Author: Andrew Peterson

landscape design North Shore

Planning Next Year’s Garden: Using Winter Downtime to Sketch Designs and Order Plants

Posted on | by Andrew Peterson

Winter may slow down outdoor work, but it’s the most productive season for thoughtful planning. When the ground is frozen and growth is dormant, homeowners have a rare opportunity to step back and make intentional decisions about their landscape. Winter is the ideal time to plan landscape design North Shore homeowners can rely on, giving you space to think through layouts, plant choices, and long-term goals before spring begins. By sketching ideas, evaluating your property, and ordering plants early, you set the stage for a smoother installation season and stronger long-term results.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Why Winter Is the Best Time to Plan
  2. Evaluating Your Existing Landscape
  3. Setting Goals for Landscape Design North Shore Homes
  4. Sketching Layouts and Design Concepts
  5. Choosing Plants During the Off-Season
  6. Planning Hardscapes and Structural Elements
  7. Coordinating Maintenance and Long-Term Care
  8. Working With a Landscape Design Company Early
  9. Conclusion & Next Steps

Introduction: Why Winter Is the Best Time to Plan

While spring feels like the natural time to think about gardens, winter is when the best plans are made. Without the pressure of immediate planting, you can focus on structure, flow, and long-term function. Landscape design North Shore professionals often use this season to assess properties, refine layouts, and prepare plant orders well in advance. Homeowners who plan early gain access to better plant availability, more thoughtful designs, and a smoother transition into spring installation.

Evaluating Your Existing Landscape

Winter offers a clear view of your property’s bones. With foliage gone, it’s easier to see grading issues, drainage patterns, and underperforming areas. Walk your yard and note where snow melts first, where water collects, and which areas feel bare or unbalanced. This evaluation stage is critical for landscape design North Shore homes because it informs decisions that affect both aesthetics and long-term performance.

Setting Goals for Landscape Design North Shore Homes

Before sketching or selecting plants, define what you want your landscape to accomplish. Some homeowners prioritize curb appeal, while others focus on outdoor entertaining, privacy, or low-maintenance planting. Reviewing broader tips to improve your landscape can help clarify priorities before moving into detailed planning.

Sketching Layouts and Design Concepts

With goals in mind, start sketching layouts. These don’t need to be detailed blueprints—simple drawings that outline planting beds, pathways, patios, and focal points are enough. Landscape design services often begin with these conceptual sketches, refining proportions and relationships before final plans are created. Taking time now allows for experimentation and adjustments without the pressure of an active growing season.

Choosing Plants During the Off-Season

Winter is ideal for researching and selecting plants. You can review bloom times, mature sizes, and maintenance needs without making rushed decisions at the nursery. Ordering plants early improves availability, especially for trees and specialty shrubs commonly used in landscape design North Shore projects. For inspiration on what to prioritize as temperatures rise, Van Zelst’s early spring planting ideas provide a natural next step.

If you’re comparing plant varieties or weighing layout ideas, reviewing trusted garden planning and design guidance can help refine your choices before finalizing your spring orders.

Planning Hardscapes and Structural Elements

Hardscape features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and seating areas benefit greatly from winter planning. Designing these elements early allows contractors to schedule work efficiently and coordinate with planting plans. Hardscape landscaping decisions made in winter often lead to faster project timelines and fewer disruptions once spring arrives.

Coordinating Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Good design doesn’t end with installation. Winter planning is the right time to think about landscaping maintenance and how your landscape will be cared for over time. Plant spacing, access for pruning, and irrigation placement all influence long-term upkeep. Aligning landscape design with future landscape maintenance services ensures your garden remains healthy and attractive year after year.

