Landscape Maintenance Checklist for Commercial Properties in Western Washington

As we move into May, commercial landscapes in Western Washington hit a critical point in the growing season. With warmer days, longer daylight hours, and the tapering off of spring rains, May sets the tone for how your landscape will perform through the summer months.

Whether you're managing a corporate campus, HOA, retail center, or multifamily community, now’s the time to shift from spring cleanup mode to proactive growth management. Below is a focused checklist to ensure your property stays healthy, vibrant, and visually appealing heading into peak season.

Irrigation System Optimization

By May, irrigation season is officially underway in the Puget Sound region.

• Complete your irrigation startup if not already done.
• Check for clogged nozzles, misaligned heads, or leaks—even small inefficiencies can lead to big issues in the dry months ahead.
• Begin seasonal programming that matches plant and turf needs, adjusting for current weather conditions.

Pro Tip: Schedule monthly system audits from May through September to stay ahead of breaks and inefficiencies.

Apply Slow-Release Fertilizer to Turf

May is an ideal time for a spring fertilizer application in Western Washington.

• Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to build strong root systems and lush, green turf.
• Avoid high-nitrogen quick-release products that may lead to excessive growth and increased mowing needs.
• Pair fertilization with core aeration for compacted turf areas.

Re-Mulch Beds & Refresh Edges

Fresh mulch is a simple way to give your landscape a clean, polished look—and it does much more.

• Apply 1–2 inches of mulch in plant beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Redefine bed edges for clear lines and clean separation between turf and planter areas.
• This is also a great time to tidy up any winter-damaged plant material that may have lingered into spring.

Control Early Season Weeds

With a wet spring and warming temperatures, May is prime time for weed growth.

• Continue pre-emergent herbicide programs in beds and turf areas.
• Spot-treat broadleaf weeds before they spread.
• Reinforce manual or mechanical weed control in sensitive areas to reduce chemical use.

Inspect and Prune Shrubs for Shape & Health

By May, many shrubs are actively growing and can be shaped without damaging new growth.

• Remove any lingering winter damage from shrubs and small trees.
• Prune spring-flowering shrubs after bloom cycles.
• Keep pathways, signage, and building visibility clear of overgrown foliage.

Monitor Plant Health and Summer Prep

With longer days ahead, May is when proactive care pays off later.

• Check for early signs of pests, mildew, or drought stress.
• Begin planning for seasonal enhancements, like summer color rotations or perennial updates.
• Evaluate plantings installed in the last 1–2 years—this is a key time to ensure they’re properly established before summer heat hits.

Walk the Site with Your Landscape Partner

May is the perfect month to align with your landscape contractor.

• Review current conditions and adjust service schedules as needed.
• Confirm enhancement timelines, including flower installations, irrigation upgrades, and pruning cycles.
• Prioritize high-visibility zones such as entrances, signage areas, and tenant focal points.

Leave It to the Pros

At Malone’s Landscape, our commercial maintenance teams are built to manage the demands of Western Washington’s climate. From seasonal transitions to ongoing site care, we help property managers and owners protect their investments, elevate curb appeal, and stay ahead of costly issues. With our proactive approach our dedicated account managers keep your landscape headaches at bay and keep you focused on the right things.