Okanagan Yard Care: A Season-by-Season Guide

The Okanagan climate is a gift for gardeners, with long warm summers and a real growing season, but it also means your yard has very different needs across the year. Here is a simple season by season plan to keep your property looking sharp from the first thaw to the first snow.

Spring: wake the yard up

Spring in the Okanagan brings a heavy wave of pollen, especially near the lake, where cottonwood fluff and tree pollen coat everything for a few weeks. Start with a full cleanup: rake out winter debris, clear flower beds, prune back winter damage, and give the lawn its first cut and feed.

• Rake and remove leftover leaves and branches from winter
• Prune shrubs and trees before new growth takes off
• Aerate and overseed thin patches of lawn
• Set up irrigation early so it is ready before the summer heat

Summer: keep it alive in the heat

Okanagan summers are hot and dry, and water restrictions are common. Mowing higher helps the lawn hold moisture, and deep watering early in the morning beats frequent shallow watering. Stay on top of weeds before they go to seed.

Fall: the big cleanup

Fall is the busiest season for yard work in the valley. Deciduous trees drop a heavy load of leaves, and getting them off the lawn before the first snow prevents matting and dead patches in spring. This is also the time for a final mow, cutting back perennials, and winterizing irrigation.

• Remove leaves regularly so they do not smother the lawn
• Cut back perennials and clean out garden beds
• Blow out and shut down irrigation lines before the first hard freeze
• Give the lawn a final fall feed to build strong roots for spring

Winter: protect and plan

Once snow arrives, yard work shifts to protection and snow management. Wrap vulnerable shrubs, keep heavy snow off branches, and keep walkways clear. Winter is also a good time to plan next year's garden and book recurring help early before the spring rush.

Holler Taskers handle seasonal yard work across the Okanagan, and every one is vetted and background checked before they set foot on your property.