On the Haut-Plateau, a garden has to be planned around the sun, the dry summers and the winter snow. A gardener in Crans-Montana can take care of routine upkeep, mowing, hedges, watering and preparing for the cold season, whether you live in your chalet all year or only for part of it. You describe your work, a professional landscape gardener from the region contacts you and provides a free, no-obligation quote.
Climate and terrain in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is a resort on the Haut-Plateau, above Sierre. The municipality was created in 2017 by the merger of Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne, and its territory combines villages, chalet neighbourhoods, second homes, lakes and a golf course. Each area has its own aspect, slope and soil, which changes how a garden is looked after from one neighbourhood to the next.
The climate is that of the Valais Rhône valley: dry and sunny, with low rainfall and hot summers. On the plateau, which sits well above the valley floor, the air is crisper and winters are cold, with snow. Lawns and flower beds quickly suffer from a lack of water in summer, while plants must also withstand frost and the weight of snow in winter.
These constraints shape the choice of plants: hardy, water-wise species suited to altitude establish themselves more durably than lowland plants. On sloping ground, drainage and keeping the soil in place are also issues, particularly during heavy rain or when the snow melts.
The gardening year in Crans-Montana
Spring
Spring arrives later on the plateau than in the valley, and frost can linger after the first fine days. It is wise to wait before planting sensitive species. This is the time to clear the beds of winter debris, check what the snow has damaged (misshapen hedges, broken branches, fences) and revive the lawn with a tidy-up and a first mow.
Summer
Summer is hot and dry: watering becomes the main task. Watering outside the hottest hours, mulching the beds and choosing drought-resistant plants all limit losses. An automatic irrigation system is especially helpful for second-home owners, who are away for part of the season. Regular mowing and hedge trimming continue.
Autumn
Autumn is for preparing the garden for the cold. Leaves are raked up, final pruning is done, fragile shrubs are protected, and water installations such as irrigation and outdoor taps are emptied or drained to prevent frost damage. Planting hardy shrubs is also possible at this time of year.
Winter
On the Haut-Plateau, winter brings cold and snow. The garden goes dormant, but some checks remain useful: branches loaded with snow, hedges bending under the weight, access routes to clear. If you are not on site, having a gardener call by from time to time helps keep an eye on the outside of the property. For clearing access routes, see our guide to garden snow clearing.
The most requested work in Crans-Montana
Upkeep of chalet and second-home gardens
Many owners are only present now and then. Regular garden maintenance stops the vegetation taking over between stays: weeding, cleaning the beds, checking the plantings. The gardener can agree with you a schedule of visits suited to how often you are in residence.
Lawn mowing and care
With the region’s dry summers, a lawn needs a suitable cutting height and thoughtful watering. Lawn mowing and care also includes repairing areas damaged over the winter. The professional advises you on frequency depending on your plot’s aspect.
Automatic irrigation
When the sun is strong and rain is scarce, automatic irrigation provides a regular supply of water, even when you are away. It can be set by garden zone (lawn, beds, hedge). It must also be prepared before winter to withstand frost.
Hedge trimming
Hedges mark out properties and shield them from view and wind. Hedge trimming keeps a neat shape and prevents snow from deforming hedges that are too tall or too dense. The gardener chooses the pruning period according to the species present.
Tree pruning
Chalet trees grow large and can become a nuisance near roofs or access routes, especially under the weight of snow. Tree pruning and removal should be entrusted to a professional, who assesses the condition of the tree and the best course of action.
Retaining walls and gabions
On sloping ground, a wall holds back the soil and creates usable terraces. Gabions and retaining walls are a common solution on sloping land; the gardener assesses what suits your plot.
What to check before certain works
Some works are regulated. Tree felling, hedges on property boundaries and garden structures (pergola, shelter, wall, pool) depend on cantonal rules and the municipal regulations. Before you start, check with the municipality. The professional who contacts you can also guide you on the procedures to expect.
Making a request
- You describe your work online: type of garden, work wanted, access.
- A professional landscape gardener from the region contacts you and visits the garden if necessary.
- You receive a free quote and remain free to accept it or not.
To get started, you can request a quote.
Around Crans-Montana
In the valley, you will also find a gardener in Sierre, as well as in the Anniviers valley (Anniviers). See all the services in gardener in the canton of Valais or browse all areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can you look after my chalet garden while I am away?
Yes, this is a common request for second homes. You tell us how often you are there, and the landscape gardener proposes a suitable visiting schedule in their quote. You agree with them how to access the property.
Does the garden need watering in summer in Crans-Montana?
The Valais climate is dry and sunny, with little rain and hot summers, so watering is essential for the lawn and beds. A well-set automatic irrigation system means you do not have to do it on site. Choosing drought-resistant plants also reduces the need.
Which plants survive winter on the Haut-Plateau?
Hardy species suited to altitude cope better with cold and snow. The gardener advises you according to the aspect and soil of your plot. Sensitive plants need protection or shelter during the cold season.
What should I do in the garden before winter?
Rake up the leaves, finish pruning, protect fragile shrubs and empty outdoor water installations to prevent frost damage. A gardener can take care of this autumn preparation. It avoids unpleasant surprises when spring comes back.
Is the quote really free?
Yes, the quote is free and without obligation. Your request is passed to a professional landscape gardener from the region, who contacts you, sees the garden if needed and gives you their quote. You are free to accept or decline it.