“When should I turn my irrigation system back on?”

In Western Washington, timing matters more than most people realize. Turn your sprinkler system on too early and you risk freeze damage or overwatering. Wait too long and your lawn, plants, and landscape can begin drying out before summer even arrives.

Every year, homeowners across Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Everett discover broken sprinkler heads, leaking valves, clogged nozzles, uneven watering, or irrigation schedules that waste water and damage lawns.

Before you start your irrigation system this spring, here are the 6 most important things to check.

Smart Irrigation Upgrades Seattle Homeowners Are Making in 2026

Many homeowners are upgrading older sprinkler systems to improve efficiency and reduce water waste. Popular irrigation upgrades include:

Smart Irrigation Controllers: Automatically adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather conditions.

Drip Irrigation Systems: Ideal for flower beds, shrubs, and landscape planting areas.

High-Efficiency Rotary Nozzles: Improve water absorption while reducing runoff.

Rain Sensors: Prevent unnecessary watering during wet weather.

These irrigation upgrades are especially useful in the Pacific Northwest, where weather conditions can shift quickly between wet spring months and dry summer conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

]]> https://maloneslandscape.com/how-to-select-a-snow-and-ice-management-company/ Sun, 05 Oct 2025 21:22:30 +0000 https://r7cykgvdeb.wpdns.site/?p=4424 When winter weather hits the Seattle area, even a small snow or ice event can cause big disruptions. Slippery walkways, frozen parking lots, and blocked driveways create safety hazards and liability concerns for HOAs, COAs, municipalities, industrial facilities, commercial centers, and multifamily properties.

That’s why having the right snow and ice management company in place before cold weather arrives is critical. But not all providers are created equal and choosing the right one can make all the difference between a property that’s safe and accessible, and one that’s caught off guard.

Here’s what to look for when selecting a snow and ice management partner.

1.) Choose a Company That Plans Ahead

The best snow management providers don’t wait for the first storm they start planning months in advance. They pre-map properties, assign crews, and confirm materials and equipment well before winter arrives.

Early planning ensures faster response times and guarantees that your site is covered when conditions turn icy.

Tip: Ask potential providers when they finalize routes and if they offer preseason site inspections.

2.) Look for Proven Experience and Certifications

Snow and ice management requires more than just plows and trucks, it requires trained professionals who understand safety, logistics, and weather response.

At Malone’s Landscape, our team includes Certified Snow Managers (CSMs) on staff, a designation earned through the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). This certification means our leaders are trained in best practices for snow operations, risk reduction, and environmental responsibility.

Why it matters: Certified providers manage your property more efficiently, minimize liability risks, and ensure every site is handled according to industry standards.

3.) Verify That They’re Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Before signing any snow removal contract, confirm that the company is licensed, bonded, and fully insured. This protects your property and your organization from liability if an accident or equipment damage occurs during service.

Malone’s Landscape meets all licensing and bonding requirements for Washington State, giving our clients full confidence in our professionalism and coverage.

4.) Ask About 24/7 Monitoring and Response

Winter weather doesn’t follow business hours and your snow service shouldn’t either. A reliable provider should offer 24/7 monitoring, dispatch, and emergency response to handle sudden snow or ice events.

At Malone’s, we use real-time weather tracking and route management technology to stay ahead of changing conditions. Our crews are available day or night to keep your property safe and accessible. Offering 24/7 monitoring, responsive dispatching, and custom service plans tailored to your property.

5.) Make Sure They Have the Right Equipment for Your Property Type

A snow plow might work great for a warehouse lot, but multifamily communities, retail centers, and municipal sidewalks each require different tools and techniques.

Choose a company with a diverse fleet of equipment including plow trucks, skid steers, de-icing spreaders, and sidewalk crews that can scale to fit your property’s needs.

Pro tip: Ask how many pieces of equipment they dedicate to each site and what materials they use for de-icing.

6. ) Review Their Communication and Reporting Process

Clear, consistent communication is critical during winter weather. You should know when your site is serviced, what was done, and when crews will return if conditions worsen.

The best providers offer service reports, digital updates, and direct contact with account managers for complete transparency.

At Malone’s, we keep clients informed every step of the way before, during, and after each event.

7. ) Understand Their Contract Options

Every property has different needs. Some may want full-season coverage (auto-deploy service whenever it snows), while others prefer on-call response.

