When you think of December, hardscaping might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s a surprisingly excellent time to tackle essential outdoor projects like building retaining walls, installing stone features, and addressing gutter drain needs. In the practice of landscaping, “hardscape” refers to the built elements of the landscape design. Unlike “softscape”, which refers to natural elements like plants, trees, and other growing things, hardscape is a construction addition to the outdoor decor. At Mass Lawn Pros, we specialize in helping homeowners enhance their hardscape while complimenting their aesthetic and functional appeal—even as winter begins to settle in. Here’s why completing these projects in December can be a game-changer for your home.
Why Hardscaping Projects Make Sense in December
The transition from fall to winter doesn’t mean outdoor work must come to a halt. In fact, it’s often an ideal time to undertake hardscaping projects for a few reasons:
Milder Weather: December in New England typically brings cooler temperatures, but the harsher conditions of February and March are still weeks away. This window allows for the installation of materials like stone and drainage systems without the interference of deep freezes or heavy snowfall.
Contractor Availability: With fewer landscaping projects on the calendar, December offers more scheduling flexibility. Our team at Mass Lawn Pros can prioritize your project and ensure it’s completed efficiently.
Get Ahead of Spring Work: Waiting until spring to start hardscaping can leave you racing to complete projects as the weather warms. By addressing retaining walls, stone installations, and gutter drains now, you’ll have a finished landscape ready to enjoy as soon as the snow melts.
Here are some great projects we recommend for the month of December.
Retaining Walls: Strength and Style for Your Landscape. A well-designed retaining wall adds structural integrity to your yard and enhances its beauty. Retaining walls can:
Prevent Erosion: Retaining walls keep soil in place during heavy rains or melting snow, protecting your landscaping investment.
Create Usable Space: If you have a sloped yard, retaining walls can level areas for gardens, patios, or other functional spaces.
Add Curb Appeal: With various materials like natural stone, brick, or concrete, retaining walls offer a sophisticated touch to your property’s design.
December is a great time to build retaining walls because the cooler temperatures ensure that materials are set properly, and you’ll be ahead of the game when spring showers roll in.
Stone Installation: Timeless Beauty and Durability. Stone features, whether walkways, patios, or decorative elements, provide a timeless and durable upgrade to your property. Here’s why stone installation is a smart choice in December:
Durability in All Seasons: Stone withstands freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, making it ideal for New England’s climate. By installing it now, you’ll ensure that your yard is ready for winter and beyond.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Stone walkways or borders create a polished, elegant look that complements the natural beauty of your landscaping.
Functionality: Well-placed stone features can improve accessibility around your property, especially when snow and ice make navigating your yard tricky.
Mass Lawn Pros can help you choose the right stone materials for your project, ensuring your installation is both beautiful and long-lasting.
Gutter Drain Services: Protect Your Home from Water Damage. Proper drainage is a critical aspect of home maintenance, especially as winter snow begins to melt. Gutter drains help channel water away from your home’s foundation, preventing costly issues like:
Foundation Cracks: Excess water can seep into your foundation and freeze, leading to cracks and structural damage.
Basement Flooding: Poor drainage can cause water to pool around your home, increasing the risk of basement leaks.
Erosion: Without a functional drainage system, your yard may experience soil erosion, undermining the stability of your landscaping.
December is an excellent time to address gutter drain issues, as early winter weather allows for smooth installation without the urgency brought on by melting snow or spring rains.
The Benefits of Completing Hardscaping Projects Before Midwinter
Completing hardscaping projects before midwinter offers several benefits compared to waiting until late winter or early spring. First, it helps you avoid the challenges posed by deep freezes in February and March, which can make tasks like digging, laying foundations, and installing stones difficult. Taking care of the work now ensures timely completion and high-quality results. Additionally, getting systems like retaining walls and gutter drains in place before the snow begins to melt is crucial for managing water runoff. With these systems ready, your property will be better equipped to handle the excess water as temperatures rise. Finally, addressing these projects in December means you’ll have a functional, attractive landscape come spring, just in time for outdoor activities.
Why Choose Mass Lawn Pros for Your Hardscaping Needs?
At Mass Lawn Pros, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service, no matter the season. Here’s what sets us apart:
Expertise: Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle retaining walls, stone installations, and gutter drains with precision.
Reliability: We show up on time, communicate clearly, and complete projects to your satisfaction.
Fair Pricing: You can count on competitive rates without sacrificing quality.
And while we are as humble as the next guy, we can’t help but share some of the glowing reviews our hardworking team at Mass Lawn Pros has received.
Loretta
Thank you to Alex and his team. The yard and the stonework look amazing! Highly recommend their expertise, professionalism, and punctuality.
Responsiveness. Don’t wait for a return call from another landscaper. I am blown away by the professionalism of the entire team. Alex was in my yard doing an estimate within an hour of me reaching out and within 2 weeks my yard is in better shape than it ever has been. Please consider Mass Lawn Pros for all your yard maintenance needs.
Anna
We had a crew of four come and build new retaining walls for our house. They were so fast, efficient, and a pleasure to have. The end result is beautiful and truly makes our home stand out. I can’t express how wonderful they were, working in miserable conditions and creating a product that is gorgeous and they took a lot of pride in.
Simon
Mass Lawn Pros provided a detailed electronic estimate after a site visit to our property.
Upon agreeing to the work, which included multiple projects, a crew arrived at our property the next day and completed everything in one day. Our POC, Alex, was always professional and responsive when communicating with us. We will definitely use Mass Lawn Pros for future projects. The Mass Lawn Pro team has some of the hardest workers I’ve seen. Owner, Alex Giglio, is a hard-working, dedicated professional who is always on time and offers awesome rates. We are extremely happy with Mass Lawn Pro’s services and will continue to recommend!
Get Started Today
Don’t wait until the harsh winter months to address your hardscaping needs. Contact Mass Lawn Pros today for a free estimate for your retaining wall, stone installation, or gutter drain service. Let us help you protect and enhance your property while ensuring it’s ready for whatever New England weather has in store.
Mass Lawn Pros is a South Shore Massachusetts-based landscape design, construction & maintenance business serving residential and commercial properties. Mass Lawn Pros brings decades of local expertise to their clients and is known for their exceptional customer service and reliable workmanship. From lush, green lawns, and stunning hardscapes to seasonal cleanups, tree pruning, and commercial plowing, Mass Lawn Pros ensures every project meets our high standards of excellence.