Working With a Landscape Design Company Early

Partnering with a landscape design company during winter gives you a significant advantage. Designers have more availability to collaborate, refine ideas, and prepare detailed plans. Companies like Van Zelst use this downtime to help homeowners plan landscape design North Shore projects that are both functional and enduring.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Winter planning transforms spring from a scramble into a smooth execution phase. By evaluating your property, setting goals, sketching layouts, and selecting plants early, you position your landscape for long-term success. Thoughtful landscape design North Shore homeowners invest in during winter leads to better results, fewer delays, and more enjoyment once the weather warms.

Frost-covered hydrangea blooms adding texture and contrast to winter container designs a landscape designer North Shore homeowners trust would use for seasonal interest.

Winter Greens and Containers: Using Evergreens, Holly, and Winter Berries in Planters for Year-Round Curb Appeal

Posted on | by Andrew Peterson

Winter landscapes across the North Shore can look bare, but your entryway doesn’t have to. With the right mix of evergreens, branches, berries, and durable containers, you can keep your home looking intentional and welcoming long after fall cleanups are done. A landscape designer North Shore homeowners trust focuses on balance, structure, and winter-tough materials—ensuring your containers stay attractive through freezing temperatures, snow, and wind. This guide shows you exactly how winter planters are built and how to create a design that lasts all season.

Table of Contents

  1. Building Structure With Evergreens
  2. Adding Color With Berries and Branches
  3. Using Texture for a Full, Layered Look
  4. Design Principles That Make Winter Containers Work
  5. Choosing the Right Containers for Winter
  6. Placing Containers for Maximum Curb Appeal
  7. Conclusion & Next Steps

Building Structure With Evergreens

A strong winter container always begins with evergreen structure. Spruce provides vertical presence, cedar adds soft draping, pine brings movement, and boxwood offers dense, rounded volume. These greens tolerate snow and freezing temperatures, holding their color and form through winter. Many winter arrangements created by Van Zelst start with a layered mix of evergreens because they remain consistent and dependable all season long.

Adding Color With Berries and Branches

Once the evergreen base is set, color accents add energy and contrast. Holly berries bring bright red highlights, winterberry branches deliver clusters of vivid color, and red twig dogwood provides strong vertical lines that stand out against snow. Birch poles are also popular, adding height without overwhelming the design. A landscape designer North Shore residents rely on uses these accents strategically to avoid overcrowding while maximizing visual impact.

Using Texture for a Full, Layered Look

Texture is what makes winter containers feel full instead of flat. Dried hydrangea blooms offer soft, rounded forms; magnolia leaves add shine and warm brown tones; curly willow introduces organic movement; and seed pods bring subtle detail up close. These materials hold their shape in winter conditions, helping the planter maintain its depth well into February. A landscape designer North Shore homeowners work with layers these textures intentionally so the arrangement looks balanced from every angle.

Design Principles That Make Winter Containers Work

Successful winter containers rely on a few core design principles. Balance comes from pairing upright elements like spruce or birch with flowing cedar. Movement appears through long pine needles or curly willow. Contrast is achieved by mixing deep greens with bright berries or pale birch. Longevity is built by selecting hardy materials that withstand snow and wind. These same principles guide the landscape design services at Van Zelst.

For examples of how color, structure, and contrast come together in cold-weather arrangements, browse winter container inspiration featured by nationally recognized designers.

Holiday containers

Choosing the Right Containers for Winter

Choosing the right container is essential for long-lasting winter displays. Thin plastic and untreated terra cotta often crack in freezing temperatures. Professionals typically recommend fiberglass, high-density resin, composite materials, or cast stone because they’re durable and weather-resistant. Proper drainage is equally important—without it, frozen water can expand inside the soil and damage both the container and the arrangement.

Placing Containers for Maximum Curb Appeal

Placement determines how noticeable your winter containers are. Entryway planters frame the front door and create a welcoming focal point. Containers flanking the garage emphasize architectural symmetry. Driveway markers improve visibility in snowy weather, and patio-side containers enhance views from inside the home. A landscape designer North Shore homeowners hire will position containers where they make the strongest visual impact during the long winter season.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Winter containers are one of the most effective ways to maintain curb appeal through the coldest months. With the right evergreens, berries, textures, and durable materials, your home can stay vibrant from December into early spring. A landscape designer North Shore residents trust can help you build a container that lasts through snow, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles. To get started with a professionally crafted winter design, connect with Van Zelst today.