A reputable company will help you choose the plan that fits your site’s size, traffic patterns, and risk tolerance, not just sell you a one-size-fits-all solution.

Partner with a Trusted, Certified Snow & Ice Team

Selecting the right snow and ice management partner means choosing reliability, preparedness, and proven expertise. Don’t wait until the first frost, get your winter plan in place today.

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.

Get Your Yard Ready for Spring With These 5 Tips

Tip 1: Tidy Up and Clear Debris

Prep your yard for planting season by clearing away winter debris. Remove fallen leaves, dead or damaged plants/branches, and any accumulated clutter. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also promotes a healthier environment for new growth.

Landscape professional note – We know that “clean up” might not be the most fun but it’s vital to the overall appearance of your yard and primes for air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Tip 2: Soil Check

Healthy soil is the foundation of a lush garden. Revive your soil by adding organic matter, compost, or other soil conditioners to improve its structure and nutrients.

Tip 3: Plan and NEW Plant Selection

Consider the layout and design of your space. This is an excellent time to envision the color palette and thematic elements you want to incorporate into your landscaping. Think about the placement of flowers, shrubs, and any new plant additions.

Invest in plants that thrive in your climate and are well-suited for your garden’s conditions. Visit your local nursery to select from a variety of flowers, shrubs, or trees that are best for your area. Keep in mind that annuals will need to be purchased and planted every year while perennials should come back. Quality plants will contribute to the longevity and visual beauty of your landscape.

Landscape professional note – If you are planting a vegetable garden, ensure you “rotate your crops” from last year to avoid stripping your soil of nutrients.

Tip 4: Add in Mulch

After planting is complete, apply a layer of mulch (one to two inches of fine mulch or three to four inches for coarser material) around your plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching can also provide a great finished look to your flower beds and help prevent erosion.

Tip 5: Start-Up Your Irrigation System

Turn on your irrigation system to look for any broken sprinkler heads or broken lines and fix them as needed. Once you’ve confirmed your system is in perfect working condition, adjust the watering schedule based on the specific needs for your plants.

Landscape professional note – Ensuring your irrigation system is in top-notch condition paired with proper watering is crucial for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Other Considerations to Elevate your Outdoor Living Space

Hardscapes: Adding character and distinction to your yard with hardscapes that help define your outdoor space and direct flow can really elevate your outdoor living space. Some options include patios, pathways, steps, and retaining walls.

Inviting Spaces: Enhance your backyard by creating that indoor-outdoor living space you dream about using all year long. Add comfortable seating, decorative elements, and perhaps a focal point like an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, water features, or structures. A pergola can also create a relaxing gathering space for family and friends to enjoy. These additions transform your landscape into a tranquil retreat for relaxation and enjoyment every month of the year.

Collaborate with a Landscape Designer

As you consider your landscaping plans to revitalize or transform your outdoor space, remember that collaboration with a skilled and licensed landscape design firm can help turn your vision into reality. Landscape designers and horticulture specialists bring expertise, creativity, and a keen eye for design to the table.

Their experience ensures that your landscaping not only meets your aesthetic preferences but also creates an inviting outdoor living space. They are the best at bringing your outdoor living spaces to life. Hiring and partnering with a landscape design firm ensures that your landscape not only looks stunning but also thrives over the long term.

If you’re thinking about transforming your yard into an outdoor oasis, we offer professional landscape design services. We will partner with you, listen to your vision, and create a design that not only looks beautiful but allows you to make full-use out of your yard. It’s all about designing something that functions for your needs and fits your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

At Malone’s landscaping, we are all about designing stunning, functional outdoor areas. Our landscape design projects speak to our clients’ daily needs, future vision, and personal lifestyle. Let us help you make your dream outdoor space a reality.

How to Ensure that your Landscape Design Works For your Needs and Lifestyle

When it comes to landscape design, we value style and substance. We want your property to look beautiful and keep up with the demands of regular wear and tear. It’s all about designing something that functions for your needs and fits your lifestyle. In order to accomplish this, you must engage in careful planning, thoughtful consideration of your requirements, and understand your property’s unique features.

Here are some steps to help you achieve a landscape design that suits your needs and lifestyle:

Assess Your Needs

Determine what you need and want from your outdoor space. This could include areas for entertaining, children’s play, gardening, relaxation, or even specific features like a pool or a barbeque area. Your style preferences should also be considered at this stage. Do you prefer a formal garden, a natural and wild landscape, or a modern, minimalist design?

