When’s the Best Time to Start Landscaping Projects in Boise?

If you’re a homeowner in the Boise area and you’re dreaming about improving your yard, timing is everything. Whether you're planting trees, putting in a new sprinkler system, or talking with a landscape architect, starting at the right time can make all the difference.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you figure out when to start which projects, so you’re not scrambling in peak season or trying to plant in the middle of a heat wave.

Early Spring (March – April): Planning and Prep Work

Once the snow melts and the ground starts to thaw, this is the perfect time to make a plan.

If you’re thinking about doing a big landscape project—like adding a patio, changing the layout of your yard, or working with a landscape architect—you want to start those conversations early. Designers and contractors start to book up fast once the weather turns nice, so the sooner you reach out, the better your chances of locking in a good timeline. Even January and February can be good months to start.

Spring is also a great time to take stock of your irrigation system. If you’re installing sprinklers for the first time or upgrading from hoses and timers, you’ll want to have a pro look things over before peak watering season starts.

Late Spring (May – early June): Planting, Sod, and Soil Work

This is go-time for a lot of planting. The ground has warmed up enough for roots to settle in, and you’re not yet battling the summer heat. If you're putting in sod, late spring is often ideal. It gives your grass time to take root before the hotter, drier months.

Trees and shrubs do well when planted in spring too, especially if they’re native or adapted to our region’s dry climate. You can also start prepping garden beds now. Even if you’re not ready to plant vegetables yet, getting the soil in good shape gives you a head start when the time is right.

Summer (Late June – August): Hardscaping and Pool Projects

Summer in Boise is toasty, which isn’t ideal for planting, but it’s prime time for hardscape work. If you’re thinking about installing a pool, building retaining walls, pouring concrete, or putting in a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, this is usually when crews are doing that kind of work.

Just keep in mind that most contractors are slammed in summer. If you wait until July to start calling around for a pool installation, you’re probably already looking at a late-season or even next-year project. That’s why planning in early is so helpful. It gives you options.

Late Summer to Early Fall (September – October): More Planting, Sprinkler Shutdowns, and Final Touches

Believe it or not, early fall is one of the best times to plant trees, especially in Boise. The soil is still warm, but the air is starting to cool off, so new plants get a chance to root without the stress of summer heat. This is also a great window for reseeding or repairing your lawn.

If you’ve been thinking about adding garden beds, upgrading your front yard landscaping, or doing any last-minute planting, this is your moment. The weather is mild, and you’ll beat the spring rush.

And don’t forget your sprinklers. Early fall is when you’ll want to schedule a winterization service if you have an irrigation system. Boise winters can be hard on pipes, and a blowout now can save you from a costly repair in the spring.

Winter (November – February): Dreaming, Budgeting, and Indoor Prep

Landscaping might be the last thing on your mind when the ground’s frozen and the leaves are long gone, but winter can actually be a great time to start planning next year’s projects. If you’ve been thinking about working with a landscape architect, many of them do their best design work in the off-season when things are quieter.

You can use the downtime to get quotes, plan your budget, and make decisions without feeling rushed. That way, when spring rolls around, you’re ready to go.

The dark season is also the perfect time to think about beautiful or fun outdoor lighting. While some permanent lighting is better installed in the warmer season when the ground is soft enough to bury wires, your yard can still be enhanced in winter with a holiday display or a glow around your hot tub and patio.

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Every yard is a little different, and what works for one homeowner may not work for another. But if you’re thinking ahead and working with the seasons, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more successful project—whether it’s as simple as a new garden bed or as big as a total backyard overhaul.