Winter Landscaping Projects for Your Lakefront Property

Many people don’t think of tackling landscaping projects during the winter. But every season brings its own landscaping opportunities, and winter is no exception. This is especially true for lakefront properties, where steep shorelines and remote locations make them difficult to access during the summer. When the lake or river freezes over, however, these areas become much more accessible. Continue reading as we explore various winter landscaping projects for lakefront properties.

Shoreline Transformation

If you have a steep shoreline on your property, you likely understand the difficulty of completing landscaping work on it, especially if heavy equipment is needed. Maintaining your balance to avoid falling into the water while working is no easy feat. But if the ice is thick enough during the winter, this problem goes away. We can drive any heavy machinery or equipment you need right up to the shore’s edge. This provides a large, flat working area. Is your shoreline crowded with brush, buckthorn, or small trees that obstruct your view of the lake and prevent you from planting your own flowers and shrubs? Winter is the perfect time to clear all that out.

Rip Rap Installation

Shorelines are a beautiful feature of waterfront properties, but they are vulnerable to various damage. The biggest danger facing your shoreline is erosion. If left unchecked, the constant beating of waves against the shore can cause significant loss of land. Critters such as muskrats often burrow along the water’s edge, which can destabilize the soil and create further erosion. Expanding ice during the winter also contributes to this issue. The best way to protect your shoreline from erosion is with professionally installed rip rap. We’ll transport the heavy stones across the ice and place them on the shore to shield your land all year long. When the ice melts, the rip rap will already be in position at the water’s edge.

Beach Sand Delivery

Inclement weather and the passage of time can gradually wash away your soft beach sand or harm its appearance. This is an easy project to take care of during the winter when you’re not as busy with other landscaping work. As with rip rap, thick ice makes it easy for us to deliver large quantities of fresh, high-quality sand without driving heavy machinery over your lawn. We can even place the sand on the ice along your shoreline, so that when it melts in the spring, the sand will drop into the water. This is an easy way to install new sand in your swimming area and protect your feet from sharp rocks and shells.

Contact JK Landscape Construction

As we’ve seen, winter landscaping is the perfect opportunity to transform lakefront properties. Whatever project you’re considering, the experts at JK Landscape have the knowledge and experience to help you accomplish it. Contact us today to discuss ideas for your lakeshore landscape!

When Is the Best Time to Start Landscaping Projects?

When is the best time to start landscaping projects? It’s a question many homeowners ask, especially now as the longer, warmer days of spring and summer get closer. Read on as we discuss why you should begin planning now, as well as the benefits of starting landscaping work in spring.

Begin Planning During Winter

Considering Minnesota’s climate, it’s no surprise that spring–fall marks the busy season for landscapers. For one, the snow and freezing temps present unhealthy conditions for new trees, shrubs, and plants to thrive. Additionally, frozen soil makes it extremely difficult to dig holes for landscaping structures and features.

However, winter is the perfect time to begin planning. Advantages of staying ahead of the busy season include:

• A more relaxed pace during the planning stages to ensure the design(s) match your vision.
• Submitting necessary permit and approval applications early helps ensure that you’ll be ready to be cleared when it comes time to break ground.
• Early planning provides access to a wider selection of plant materials before competition increases during the busy spring planting season.
• Landscapers tend to have more convenient scheduling options during the off-season, making it easier to book an appointment and get started.
• Planning and starting the project early allows for better timelines and earlier completion, allowing you to enjoy your new landscape sooner.

That’s not to say that some winter landscaping isn’t possible. In fact, sometimes it’s necessary. JK Landscape provides professional rip rap (AKA “rock armor) installation to repair and prevent shoreline damage, snow removal and ice control, and more. Contact us to learn more about our lakeshore winter services.

The Benefits of Spring Landscaping

With the snow and ice gone and the weather getting warmer, spring is the ideal time for work to begin. Generally, it’s best to start construction when temperatures remain above 45–50 degrees. Benefits of spring landscaping include:

• The ground has thawed and softened, making it easy to dig holes for new structures, features, and plants.
• Mid to late spring is considered “mulching season,” as the soil has had time to warm up following winter and allows time for the plants to establish throughout the summer and fall.
• Additionally, planting new shrubs, trees, and perennials early on helps ensure they have time to acclimate and establish a strong root system for surviving Minnesota’s harsh winters.
• As previously mentioned, planning in winter and starting construction early allows you to beat the rush. You’ll have better scheduling, quicker turnaround, and more time to enjoy the final product.

The Final Word: Get Started Today!

So, when is the best time to start landscaping projects? The real first step is planning, and the time for that is now. The design and installation specialists at JK Landscape have the experience and expertise to ensure success and satisfaction. We’ll make sure the soil is ready for optimal planting and plant care, work with you to create a design you’ll love, and then bring it to life with prompt and professional construction.

Browse our project gallery to see our exceptional services in action. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a meeting.

Turn to JK Landscape for Winter Services

With everything covered by snow or ice, overlooking property care during the colder months is almost too easy. Did you know our versatile team stays active all year round? If you have concerns about ice control or your waterfront property, turn to JK Landscape for winter services. Let us take the worry out of wintertime projects.

Ice Control

Ice in any form can wreak havoc on roadways and even throughout your business’s property. High-traffic areas like steps, sidewalks, and parking areas can become danger zones with the slightest coating of ice.

Black ice is a layer of ice that’s extremely difficult to detect because of its thin, transparent nature. This ultra-slick glaze can develop from freezing rain or ice or snow that melts and refreezes. Driving or walking on black ice-coated parking lots or walkways can be scary and lead to bumps, bruises, and even broken bones.