Consider Your Lifestyle

Be realistic about the amount of time you can dedicate to maintenance. If you have a busy lifestyle, opt for low-maintenance plants and design elements. If you enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, cooking, or reading, design spaces that facilitate these activities. For instance, create a designated area for gardening or a cozy reading nook. Choose plants that are suitable for your climate. Native plants often require less maintenance and are well adapted to local weather conditions.

Set a Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your landscape design. This will influence the scale and complexity of the project. Don’t be afraid to ask a landscape designer what can be accomplished for your budget.

Site Analysis

Perform a site analysis before settling on a final design. Below are some factors to consider.

• Sun and shade patterns: Observe how sunlight moves across your property throughout the day. Plan outdoor living spaces where you can enjoy or escape the sun as needed.
• Soil and drainage: Understand the soil quality and drainage patterns. Certain plants thrive in specific soil conditions.
• Existing features: Consider existing elements like trees, rocks, or slopes. Incorporating these into your design can save money and add natural beauty.

Choose Appropriate Plants and Materials

Select plants that are suitable for our climate here in the Pacific Northwest, the soil on your property, and your maintenance abilities. Consider the mature size of plants to prevent overcrowding as they grow. Choose durable, weather-resistant materials for hardscaping elements like paths, patios, and decks. These materials should complement the overall design and aesthetics.

Plan for the Future

Anticipate how your needs might change over the years. Leave space for potential additions or modifications to your landscape. Think about the long-term growth of trees and shrubs. Avoid planting them too close to structures or each other to prevent overcrowding as they mature.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly maintain your landscape to ensure it continues to meet your needs. Prune plants, clean hardscaping, and make necessary repairs to keep your outdoor space functional and beautiful. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to do this, be prepared to hire a landscaper to help.

Stay Flexible

Be open to adjusting your landscape design as your needs and lifestyle evolve. Outdoor spaces should be adaptable to changing circumstances.

Consult a Professional Landscape Designer

If you’re not confident in your design abilities or you would simply like some support in creating the perfect outdoor design, consider consulting a landscape architect or designer. They can translate your ideas into a functional and visually appealing design while considering factors such as drainage, soil quality, and local regulations.

By following these steps and being mindful of your needs, lifestyle, and the characteristics of your property, you can create a landscape design that not only looks great but also enhances your quality of life.

Combining our expertise with your landscaping needs

Our talented team has the experience to know what unique challenges different people face when it comes to their landscape design. We will work with you to create something special that speaks to your family’s desires and expectations. Contact us today to get started.

Incorporate More Trees

Trees can be really helpful for areas that get a lot of rain. That’s because the trees will actually help absorb some of the rain before it falls down to the ground. Even the rain that does reach the ground will likely be absorbed by the roots of the tree. Trees do a lot to protect your landscaping from heavy rainfall and when properly taken care of, they can add a lot of character to your landscaping.
Shrubbery can also help in the same way with rainfall. Alternatively, plain grass lawns can be easily damaged by rain. The diversity of landscaping needs to be considered to keep things healthy.

Map Out Rainfall Patterns

While most rain isn’t damaging to your landscaping, rain that pools into one section of your yard can be detrimental. Next time it rains, take a little bit of time to see what the path of the water is in your yard.
If you have a slope or a path that pushes the water in a certain direction, make sure you have something to absorb or move the water from that location. Obstacles can help block rain from pooling in a certain area.

Clean The Gutters

Fall and winter can leave a lot of debris in your gutters. There may be leaves or branches from the colder seasons that are now making it harder for the rainfall to go where you want it to. Make sure you spend some time clearing your gutters out. That might include trimming nearby trees that come in contact with your roof. After all, these branches can easily make a blockage when it rains, or wind moves the branches.

Consider a Rain Garden

While this requires a bit more effort, there are those who like to incorporate rain gardens in their background. These are designed to temporarily hold and soak in rainwater runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios, or lawns.
They can include native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in an area that has a natural slope. It’s essentially like making your own pond but not adding in the water yet. The water will come from the natural rain. That means that a lot of the time, this area will be dry or empty. However, it will fill up with enough rain.

