The LA Landscape Calendar: It's Not Like Anywhere Else
If you Google 'landscape maintenance calendar,' you'll get advice designed for the Midwest. Plant in May, mulch in September, winterize in November. That's useless in LA. Our growing season is essentially year-round, our 'winter' is our rainy season (when it actually rains), and our biggest threat isn't frost—it's drought, heat, and Santa Ana winds.
Here's the LA-specific calendar I give every client after we complete their landscape.
January-February: The Quiet Season
- Prune deciduous trees and roses while dormant
- Plant bare-root fruit trees (citrus, avocado, stone fruit)
- Overseed cool-season lawns if needed
- Check irrigation for rain sensor operation
- Apply pre-emergent weed control
- Service power tools and mower blades
March-April: Spring Activation
- Fertilize everything: turf, shrubs, trees, container plants
- Increase irrigation schedule as temps rise
- Plant warm-season annuals and perennials
- Mulch all beds (2-3 inches)
- Pest inspection and treatment
- Aerate compacted turf areas
May-June: Summer Prep
- Adjust irrigation to summer schedule (deeper, less frequent)
- Apply summer fertilizer to turf
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs after blooming
- Monitor for heat stress in newly planted areas
- Deep water mature trees monthly
- Check and clean drip emitters
July-August: Heat Management
- Water early morning (before 8am) to minimize evaporation
- Monitor for spider mites (common in LA heat)
- Avoid heavy pruning—stressed plants are vulnerable
- Deadhead flowers to encourage continued blooming
- Check mulch depth—add more if below 2 inches
- Santa Ana prep: deep water all plants before predicted events
September-October: Transition Season
- Plant California natives (their natural growing season starts now)
- Overseed or patch turf
- Reduce irrigation as temps cool
- Fall fertilization (final feeding before winter)
- Clean up summer debris and dead growth
- Divide perennials that have outgrown their space
November-December: Rain Season Prep
- Clean gutters, drains, and swales
- Reduce irrigation (rain sensors should handle this automatically)
- Plant winter vegetables if you have raised beds
- Apply dormant spray to fruit trees
- Protect frost-sensitive tropicals (covering or moving pots)
- Annual landscape assessment—plan spring projects
Monthly Costs for Professional Maintenance
- Basic maintenance (mow, blow, edge): $150-$300/month
- Full maintenance (above + pruning, fertilizing, pest control): $300-$600/month
- Estate-level (above + irrigation management, seasonal color): $600-$1,200/month
- Annual budget range for typical LA yard: $3,600-$7,200
💡 Pro Tip
The single best landscape investment in LA? A smart irrigation controller with weather-based scheduling. It prevents the #1 cause of plant death in LA: overwatering in winter and underwatering in summer.
Following Elan's calendar saved us from losing three mature citrus trees during last summer's heat wave. The deep watering schedule was the difference. — Nancy & Phil C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to plant in Los Angeles?
Fall (September-November) is ideal for California natives and most perennials. Spring (March-April) works for tropicals and warm-season plants.
How often should I water my LA landscape?
It varies by season: 2-3 times per week in summer, once per week in spring/fall, and minimal in winter (let rain do the work). Adjust based on soil type and sun exposure.
When should I fertilize my lawn in LA?
Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, St. Augustine): fertilize March-April, June, and September. Cool-season (fescue): October-November and March.
How much does professional landscape maintenance cost in LA?
Basic service runs $150-$300/month. Full service including pruning, fertilizing, and pest control is $300-$600/month for a typical residential property.