 

Snow-covered evergreens providing structure and greenery for winter container designs North Shore landscapes rely on for year-round curb appeal.

fall cleanup north shore

Fall clean-up checklist: Essential cleanup, aeration, and lawn care tasks for North Shore yards

Posted on | by Andrew Peterson

When it comes to fall cleanup in North Shore communities, timing and technique make all the difference. As the leaves begin to drop and temperatures cool, your lawn and landscape enter a critical transition phase. Proper cleanup, aeration, and soil care during this window help protect grass, plant beds, and hardscapes from winter damage. Homeowners who handle these essential steps now enjoy greener lawns and fewer spring repairs later. This guide from Van Zelst walks you through exactly how to prepare your yard before the first frost hits.

Table of Contents

  1. Inspect and Remove Debris Early
  2. Aerate and Seed for Strong Spring Growth
  3. Nourish Soil with Proper Fertilization
  4. Prepare Hardscapes for Winter
  5. Protect Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials
  6. Maintain Irrigation Systems Before Freezing
  7. Partner with a Professional for Fall Cleanup
  8. Conclusion & Next Steps

 

fall cleanup north shore

Inspect and Remove Debris Early

Before tackling more advanced tasks, start by walking your property to assess its current condition. Fallen branches, leaves, and leftover mulch can trap moisture and suffocate the grass beneath. Clearing these out promptly allows sunlight and air to reach your lawn—crucial for healthy turf before winter dormancy.

When raking, use soft, flexible tines to protect grass crowns. Bag leaves for composting or have them professionally hauled away. Removing debris also prevents fungal growth and discourages pests that thrive in damp piles of organic matter. A clean start is the foundation of any effective fall cleanup North Shore homeowners can rely on.

Aerate and Seed for Strong Spring Growth

Aeration is one of the most beneficial fall services you can perform. It alleviates soil compaction caused by foot traffic and summer heat, allowing oxygen, nutrients, and water to penetrate deeper into the root zone. For North Shore lawns composed of clay or loam, core aeration is especially important.

After aerating, overseed bare or thinning patches. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue germinate best in early fall when soil is still warm but air temperatures are mild. Lightly rake in seed and water consistently for the next few weeks. By spring, you’ll notice thicker, more resilient turf—proof that fall preparation pays off.

Nourish Soil with Proper Fertilization

Once the soil is open and receptive after aeration, apply a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This helps roots store energy throughout winter and ensures early green-up in April. Avoid over-fertilizing; a balanced ratio keeps nutrients stable and minimizes runoff into nearby waterways.

For best results, use professional-grade blends suited to the North Shore’s microclimate. Van Zelst’s team often recommends a late-fall feeding timed just before the ground freezes, which strengthens turf while keeping it environmentally responsible.

If you’re unsure which fertilizer to choose, HGTV’s expert lawn guide provides a clear breakdown of nutrient needs by region and season.

Colorful flowers in decorative pots.

Prepare Hardscapes for Winter

Don’t overlook patios, walkways, and driveways—your hardscapes need just as much attention as your lawn. Cracks in concrete or stone expand under freezing temperatures, leading to costly repairs come spring. Clean pavers thoroughly, remove moss or weeds between joints, and reseal surfaces if needed.

This is also the ideal season to schedule hardscape installation North Shore homeowners often delay until spring. Fall weather is cooler, soil is stable, and project timelines are faster before the busy landscape season begins. Installing patios, retaining walls, or fire features now means they’ll be ready to enjoy the moment warm weather returns.

Protect Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

Perennial beds, ornamental trees, and shrubs benefit from a little extra care before winter sets in. Prune dead or diseased branches, but avoid heavy pruning until dormancy begins. Apply mulch around the base of plants to retain soil warmth and reduce frost heaving.