Your Rain Management Plan

If you’re ready to make your landscaping work for the Pacific Northwest rain, reach out to us to get started.

After all, it’s still fresh in your mind what you missed most this winter and what things you want to improve on for next year. That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite cozy ideas for winter backyards.

Outdoor Fire Pits

If you want to make the most of your outdoor space in the winter months, you’re going to need some areas where you can warm up. A fire pit is a fantastic centerpiece for your guests. It’s always the place people gravitate to and helps extend your fun time past when the sun goes down.

For those of you who might be picturing the type of fire you use when you’re camping, it’s time to expand your view of fire pits. Many can look modern and blend in seamlessly with your outdoor decor style.

If you’d prefer something a bit more intimate or don’t see yourself entertaining much, an outdoor fireplace can be an excellent cozy choice.

Winter Lighting

One easy change that can make your outdoor space is adding in some lighting. We’re not talking about Christmas lights, but some white lights along a fence line or throughout the yard can set a special mood for the winter months.

We especially love using lighting to highlight any special features. That way, you can enjoy your outdoor fountain even when the sun goes down.

The best part about adding some lighting to your outdoor space for the winter months is that you can use it all year long (the same thing goes for a firepit, really). It’s nice to have some lighting when you want to enjoy those warm summer nights.

Outdoor BBQ or Kitchen

While not every winter day will be right for eating outside, those cold but dry days can still be good opportunities to BBQ or use an outdoor kitchen. There’s something about cooking outdoors that makes you feel like it’s a little warmer than it really is.

When those nice winter days do come around, it’s an excellent time to be outside. Invite your friends and family over. We know everyone in the Pacific Northwest needs to take advantage of the good winter weather when it actually shows up.

Again, you can use this outdoor kitchen or BBQ all year long too. It will make your house the best spot for summer parties. Plus, you can enjoy that unique BBQ anytime the weather is good enough.

Winter Ready Seating

If you want to enjoy any of these special features in your outdoor areas, you’ll want to make sure you have some seating options that can withstand the snow and rain of winter months. Making sure there are waterproof options as well as something covering the area will mean that you can get the most out of your backyard features when it’s cold out.

Prepare for Winter 2023

If you start preparing your outdoor space for the winter months now, you’ll find that you’ve got plenty of time to do everything you’re dreaming of. Reach out to us now to get the ball rolling.

Consider Existing Landscape Elements

First, you want to take stock of some of the landscaping elements that currently exist in your yard. Do you have a tall tree out front or a line of bushes? You can even think about some unique aspects of your house or property that could be highlighted with lights.

Once you’ve identified these landscaping elements, consider how you might want to enhance them with your Christmas lights. That could mean wrapping a tree with lights or getting some extra decorations for the bushes.

If you’re struggling with how to best highlight the features of your, check out sites like Pinterest for inspiration or drive around your neighborhood to see how other homes with similar features decorate. You’ll start to get a good idea of what you like and what looks good from the street.

Layer Your Lighting

When thinking about what type of lighting you want to incorporate into your landscaping for the holidays, consider breaking things down into visual layers. If you decorate the roof of your home but have nothing in the yard, it will feel incomplete.

It’s helpful to think about things in threes. There’s the top, middle, and bottom. Visually, you want some decorations and lights in each section, so it feels balanced.

That could mean adding some pathway lighting (maybe some fun candy canes) or making sure that tall tree out front has some lights.

While there are a lot of Christmas lights that are solar-powered, that’s not always helpful here in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure you know where your outlets are before you get too far into the decorating process.

Consider Year-Round Lighting

While it’s a little passe to keep your Christmas lights up year-round, you can find ways to make the lights seem like a more natural fit in with your landscape. This helps save you time each year and can give some extra ambiance to your yard for other parties.

The key here is to incorporate lighting that doesn’t scream Christmas. The classic white lights will look good all year long. With the green light strings, they’ll usually blend into the greenery as well. Just keep in mind that your greenery should still be accessible for trimming and maintenance throughout the year.

You should also replace your lighting when there’s damage, or there’s a risk of malfunctioning.

Happy Holidays From Malone’s Landscaping

Regardless of how you decide to decorate for the holidays this year, we want to wish you a very happy holiday! We hope it is filled with plenty of time with friends and family as well as a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy even during these cold and icy months.

