Holiday Gatherings Drive January Surge in Backyard Project Requests

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Post-Holiday Backyard Regret Is Pushing Central PA Homeowners to Plan Earlier

Reinholds, United States – April 19, 2026 / A Plus Landscaping /

Reinholds, PA – Homeowners across Central Pennsylvania are increasingly scheduling outdoor living projects during winter and early spring rather than waiting until late spring, when contractor availability tightens and completion dates can shift into fall, according to A Plus Landscaping.

The family-owned design-build contractor has observed a growing number of families reserving custom pools, paver patios, and outdoor living spaces several months in advance to ensure their projects are finished before summer arrives.

“More people are calling us in January and early February instead of waiting until April or May,” said Marcus Waldner, founder of A Plus Landscaping. “You want a pool or patio ready by Fourth of July? You can’t start planning in spring.”

Holiday Gatherings Prompt Backyard Planning

A notable portion of early inquiries come from homeowners who hosted relatives during the holiday season and found themselves thinking about how to extend that time together.

“People had everyone over for Thanksgiving or Christmas – kids, grandkids, the whole family – and it reminded them how much they value having everyone together,” Waldner said. “Then they look at their backyard and think, ‘If we had a pool or a patio, they’d want to come over all summer. Right now, there’s nothing out there for them.’“

For many families, the holidays highlight how much their households have grown. The interest shifts toward building a space that draws people back consistently throughout summer, rather than just for a single gathering in December.

Project Timelines and Seasonal Demand

Outdoor construction projects require several steps before any work begins on site. Homeowners must finalize designs, choose materials, and complete the permitting process. Projects that incorporate custom pools or paver patios also demand careful coordination across excavation, installation, and finishing phases.

Starting the planning process in winter gives families the opportunity to move through design decisions at a measured pace. They can evaluate layout options, ask detailed questions about materials, and make adjustments before construction gets underway. Contractors also tend to have greater availability for consultations during the slower winter months, allowing for more thorough discussions and fewer time-pressured choices.

Homeowners who delay until spring often encounter full contractor schedules and project timelines ranging from 8 to 12 weeks, which can push completion into late summer or early fall. Those who begin planning in January or February are positioned to secure summer completion and make full use of the season with family and friends.

About A Plus Landscaping

A Plus Landscaping is a family-owned design-build contractor based in Reinholds, PA. The company specializes in custom pools, paver patios, and outdoor living spaces for homeowners across Central Pennsylvania. Located at 85 Creamery Rd, Reinholds, PA 17569.