Young trees can be wrapped with breathable burlap to prevent sunscald and windburn. Likewise, evergreen shrubs along driveways or walkways may need protection from de-icing salts. A quick afternoon of prep can save you from replacing expensive plantings next year.

Maintain Irrigation Systems Before Freezing

An often-overlooked step in fall cleanup North Shore residents should never skip is winterizing irrigation systems. When temperatures drop below freezing, trapped water can expand and crack pipes or backflow devices. Shut off the water supply and blow out lines using compressed air to prevent costly damage.

Drip irrigation lines, especially those feeding garden beds, should be drained and stored. Inspect sprinkler heads for clogs and flag them for easy location in spring. Routine maintenance now prevents extensive repairs later—and protects your investment in landscape infrastructure.

Partner with a Professional for Fall Cleanup

While DIY yard work has its place, comprehensive fall cleanup can be labor-intensive. Partnering with professionals ensures every detail—from aeration to pruning—is handled correctly and on schedule. Van Zelst’s team specializes in customized fall cleanup North Shore plans that enhance curb appeal and protect long-term landscape health.

They also provide design-forward improvements like seasonal lighting, irrigation adjustments, and hardscape installation North Shore residents can trust to withstand Midwest winters. You can explore their landscaping services across the North Shore to plan ahead for next season’s enhancements.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Fall is the season of preparation—and when done right, your lawn will reward you come spring. By clearing debris, aerating, fertilizing, and protecting both living and hardscape elements, you set your property up for a healthier, more vibrant year ahead.

If you’re short on time or need professional support, Van Zelst is ready to help. Their decades of local experience mean your yard receives the attention it deserves before the first frost arrives. Schedule your fall cleanup today and enjoy the peace of mind that your North Shore landscape is ready for anything winter brings.

Colorful autumn plants in garden

Landscaping Drainage North Shore

How To Fix Backyard Drainage Problems The Right Way– Revisited Fall Edition

Posted on | by Andrew Peterson

Back on April 1, 2020, we published our spring-focused article on water problems and solutions to help homeowners prepare for April showers. That guide covered how rain exposes weak spots—soggy lawns, pooling along foundations, and overwhelmed downspouts. Now we’re in the fall stretch, and the challenges shift. Leaves, heavier bursts of rain, and the first freeze–thaw cycles change how water moves across your property. For homeowners on the North Shore, especially in Highland Park and Northbrook, fall is the ideal time to re-evaluate landscaping drainage north shore needs and put lasting fixes in place before winter sets in.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Fall Drainage Is Different (and Urgent)
  2. Popular Solutions That Actually Work (and Look Good)
  3. Designing Drainage the Right Way (Not the Quick Way)
  4. French Drains: Frequently Chosen—Just Not the Only Choice
  5. Materials That Maximize Performance and Longevity
  6. When to Call a Drainage Specialist (and Why It Pays Off)
  7. Local Nuances to Consider
  8. What a Typical Project Journey Looks Like
  9. Bottom Line & Next Steps

Why Fall Drainage Is Different (and Urgent)

Fall isn’t just “spring, part two.” It brings a unique mix of conditions that can strain a landscape:

  • Leaves and debris clog gutters, surface swales, and catch basins—forcing water to backtrack toward structures.
  • Short, intense storms dump more water faster, overwhelming shallow routes where water used to meander away.
  • Freeze–thaw lifts pavers and damages hardscape if water sits beneath or around them.
  • Late-season saturation leaves soils with little capacity to absorb more water, so even moderate rain can pool.

Left alone, these conditions cause muddy lawns, icy patches, and basement seepage. Addressing them now is about prevention, not panic—fixing what you see today and what winter will magnify tomorrow.

