Use the Highveld seasons as a starting point
SANBI describes the Highveld as a summer-rainfall region with dry winters and frost. Exposure varies even within a suburb: a sheltered courtyard and an open low-lying lawn may need different care.
Keep a simple record of visits, rainfall, irrigation problems and recurring weeds. Agree priorities before each visit so seasonal tasks do not displace essential mowing, edging and removal.
Month-by-month priorities
| Month | Plan the visit around |
|---|---|
| January | Active growth, mowing as needed and checking drainage after storms. |
| February | Edging, weed control and plant-specific hedge care. |
| March | Reviewing summer growth and preparing the autumn task list. |
| April | Leaf collection, mulching where suitable and irrigation review. |
| May | Reducing mowing as growth slows and planning frost protection. |
| June | Clearing debris and inspecting plants during the dry season. |
| July | Monitoring frost damage and scheduling species-appropriate work. |
| August | Checking irrigation, tools and spring priorities; avoiding premature work on frost-sensitive plants. |
| September | Adjusting care as growth resumes; checking plant and soil moisture needs. |
| October | Preparing drainage for rain and managing new growth. |
| November | Regular mowing and storm-debris removal as needed. |
| December | Maintaining growth and confirming care during holidays. |
Pruning, feeding and lawn treatment dates depend on the species and condition. Ask for a plant-specific plan rather than a single pruning month for the whole garden.
Watering and storm checks
Base irrigation on soil moisture, weather, plant establishment and current local restrictions. A dormant lawn and newly planted shrubs do not have identical needs. Report broken heads and leaks instead of simply extending watering time.
After a storm, inspect from ground level for damaged branches, blocked drainage and debris. Keep away from hanging limbs and electrical lines. Arrange specialist help for unsafe tree work. Gutter cleaning and waste removal can be scoped separately.
Build the visit schedule and budget
Use the garden service price guide for visit estimates by garden size. Confirm condition, crew time, equipment and refuse removal; the agreed scope determines the total.
Weekly visits may suit active summer growth, while a different frequency may suit winter conditions. Agree what happens to seasonal tasks, rain-delayed visits and holiday cover. An overgrown first visit needs its own cleanup scope before a recurring rate is meaningful.
Sources and further reading
Use the instructions for your equipment or coating. Prices in this guide are indicative planning estimates, not a quote from The Home Crew.
Regular garden maintenance
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