The bustle of the holidays is behind us, and the new year is here. It’s calmer and quieter…and it is cold. That’s why so many of us consider this the doldrums of winter. However, there couldn’t be a better time to start planning for your spring and summer projects!

When researching reliable landscape contractors, reviews from people who worked directly with the businesses – the more, the better, and with photos – are helpful indicators, and would-be clients might request references that would require the contractor to receive consent from previous customers.

For a major – and worthwhile – investment in the landscaping of your property, researching the qualifications of a company is essential and requirements will vary depending on the nature of the services being sought.

While winter weather may be impossible to control, having plans in place to deal with the outcomes of unpredictable New Jersey snow and ice storms are essential to all types of commercial operations, from offices and stores to apartment and townhouse complexes

Creating a dream yard with winding paths, a gracious patio, sitting and retaining walls, a fire pit or maybe a dramatic rock waterfall that sends soothing sounds across your personal sanctuary can represent a significant expenditure.

While many homeowners relish the satisfaction of going hands-on with projects, certain enduring improvements – including the many facets of hardscaping – are best left in the skilled hands of experienced professionals.

Spring and summer bring lush greenery and a procession of vibrant blooms to your outdoor surroundings. Fall, however, is the actual linchpin in creating an evolving, multi-seasonal landscaping show. “The temperatures in September and October – the cooler mornings, the warmer afternoons – deliver the most optimal climate for plants to take into the ground, when roots can grow far, deep and wide and get established,” explains Marcus Celiano, owner of Golden Wolf Landscape & Design, LLC.

Landscaping can potentially add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of a property. It is one of the few home improvements that increase in value as the years go by. While interior designs may go out of fashion after a certain point in time, landscaping never goes out. Plus, it adds instant curb appear in many cases.