On the slopes of the left bank, Cologny overlooks the lake and the harbour of Geneva. Its large properties and tree-filled parks need regular attention, whether it is old trees, wide lawns or boundary hedges. Hiring a gardener in Cologny means entrusting this work to a professional who knows the Lake Geneva climate and the local soils.
Climate and terrain in Cologny
Cologny sits on a hillside facing the lake and the harbour. Being higher than the water’s edge gives lovely views, but it also exposes gardens: the bise, the cold north wind, can blow hard, dry out foliage and punish plants that are already fragile. The large park trees are particularly stressed.
The climate is that of the Lake Geneva basin: mild winters near the lake, hot and dry summers. The lake tempers temperature swings, which allows a good variety of plants to be grown, but dry spells in summer put a strain on lawns and recent plantings.
The soils are often clayey. They hold water in winter and spring, then harden and crack in dry weather. On sloping ground, water runs off faster and drainage deserves particular attention.
The gardening year in Cologny
Spring
This is the time to take the garden in hand again: cleaning the beds, the first mowing, and reseeding lawn areas damaged by winter. On clay soil, it is better to wait until it has drained before working it, to avoid compacting it. Hedges can have their first trim of the season, and planting gets under way.
Summer
Hot, dry summers call for well-planned watering, preferably early in the morning or in the evening. On large areas, an automatic system avoids waste and protects young plantings. Mow a little higher so the grass withstands the heat, and keep an eye on the trees, which also suffer from lack of water.
Autumn
Autumn is the season for major jobs. Leaves from the park trees quickly pile up on lawns and must be cleared so they do not smother the grass. It is also a good time to plant, as the soil still holds some warmth and roots take more easily. Hedges get their end-of-season trim and the beds are prepared for winter.
Winter
Winters are mild near the lake, but the garden does not stop altogether. This is the best time to inspect and prune large trees, whose structure is easier to read without leaves. It is also a chance to service equipment, rethink the layout and prepare the spring work.
The most requested work in Cologny
Care of large trees and pruning
The parks of Cologny hold large trees that deserve an expert eye. Well-handled tree pruning and removal serves both the safety of the site and the health of the tree: dead wood, overly heavy branches or limbs close to buildings. With the bise, exposed trees are best checked regularly.
Maintenance of parks and large lawns
A large park needs regular visits. Garden maintenance covers cleaning the beds, weeding and general upkeep of the property. For wide grassed areas, lawn mowing and care takes account of dry summers and clay soils.
Boundary hedges
Properties in Cologny are often marked out by long hedges, which also provide some privacy and protection from the wind. Regular hedge trimming keeps these boundaries dense and neatly shaped, without letting them spread beyond their line.
Automatic irrigation
On a large plot, watering by hand quickly becomes impossible during hot, dry summers. Automatic irrigation spreads water where it is needed, at the most favourable times, and adapts to the lawn, beds and hedge areas.
Terraces
With a view over the lake, the terrace is often the natural extension of the house. A timber or stone terrace is planned according to exposure, slope and a clay soil that needs good drainage. The landscape gardener can help you choose the material and the position.
To check before certain work
Some work depends on rules that vary by canton and municipal regulations. This applies in particular to felling trees, especially the large specimens in parks, to hedges planted on a property boundary, and to garden structures such as a pergola, a shed, a wall or a pool. Ask the municipality before starting: it will tell you which steps to follow. The landscape gardener who contacts you can also point you in the right direction.
Making a request
- You describe your project online: type of garden, work wanted, a few useful details.
- A professional landscape gardener from the area contacts you and, if needed, comes to see the garden.
- You receive a free quote and are free to accept it or not.
To get started, you can request a quote.
Around Cologny
Landscape gardeners in the area also work in Geneva, Chêne-Bougeries and Collonge-Bellerive. Find the whole canton on the page gardener in the canton of Geneva, or see all areas.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the large trees in Cologny need regular care?
Park trees live a long time and grow very large. Exposed to the bise on the hillside, they can lose branches or suffer from drought in summer. A regular check by a professional makes it possible to spot dead wood and step in before the situation becomes dangerous.
When should boundary hedges be trimmed?
A first trim in spring and an end-of-season trim in autumn suit many hedges. The right timing does depend on the species and the vigour of the hedge, though. The gardener will advise you during their visit.
My soil is clayey: what does that mean for the lawn?
Clay soil holds water in winter, which can trouble the grass, then hardens and cracks in summer. Good drainage, measured watering and suitable upkeep help the lawn hold up well. A landscape gardener can assess what is needed on your land.
Is automatic irrigation suitable for a large plot?
Yes, it is often the most practical solution on large areas. Hot, dry summers make manual watering tedious and uneven. A well-designed system adapts to each part of the garden and limits water waste.
Do I need permission to fell a tree in Cologny?
It depends on the canton and the municipal regulations, especially for large trees. Ask the municipality before any work. The landscape gardener who contacts you can also guide you through these steps.