For property and strata managers, the grounds are the first thing tenants, owners and prospective buyers see. Well-kept landscaping signals a well-run property — and keeps vacancy times down. The catch is that Perth's Mediterranean climate means the jobs change with the seasons. Here's a practical, season-by-season checklist to keep your properties looking sharp all year.
Spring (Sep–Nov): gear up for growth
- Reticulation start-up and audit after the winter switch-off — check every station for blocked nozzles, leaks and coverage before the heat arrives.
- Fertilise turf and garden beds to drive strong spring growth.
- Top up mulch to 50–75mm across all beds ahead of summer.
- Weed and pre-emergent treatment before weeds get away.
- Hedge and prune to shape up for the growing season.
Summer (Dec–Feb): protect and maintain
- Monitor reticulation closely — a failed solenoid in January can kill a lawn in a week. Schedule mid-season checks.
- Mow higher, less often. Longer leaf shades the soil and copes better with heat.
- Watch for heat and water stress on newer plantings and high-traffic turf.
- Stay on top of pests like lawn grub and African black beetle, which thrive in the warm months.
Autumn (Mar–May): recover and prepare
- Renovate tired turf — aerate, top-dress and over-sow worn areas while it's still warm enough to recover.
- Plant out new garden beds so roots establish before summer.
- Service reticulation and update controllers ahead of the winter switch-off.
- Clean up leaf litter and clear gutters and drains before winter rain.
Winter (Jun–Aug): the big-ticket jobs
- Reticulation off for the scheme-water switch-off — the ideal window for repairs and upgrades with the system depressurised.
- Major pruning and tree work while plants are dormant.
- Mulching, soil improvement and replanting while the soil is moist.
- Hardscape and safety checks — paths, edging, lighting and trip hazards.
Don't forget the safety and compliance jobs
Year-round, keep on top of sightlines, trip hazards, overhanging branches and clear access — they protect both residents and the owners' liability. A documented maintenance schedule also makes your reporting to owners and committees far easier.
Make it someone else's problem
Coordinating all of this across a portfolio is a big job. A scheduled grounds-maintenance program with one reliable contractor — covering turf, gardens, hedging, reticulation and reporting — takes it off your plate and keeps costs predictable.
We work with property and strata managers right across Perth on exactly this. Get in touch for a tailored maintenance program and a single point of contact for all your sites.