as summer arrives
As you begin planning your summer yard, explore our past projects and services for inspiration and ideas. You can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
At WestView, we make winter planning easy so you can step into summer with a yard you love.