Landscaping Drainage North Shore Solutions

Popular Solutions That Actually Work (and Look Good)

There’s no single “best” drainage fix. The right plan considers your architecture, planting beds, slope, and soil. Here are the options we reach for most, often in combination:

  • Regrading: Subtle changes to pitch keep water moving away from foundations, patios, and walkways.
  • Swales and bioswales: Shallow, landscaped channels that guide water safely across the yard. Properly built, they look like natural features, not ditches.
  • Rain gardens: Planted depressions that temporarily hold and slowly infiltrate stormwater. They reduce runoff while adding four-season interest.
  • Permeable paving: Hardscape that lets water pass through the surface to a prepared base layer—perfect for patios, walkways, and even driveways.
  • Subsurface drainage systems: Piping and stone-filled trenches move water underground from wet zones to safe discharge points. French drains fall into this category and are popular because they work quietly under the surface and can be styled above with a dry creek-bed look.

We’ll often combine two or three of these so surface water has a clear route and any excess is safely captured below grade.

Designing Drainage the Right Way (Not the Quick Way)

A lasting fix starts on paper (or screen), not in a trench. Our design process typically includes:

  1. Site analysis: We trace the water’s path—how it enters, where it stalls, and how it should leave. We consider roof area, downspout locations, sump discharge, soil texture, and shade patterns that keep soils wetter.
  2. Local rules and practical setbacks: North Shore communities may require specific discharge distances from sidewalks and property lines, and HOAs can add further guidance on appearance. Getting this right avoids rework later.
  3. Integration with the landscape: Drainage shouldn’t look like a repair. We design swales as natural-looking streambeds, tuck in moisture-tolerant plantings, and coordinate with hardscape so paths and patios shed water properly.
  4. Future-proofing: We design for both routine rains and the larger “burst” events that cause most damage—plus freeze–thaw. Thoughtful grading and subsurface relief prevent heaving and cracking when temperatures swing.

We also plan for maintenance: leaf management, seasonal checks of inlets/outlets, and simple ways to keep systems clear without tearing up the garden each year.

French Drains: Frequently Chosen—Just Not the Only Choice


Because they operate underground, French drains avoid many leaf-related clogs that can plague open swales. They’re especially effective along foundations, in lawn areas that stay wet after storms, and in narrow side yards where surface channels aren’t practical. Aesthetically, we often finish them as dry creek beds using cobbles and decorative gravel so they read as design, not “drainage.”

That said, French drains are typically part of a plan, not the entire plan. We’ll still address grading, add permeable surfaces where appropriate, and ensure downspouts and sump lines move water to safe discharge points with an air gap to prevent freeze-related backups. If you want to read more about complementary, low-impact approaches like permeable pavements, rain gardens, and swales, the EPA has a helpful overview of methods here: EPA stormwater management practices.

Landscaping Drainage North Shore

 

Materials That Maximize Performance and Longevity

Successful systems come down to details. We specify:

  • Washed gravel or river rock (½–2″) in subsurface trenches to keep void space open for flow.
  • Angular stone (e.g., CA #7) where compaction and structural support are needed—especially under permeable paving.
  • Decorative gravel and cobbles to finish surface features so they look intentional and blend with the style of your garden.
  • Moisture-friendly plantings—ornamental grasses, hardy perennials, and select evergreens—to stabilize edges, reduce erosion, and deliver year-round interest around swales or creek beds.

This attention to structure and finish is what turns a fix into a feature.

When to Call a Drainage Specialist (and Why It Pays Off)

DIY solutions can help with minor issues, but persistent wet zones and foundation-adjacent problems demand precision. A specialist will:

  • Confirm slopes with laser levels and ensure positive pitch away from structures.
  • Integrate downspouts, sump discharge, and overflow routes so the system works as one.
  • Balance surface design with subsurface relief to prevent freeze–thaw damage.
  • Respect community rules and HOA expectations—on the North Shore, that can matter as much as performance.

