As we head into the last six weeks of winter (yes, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow), now is the time to connect with your landscaping contractor about preparations for spring. While spring brings warm weather, blossoming flowers, and (at last!) greenery, there's a lot of work to be done before the season changes. By working with your contractor now and creating a plan, you can guarantee that your hotel will be spring ready.

Here are a few simple questions to ask your contractor to ensure that all of your hotel's landscape needs are covered.

1. What Renovations are Necessary?

When you first designed your hotel's landscape, you and your landscaper likely had a long-term vision in mind. But over time, a landscape can change and shift away from the original vision. As the landscape starts to evolve, you need to ask your contractor what renovations need to be made in order to enhance and protect the design. For example, if a hotelier had an oak or willow tree planted in front of their hotel five years prior, and now it's turned into a mature tree, what necessary improvements need to be made this spring to ensure the grass beneath it receives sunlight? Or if you have trees that are blocking the view of exterior gardens, your contractor is going to have to come up with a renovation plan to fix this.

Before spring starts, hotel professionals will also need to ask their contractors about their plan of action to assess and repair possible damaged flowerbeds, bushes, and other vegetation on the property. That being said, if there was any damage that your staff reported during the winter season, it's important to relay that information to your contractor as well. Laying down a renovation plan and setting specific expectations will help your landscape grow into its ultimate vision and keep you and your contractor on the same page.

2. How Should We Invest Extra Budget?