Landscape jobs to tackle in the off-season

When workloads ease over winter, it’s not a slowdown – it’s a window to get ahead of the issues that tend to come back and bite when spring hits.

For landscaping businesses, off-season work should be less about ticking off general maintenance and more about preventing the problems that lead to call-backs, rework and lost time. The right prep now can reduce repeat visits, keep clients happy and free up capacity when demand ramps up.

Dave Cartin, Bunnings landscape specialist, says there are many things you can do in the off-season that will save time before the peak growing season gets underway, particularly in terms of hardscaping.

Fix drainage before spring demand exposes it

Drainage is one of those issues that often sits quietly through winter, then becomes very visible once clients are back outside and growth kicks off. Pooling water, runoff across hardscaping or saturated turf areas can quickly turn into a call-back.

Winter gives you the best chance to deal with it properly. With more rain in play, it’s easier to spot where water is collecting or not moving as it should – and fix it before it becomes a bigger job.

That might mean installing or upgrading drainage, adjusting levels, or simply addressing problem areas before they escalate. Whatever the approach, getting it sorted early helps avoid turf failure, erosion or surface damage later on – and removes the need to squeeze those fixes into an already busy spring schedule.

Prune with the next season in mind

Pruning is another area where a winter job can pay off months later – but only if it’s approached strategically.

“It’s good to do a hard cull back at this time, especially those plants that go wild over spring and summer when the warm weather comes along,” says Dave. “It’s an opportunity to get rid of any dead limbs or dead wood – anything that has died over the summer – or even shape a shrub or hedge.”

Done with the season ahead in mind, this kind of work reduces how quickly sites get out of control once temperatures rise. It also cuts back on reactive visits to deal with overgrowth, overcrowding or excessive clean-up.

For landscapers managing ongoing properties, that means fewer interruptions during peak season – and a more predictable workload.

Get on top of edging and surfaces before they become visible problems

Some issues aren’t urgent in winter, which is exactly why they’re worth tackling then.

Edging that has shifted, paths affected by moisture or build-up, and surfaces starting to show wear all tend to stand out more once outdoor spaces are in regular use again. Left alone, they become the kind of smaller jobs that stack up quickly and eat into your schedule.

Winter gives you the space to deal with them properly. Whether it’s repairing edges, cleaning surfaces or identifying areas that will need attention when conditions warm up, it’s about reducing the number of reactive fixes later on.

Stay ahead of the small issues that trigger call-backs

It’s often not the major defects that generate call-outs – it’s the small, preventable ones.

Blocked gutters, clogged drains and debris build-up can all sit unnoticed until a heavy downpour hits. Then suddenly it’s urgent.

“The last thing you want is a massive downpour and have the gutters all blocked up,” says Dave.

Staying on top of these areas through winter helps avoid those avoidable call-backs. It also reduces the kind of last-minute, unplanned work that can throw out a tightly scheduled week during spring.

Use the off-season to set your business up properly

Not everything happens on site. Winter is also the time to get your operation in shape before things get busy again.

That might involve reviewing equipment, servicing tools or making decisions on upgrades that improve efficiency once work picks up. It’s also the right time to get ahead on materials – ordering early, locking in supply and avoiding the risk of delays or shortages later.

These aren’t headline-grabbing tasks, but they have a direct impact on how smoothly your jobs run when demand is high.

Get ahead before demand lifts

Supplier activity and industry events over winter can also play a role in staying ahead.

They offer a chance to secure trade pricing, understand what’s coming into the market and plan more effectively for upcoming jobs. For businesses looking to stay competitive, that insight can make a real difference once the season ramps up.

Focus on prevention to protect your peak season

Winter work should always come back to one question – will it save time, prevent a call-back or make the next season run more smoothly?

By focusing on that, landscapers can head into spring with fewer distractions, fewer reactive jobs and more capacity to take on new work. And ultimately, that’s what protects both time and margin when it matters most.

Want more tips?

Talk to a Bunnings landscaping specialist or call 134 TRADE to plan off-season work and stage materials ahead of spring demand.

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping jobs should be done in winter?
Winter is ideal for drainage fixes, structural repairs, pruning, edging maintenance and clearing gutters to prevent issues in spring.

Why is drainage maintenance important before spring?
Fixing drainage in winter helps prevent pooling, erosion and turf damage when growth and rainfall increase.

How can landscapers reduce call-backs in peak season?
By addressing small issues like blocked drains, pruning overgrowth early and repairing surfaces, landscapers can minimise reactive jobs later.

Is winter a good time to service landscaping equipment?
Yes, the off-season is perfect for servicing tools, upgrading equipment and preparing materials before demand increases.

How does off-season planning improve landscaping efficiency?
Planning ahead ensures materials are secured, tools are ready and common issues are resolved, allowing smoother workflows during busy periods.