If you’ve battled the same wet patch for years—or you want to solve it once and do it beautifully—bringing in an expert saves time, protects your investment, and avoids “rip-and-redo.” For homeowners comparing options for landscaping drainage north shore, professional planning is almost always the difference between temporary relief and long-term peace of mind.

Local Nuances to Consider

  • Mature trees and established gardens often require drainage routes that weave around roots and planting beds. Near the lakefront, soils may drain more slowly, so we plan for staged movement of water and choose plantings that tolerate periodic wet feet.
  • Newer subdivisions and tighter lot lines can mean stricter rules on discharge locations and appearance. Subsurface systems (with thoughtful surface finishes) are a common path to both compliance and curb appeal.

In both types of communities, we match materials and plant palettes to neighborhood character so solutions look like they were always meant to be there.

What a Typical Project Journey Looks Like

  1. Walkthrough & diagnostics: We follow the water, identify bottlenecks, and document elevations.
  2. Concept & estimate: We outline a mix of strategies (grading, swales, permeable surfaces, subsurface relief) with a clear scope and budget.
  3. Detailed plan & scheduling: We finalize routes, materials, and plantings; confirm any approvals; and schedule work with fall weather in mind.
  4. Installation & protection: We protect existing plantings and hardscape while we trench, grade, or pave.
  5. Finishing touches: Stone selection, planting, and clean-up ensure the end result looks polished—not like a “repair.”
  6. Maintenance guidance: Simple seasonal tasks keep everything flowing: leaf management, quick inlet/outlet checks, and fall-to-winter prep.

Bottom Line: Fix the Water, Elevate the Landscape

Good drainage isn’t just functional; it’s foundational. Done well, it protects your home, preserves your hardscape, and unlocks new design opportunities—especially visible when winter rolls in and water has nowhere to hide. From regrading and rain gardens to permeable surfaces and French drains, the right mix solves the problem and makes your property feel better to live in.

If you’re in Highland Park, Northbrook, or anywhere on the North Shore, we’re here to help you choose the smartest path forward—one that works in October and still looks great in April. Let’s walk the property together, map the water, and design a fix that lasts.

Ready to get started? Reach out and tell us what you’re seeing after fall rains. We’ll take it from there. Contact us today.

 

backyard drainage

drainage problems

clay paver path to front entrance

Seasonal Maintenance Checklists: Yearly Service Plans

Posted on | by Andrew Peterson

Taking care of a lawn on the North Shore isn’t a once-a-year chore — it’s an ongoing process that changes with the seasons. A quick cleanup might make things look better for a little while, but true health and curb appeal come from consistent, year-round care. Just like people need different things in spring, summer, fall, and winter, so do lawns and landscapes. With a structured yearly service plan, you can avoid costly mistakes, protect your investment, and enjoy a beautiful outdoor space every month of the year.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Why Yearly Service Plans Matter

  2. Spring Maintenance Checklist

  3. Summer Maintenance Checklist

  4. Fall Maintenance Checklist

  5. Winter Maintenance Checklist

  6. The Role of Preventive Care

  7. Why a Yearly Plan Pays Off

  8. How Van Zelst Supports North Shore Homeowners

  9. Conclusion & Next Steps

Introduction: Why Yearly Service Plans Matter

Your lawn and landscape are living systems that change with the seasons. In spring, new growth needs nurturing. In summer, heat and activity create stress. In fall, your landscape needs time to recover and prepare. And in winter, the focus shifts to protecting and planning. Without a structured plan, it’s easy to miss a step that could have long-term consequences. Yearly service plans keep everything on schedule, safeguarding your property while making sure your home looks great year-round.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

large lawn with surrounding beds

Spring is the season of renewal. After months of cold weather, the soil starts to thaw and plants begin to wake up. The way you treat your lawn now sets the tone for the entire year.

Key tasks include:

  • Aeration: Loosen compacted soil so roots can breathe.

  • Fertilization: Apply the right nutrients to jumpstart healthy, green growth.