Stay safe, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

However, the Winter is still a great time to think about what you need to do for your backyard or commercial property. You’ll keep the area safe to enjoy throughout the Winter and even get it ready for an easier transition to the Spring months.

Here are some things we’d recommend doing during the Winter to keep up with your landscaping.

Think About Your Hardscapes

When the leaves fall off the trees and snow hits the ground, you might notice that your backyard looks completely empty. If your landscaping is mostly made up of soft materials like greenery and plants, there won’t be much left during the Winter month.

To keep your landscaping interesting and appealing all year round, you’ll want to consider some hardscape options that add visual interest to your landscape.

What kind of hardscapes should you use? We love adding in benches, a trellis, or a pergola.

If you have potted plants outside, consider using decorative pots that will add some extra style to your area.

Applying Mulch

Your landscape needs a little bit of extra protection during the colder months. It helps to add some mulch around trees, plants, and shrubs. You just need about a 2-inch layer to maintain a uniform soil temperature and help reduce water loss.

Trimming & Pruning

The Winter months are an excellent time to trim your trees. Once the leaves fall, you can really see how the branches are growing in and spot any potential problem areas.

You can also spend some time pruning your bushes and plants. However, we do recommend you do this towards the end of Winter. This way, your plants will only be exposed to cold weather for a little while before they get ready for the new growth that Spring brings.

Handling Snow Damage

Whenever snow appears, there’s always a bit of a rush to get it cleared away. When you next see snow, pay attention to any branches that may be collecting snow loads. These might need to be trimmed to avoid big, dangerous piles.

While you also want to use salt on your walkways during snow storms or chilly days, be careful about getting the salt on your plants or trees. That salt can cause a lot of damage to the soil. If you’re not able to avoid getting salt on the soil, try to flush the soil afterward with plenty of water (when it’s warm enough, that is.)

Aerate & Fertilize

Before the first big freeze, you’ll want to make sure that you get someone to aerate and fertilize your lawn. This makes sure that when the weather starts to warm, your lawn is able to take in the fertilizer right away and get back to its original glory.

It’s also helpful to cut your grass a bit shorter than you normally would in the Winter to protect the grass from too much cold damage. We recommend cutting between 2 and 2.5 inches.

Need Winter Landscaping?

If you feel like you need a bit more help with your Winter landscaping, please reach out to us. This is also a great time to start thinking about and planning for any Spring and Summer projects you have on the horizon. We’d love to help!

Manage Snow and Ice Removal

The first thing you’ll likely think about when it comes to the winter months is the snow and ice. For commercial properties, it’s important that you’re able to provide a safe environment for your customers and employees. That means having options to take care of the snow and ice removal quickly.

Last year, we had a big snowstorm in the Western Washington area. Our team worked quickly to get the snow removed for all our customers. You never know when the next storm will strike, so make sure you have a plan ready now!

That includes clearing out ice on cold winter mornings and managing snowfall throughout the winter. You may also want to provide salt for certain areas where you know ice will build up.

Trim Your Trees

Speaking of snow, your roof can see a lot of damage in the winter months. Aside from the hail, snow, and ice damage, you’ll also want to think about the trees close to your roof. Winter weather can mean more dead branches hitting your roof. Before we get into the winter months, you’ll want to have your trees trimmed so that your roof doesn’t get more damaged.

Tree branches can also fall onto walkways or cause damage elsewhere to your commercial property. That includes potentially hitting power lines that help keep your business running. Make sure your trees and shrubs are all healthy and trimmed so that you eliminate those issues.

Aerate Your Lawn

Fall is the best time to aerate your lawn. If you’ve never done this before, it’s a process where small holes are added to the lawn so that air, water, and nutrient can penetrate to the grass roots. This helps roots grow deeply and reduces soil compaction.

In Washington State, this process is best done in the fall or early spring so that the lawn is somewhat moist.

Prepare For Leaves

We all love when the leaves start to change color and fall from the trees. It’s a beautiful part of the fall season. However, having leaves and debris built up on your lawn can be a hazard or can ruin your landscaping’s aesthetic appeal.

You’ll want to have these removed regularly so that your lawn can remain healthy and your property can look its best during the cold months.

Is Your Commercial Property Ready For Winter?

If you’re starting to realize that your property isn’t as prepared as you need to be for the winter months, reach out to us today. We’ll help you develop a plan to keep your property safe for customers and employees as well as beautiful all year long.