Use caution when navigating slippery spots, especially under low or minimal lighting. And try to manage any ice issues around your property before they cause problems. The best way to do this is to contact our specialized team at JK Landscape. With our ice control services, we will prevent ice buildup in heavily frequented areas and help keep you, your patrons, and your property safe.

Waterfront Property

If you own a seasonal cabin or have your home on a lake, you’re probably already thinking about warmer days, spending time in or on the water, and relaxing on your sandy beach. Though summer is a few months away, we all know it’ll be here before we know it. And winter is no time to stop thinking about preparing your property for the inevitable hot, sunny days ahead.

Beach Sand

After a long winter’s nap, be prepared to enhance or repair your beachfront. We offer beach sand delivery services in the winter, which is especially important if your property is inaccessible through regular means. Our team will traverse the frozen water to deliver fresh, high-quality sand so that you’ll be all set to bury your toes or build a colossal castle this summer.

During the summer season, too, we provide barging services to areas with steep slopes, narrow property lines, difficult shorelines, or other challenging terrain. We can safely and efficiently move heavy equipment, products, and supplies across the lake to your property, without any risk to the waterfront.

Rip Rap

Harsh weather, ice, and troublesome critters can often cause your shoreline to erode. Shoreline erosion can decrease property value as well as harm the water’s ecosystem due to sedimentation. This process can, among other things, introduce pollutants into the water and damage plants necessary for feeding and spawning fish.

Protect your property and the environment with rip rap. The JK Landscape team can professionally install “rock armor” to repair current damage and prevent future erosion issues.

Summer will be here soon enough. Until then, turn to the design and installation specialists at JK Landscape for winter services. We can provide everything you’ll need to be sure you and your property are protected. Questions? We’re here to answer them. Contact us today.

Tips and Tricks for Frosty Landscaping

You’re probably not surprised that snow is already covering the ground. After all, this is Minnesota. Cold weather takes its toll on a lot of things, including your yard. These tips and tricks for frosty landscaping can help ensure your yard will look its best once the blanket of winter snow is gone for the season.

Lawn

Take care of your lawn this winter by keeping vehicle and foot traffic at bay. Frequent driving or walking on frozen turf can damage the grass’s crown. This is a vital segment of a plant’s design because it’s where growth occurs. Without a healthy crown, the grass can’t grow.

Areas of thick, fallen leaves can also destroy turf crowns if left on the grass throughout winter. As the weather allows, gently rake and remove large piles of leaves to alleviate the potential for them to damage your lawn.

Trees

To help protect your trees from winter weather:

• Lay a thin layer of mulch under the dripline to help reduce water loss and insulate soil and roots from fluctuating temperatures.
• Blanket the trunks with tree wrap to help prevent the bark from cracking under the daytime sun and nighttime cold. Remember to remove the wrap come springtime.
• Use plastic tree guards to deter rabbits and other critters from feasting on and damaging outer and inner tree bark.
• Inspect and trim broken or problematic branches.

Hardscapes

Winter’s idleness provides the perfect opportunity to scan your yard and landscaping for stark spots that may need a little something extra. Notice which areas grab your concentration and consider adding visual attention to those focal points.

Perhaps a statue or stone bench could help accentuate an open space. Maybe adding a trellis or arbor would help highlight your garden or a walkway.

Easy on the salt

When keeping your driveway or sidewalks clear of snow and ice, be careful with ice melt. These products often have a high salt content and can prevent tree roots from absorbing water and nutrients. The salt can also harm your grass, leaving bare spots.

Try using sand or kitty litter or look for ice melt options that contain calcium, potassium, or magnesium chloride.

Whether or not we’re ready, winter conditions have moved in. However, with these tips and tricks for frosty landscaping, you can look forward to the spring thaw and a healthy yard. The experts at JK Landscape Construction are here to help with any questions or concerns or to help you with ideas for your next project. Contact us today.

Spend More Time Outdoors This Fall

Cooler temperatures are an obvious sign of the fall season, but that doesn’t mean you need to retreat indoors. Despite the crisp air, you can stay comfortable and warm in your backyard. Keep reading to discover ways that you and your family can spend more time outdoors this fall.

Stay Warm

The biggest challenge with outdoor living in cooler weather is to make sure everyone stays warm. Install a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to create a cozy and inviting centerpiece that gives off enough heat to keep even the coldest toes toasty warm.

No matter the size, style, or color, the design experts at JK Landscape can help create the perfect fire feature for your needs.

Stay Comfy

Enhance your gathering space with a pergola or paved patio area.

These features are uniquely designed for your taste and location and can turn any backyard into an extended living space. Be as artistic as you like, with endless options for detail, materials, color, and style.

Go one step further by adding furniture to the mix. Bring the indoors out with a practical courtyard dining set, cushy outdoor lounging chairs, or a relaxing patio sofa.

Stay Safe

Shorter days mean less daylight, but you can still keep things bright. Let landscape lighting create the perfect serene ambiance or simply help you navigate your backyard hideaway.

Maybe you’re looking to brighten a path or walkway, highlight a special feature, or add a little glow on or around a pergola. JK Landscape offers many options for large- or small-scale lighting features.

Stay Nourished

Summer isn’t the only time for cooking outdoors.

Install an outdoor kitchen to elevate your grilling game and continue making meals outside into the fall season. Entertain friends or simply gather the family for meals in a true natural environment. The best part is you can customize your kitchen space for layout, appliances, and any other chef requirements.

Outdoor living doesn’t have to end just because the seasons change. Turn your backyard into an extended living space and spend more time outdoors this fall. JK Landscape can help you get started with these ideas or others. Contact us today and fall into comfortable and personalized outdoor living.