What Should Be Happening at Your Site Right Now (March 2026 Edition)
And why this year is a little different
If you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve probably felt it. The air is warmer, the ground isn’t saturated, and… we never really got winter.
That changes things.
March is always a transition month in the Lower Mainland, but this year it’s happening faster and cleaner than usual. No snowpack, fewer freeze-thaw cycles, and soil temperatures are climbing earlier than expected.
For strata landscapes, this is a big deal. It means your site is already waking up, whether you’re ready or not.
Here’s what should be happening right now, and why it matters.
1. Lawns Are Starting to Grow (Earlier Than You Think)
Even if it doesn’t look like peak growing season yet, turf is already coming out of dormancy.
Why this matters:
If mowing, edging, and clean-up don’t start early enough, you fall behind fast. Early-season neglect leads to uneven growth, patchiness, and a much harder time getting that clean, uniform look later.
What should be happening:
First cuts should already be underway or scheduled
Edges being re-established
Debris and winter buildup fully cleared
Problem areas (thin turf, moss) identified early
This is where “set and forget” really starts. If you miss the first few weeks, you’re chasing it all season.
2. Beds Need a Reset Before Growth Explodes
With warmer soil temps, plants are waking up sooner. Weeds are too.
Why this matters:
If beds aren’t cleaned, defined, and prepped now, you’ll see a surge of weeds just as everything else starts growing. That’s when maintenance becomes reactive instead of controlled.
What should be happening:
Full bed clean-ups (not just surface-level)
Clear edge definition between lawn and beds
Early weeding before root systems establish
Mulch planning or installation beginning
A clean bed in March is the difference between light maintenance… and constant weeding all summer.
3. Shrubs and Hedges Need Early Attention
Many species are already pushing new growth.
Why this matters:
Pruning timing affects both shape and health. Miss the window, and you either stress the plant or lose control of its form for the season.
What should be happening:
Structural pruning on appropriate species
Removal of winter damage
Early shaping before aggressive spring growth
Identifying overgrown or failing plants
Done right, this sets up a cleaner, lower-maintenance look for months.
4. Irrigation Systems Should Be Getting Checked Now
You might not be watering yet… but you’re getting close.
Why this matters:
An early warm season usually means an earlier dry period. If irrigation isn’t ready, turf and plant stress shows up quickly, and recovery is harder.
What should be happening:
System inspections and testing
Leak checks and coverage adjustments
Controller programming prep
Planning for earlier activation if dry weather continues
Think of this as cheap insurance against expensive problems.
5. Enhancements Should Be Getting Booked (Not Thought About)
If you’re considering upgrades this year, now is the moment to act.
Why this matters:
Contractor schedules fill quickly once spring hits full stride. Waiting until April or May often means delays, rushed work, or missing the window entirely.
What should be happening:
Planning new plantings or bed redesigns
Booking turf repairs or lawn renovations
Scheduling mulch installs
Prioritizing high-impact visual areas
The sites that look great in June are usually decided in March.
6. Expectations Should Be Reset for the Season
This year isn’t typical.
Why this matters:
A mild winter and early warm-up compress the timeline. Everything happens sooner, and small delays have bigger ripple effects.
What should be happening:
Aligning expectations between council, management, and contractors
Confirming scope and priorities early
Making decisions faster than usual
Being proactive instead of
reactive
This is one of those years where “we’ll deal with it later” turns into “why does the site look behind?”
The Bottom Line
March is no longer the quiet ramp-up month it used to be. This year, it’s the starting line.
The sites that are being actively managed right now will feel effortless by early summer. The ones that aren’t will require more time, more cost, and more frustration to get back on track.
If your landscaping feels like it’s already moving… it is.
The question is whether your plan is keeping up.