  • Mulching: Refresh mulch beds to conserve moisture and block weeds.

  • Pruning: Remove damaged or dead branches to keep plants in shape.

  • Weed Prevention: Apply pre-emergent treatments before weeds have a chance to spread.

For more seasonal inspiration, Better Homes & Gardens shares practical spring yard care tips that align with these essentials.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer is when lawns see the most stress. Long, hot days combined with high humidity can take a toll. This is the season when regular maintenance makes all the difference.

Summer checklist:

  • Irrigation checks: Inspect sprinklers to make sure every area gets coverage.

  • Deep watering: Water less often but more thoroughly to encourage strong roots.

  • Pest monitoring: Keep an eye out for grubs, insects, and fungus.

  • Mowing practices: Keep grass at a slightly higher setting to protect roots.

  • Soil testing: Use soil results to fine-tune your fertilization plan.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Fall is when your lawn really shows whether it got the right care earlier in the year. It’s also your chance to repair summer wear and set yourself up for success next spring.

Fall tasks include:

  • Overseeding: Fill in thin or bare patches for a fuller, stronger lawn.

  • Leaf cleanup: Prevent suffocation and fungal growth by removing fallen leaves.

  • Fertilization: Apply a fall blend to strengthen roots before winter.

  • Winter prep: Protect delicate plants and drain irrigation systems.

  • Soil enrichment: Add compost or organic material to boost soil health long term.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Holiday containers

Winter on the North Shore means snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. While it may seem like downtime, this season still matters for your landscape.

Winter service plans often include:

  • Snow & ice management: Keep walkways safe without harming beds or turf.

  • Dormant pruning: Trim trees and shrubs while growth is paused to set them up for spring.

  • Hardscape protection: Inspect patios and walkways for cracks before they worsen.

  • Equipment servicing: Tune up lawnmowers, snow blowers, and irrigation systems.

  • Landscape planning: Use this quieter time to map out spring projects.

By tackling these items early, you reduce winter damage and make sure your property is ready to thrive when warm weather returns.

The Role of Preventive Care

A yearly plan isn’t just about fixing problems as they appear. Preventive care is about reducing the chance of emergencies — like pest outbreaks, soil depletion, or plant failure — before they happen. Small, regular steps like aeration, overseeding, and seasonal fertilization protect your investment and keep your property strong. Think of it like insurance for your lawn’s long-term health.

Why a Yearly Plan Pays Off

The benefits of sticking to a structured lawn plan go beyond convenience.

Here’s why it pays off:

  • Consistency: Every task gets handled on time.

  • Stronger growth: Healthy lawns and plants bounce back faster after stress.

  • Higher property value: Well-maintained landscapes boost curb appeal and resale potential.

  • Cost savings: Preventive work reduces the chance of expensive repairs.

  • Peace of mind: You can relax knowing your property is in good hands.

How Van Zelst Supports North Shore Homeowners

At Van Zelst Landscaping, we’ve supported North Shore homeowners for decades with tailored seasonal care. For example, our Chicago landscape design work shows how thoughtful planning and collaboration can completely reshape an outdoor space, balancing artistry, architecture, and the way families actually use their yards. Likewise, our Northbrook landscaping projects highlight the full-service approach our clients count on — from design and installation to ongoing maintenance that keeps properties thriving year after year. Whether you’re considering a new project or simply want consistent seasonal upkeep, our team understands the unique challenges of the region and brings that experience to every client we serve.

Conclusion & Next Steps

A beautiful lawn doesn’t just happen on its own — it’s the result of consistent, thoughtful care all year long. Yearly service plans keep your lawn, garden, and hardscapes strong and ready for whatever the Midwest climate throws their way. For North Shore homeowners, this approach delivers long-lasting value, healthier outdoor spaces, and greater peace of mind.

If you’re ready to take your property to the next level, contact Van Zelst today. Our decades of experience and seasonal expertise will keep your landscape thriving year after year.