BEST TIME TO INSTALL HARDSCAPES

Are you dreaming of transforming your outdoor space with a stunning hardscape? Whether you're envisioning a cozy patio, a luxurious outdoor kitchen, or a serene pool deck, timing is crucial for your hardscape project's success.

Plan a hardscape project for the wrong season, and you could wreak havoc on your surrounding vegetation. Pick the landscaping industry's busiest seasons or during North Carolina's hurricane season, and you'll be looking at longer wait times.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal why winter is the ideal season for hardscape installation in North Carolina and explore the pros and cons of other seasons.

What is Hardscaping?

Before diving into timing, let's clarify what hardscaping entails. While landscaping focuses on the living elements of your outdoor space, hardscaping deals with the non-living, permanent features such as:

Read more about the distinction between hardscaping and landscaping.

Factors Affecting Hardscape Installation

While each North Carolina season offers unique benefits and challenges for hardscaping projects, several factors can help you make your decision:

• Weather patterns: Hardscape construction can be stalled in the face of frequent summer and fall tropical storms and hurricanes.

• Plant growth: Drastically altering outdoor living spaces during active growing seasons can damage your carefully cultivated landscape.

• Labor availability: In North Carolina, chillier months are generally the least busy for professional hardscapers and landscapers.

• Material availability: Common hardscaping materials like stone, brick, and wood can be more difficult to come by during peak hardscaping seasons.

• Project scope & complexity: Larger spaces and projects with multiple components will take longer than in certain times of year.

• Desired completion date: If you're looking for speedy turnaround, you'll want to choose a season with increased contractor availability.

Why Schedule Hardscaping for Winter

While you may not think about your yard much during North Carolina's colder months, winter is actually the ideal time to design and install most hardscape features.

Here are the five major reasons to consider planning hardscaping projects in the winter:

1) Peak Contractor Availability

Winter is typically the least busy season for many North Carolina landscaping and hardscaping contractors. By avoiding peak season (spring and summer), you can expect to get your project on the schedule with a quality contractor sooner rather than later---in just a couple of weeks instead of months.

2) Uninterrupted Planning & Design

Even if choose not to install a hardscape during the winter, the increased winter downtime allows for meticulous planning and design. Your hardscape designer can dedicate more time to crafting the perfect outdoor space tailored to your vision. That way, you can hit the ground running when spring arrives.

3) Reduced Impact on Landscaping

Hardscaping can disrupt your existing landscaping, such as lawns and gardens. Doing hardscaping in the winter, when most plants are dormant, minimizes the impact on vegetation. It also gives plants plenty of time to recover, adjust, and develop stronger roots before the spring growing season.

4) Faster Project Completion

Depending on the region, the winter climate may allow for faster project completion. North Carolina's typically mild, dry winters create ideal conditions for hardscape installation, reducing weather-related delays (like heavy rain, hurricanes, or extreme heat).

5) Earlier Springtime Enjoyment

If you complete your hardscaping project in the winter, you'll be sipping cocktails on your new patio or cooking in your outdoor kitchen as soon as the warm weather hits. Whereas, a spring or summer installation may mean you won't be able to use your new outdoor space until mid-summer or even fall.

Best Hardscaping Projects for Winter

Cold weather doesn't mean you have to put all your landscaping plans to rest. Winter is the perfect time to tackle your hardscaping needs.

Some of the top winter hardscaping projects include:

• Patios

• Pool decks

• Outdoor kitchens & living spaces

• Retaining walls & garden walls

• Fire pits & outdoor fireplaces

• Sidewalks

• Driveways

Pros & Cons of Spring Hardscape Installation

The busiest time of year for most landscaping companies, a spring hardscape installation is still beneficial if your contractor has the availability.

Advantages of Spring Hardscaping

• Pleasant outdoor working temperatures

• Soil more workable after winter thaw

• Favorable conditions for projects with landscaping components

Disadvantages of Spring Hardscaping

• Possible rain delays

• Extremely high demand for contractors and materials

• Finished hardscape may not be ready by summer

• May disrupt spring planting

Pros & Cons of Summer Hardscape Installation

Although North Carolina hardscaping projects aren't impossible in the summer, they come with considerable challenges.

Advantages of Summer Hardscaping

• Longer days for quicker progress

• Rapid curing time for concrete

• More workable soil

Disadvantages of Summer Hardscaping

• Extreme heat challenges for workers

• Potential interference from storms & hurricanes

• New plants may struggle if landscaping is done simultaneously

• You won't be able to enjoy it that summer

• Increased demand for contractors and materials

Pros & Cons of Fall Hardscape Installation

An autumn hardscape project is almost as beneficial as a winter installation.

Advantages of Fall Hardscaping

• Cooler, more comfortable working temperatures

• Minimal landscaping disruption

• Lower demand for contractors

• Accompanying landscaping can be established before winter hits

Disadvantages of Fall Hardscaping

• Shorter workable daylight hours

• Possible early frost in some regions

• Can be challenging to juggle with fall planting & cleanup

• Potential rain delays

At the End of the Day...

From outdoor kitchens and firepits to patios and pool decks, hardscapes can bring so much functionality and enjoyment to your outdoor space. No matter the season you choose for your hardscaping project, it's essential to consult with a professional landscaper who understands your specific climate and can advise you on the best timing for your project.

Choose Thorpe Landscapes For Your Hardscaping & Landscaping Needs

At Thorpe Landscapes, we're equipped to tackle your hardscaping projects in any season. Our expertise spans from the coastal charm of Wilmington to the mountain majesty of Asheville and the vibrant Triangle Area.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can bring your hardscape dreams to life.