Can your Portland-area landscape project be done in the winter?
Portland, OR winters are fairly mild. December, our coldest month, still has an average high of 48 degrees. Snow and ice are fairly uncommon and short lived.
So yes, your landscaping can be done in the winter.
Should I landscape in the winter?
If you decide to tackle a yard renovation December - March, there are a few disadvantages, but also some potential advantages.
Gardens Completed in Winter:
Winter Landscaping Cons:
The project will move more slowly. The days are shorter and wetter, so the job will take a little longer.
Slopes are tricky. If your landscape involves a steep slope, parts of it may not be possible to tackle.
Coffee cups. There will be more coffee cups on site, as the crew tries to stay warm.
Winter Landscaping Pros:
You will get our full attention. During the summer we may be divided between 2-4 projects at one time. In the winter it's 1-2.
Your project will be ready for spring. Enjoy every possible minute of your new paver patio, water feature, or fire pit.
Entertainment. You don't have anything to do on those gray winter days anyways. At least you can sit by the fire, drink your coffee, and watch us work in the mud.
Can I Plant In The Winter?
Will it be too cold to plant? I get this question all the time as I fill up our winter schedule. And it's understandable.
If you are going to invest in a bunch of new plants you want to be sure they are getting off to a good start. If that means waiting for spring, so be it. You want to plant at the best time. Right?
The good news- for you, your plants, and for me- is that our Portland winters pose little danger to your new Fastigiate Mugo Pine or Manzanita. Here's why:
Our winters are just not that cold.
Many plants go dormant in the winter. This makes them less susceptible to damage or shock while planting. Planting or transplanting in the winter is like moving your sleeping kid from the car to their bed- potentially easier than the regular routine!