Spring is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space and set the stage for a beautiful landscape all year. Taking the time now to prepare your landscape will save you hours of work later and ensure healthier plants throughout the growing season.
Start by inspecting your property to identify any winter damage, looking for broken branches, eroded areas, or hardscaping issues that might have developed during the colder months. Once you’ve assessed your space, focus on cleaning up flowerbeds, adding fresh mulch, and testing your soil to determine what nutrients it needs. With these foundational steps, your landscape will be well-positioned for a season of growth and beauty.
Prepping Your Garden for Spring
Spring garden preparation starts with careful assessment and soil work. These steps set the foundation for healthy plants and successful growth throughout the season.
Assessing Your Landscape
First, take inventory of your tools, ensuring everything is clean and in good working order. Sharpen pruners and oil hinges, replacing anything that’s broken. Next, evaluate your garden’s current state, looking for winter damage to plants, structures, and hardscaping. Remove debris like fallen branches, dead leaves, and spent plants that may harbor pests or diseases.
Examine existing plants for signs of life, as some may need pruning to remove damaged sections and encourage new growth. We recommend waiting until you see new buds before making major cuts to perennials. Make notes about areas that need improvement or redesign. This is the perfect time to plan new beds or features before the busy growing season begins.
Soil Preparation
Healthy soil is crucial for garden success, but wait until your soil is no longer soggy from winter moisture before working it. Digging in wet soil can damage its structure. Test your soil pH and nutrient levels using simple test kits. These are available at garden centers, or you can send samples to local extension offices for detailed analysis.
Add compost to improve soil structure and fertility, a 2-3 inch layer worked into the top 6-8 inches of soil will provide nutrients and improve drainage. For established beds, gently loosen the top layer of soil without disturbing plant roots, then apply organic fertilizer appropriate for your plants’ needs based on soil test results. Consider adding a layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but keep it a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot.
Lawn Maintenance and Care
A healthy lawn requires regular attention and proper techniques. The right approach to mowing, fertilizing, and pest control will transform your yard into a lush, green oasis during spring and summer.
Effective Mowing Techniques
Mowing frequency is key for a thriving spring lawn. Aim to mow two to three times per week, but in summer, twice weekly is usually sufficient. This regular schedule prevents removing too much grass at once. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing, as cutting too short stresses grass and allows weeds to take hold.
Keep your mower blades sharp as dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, creating entry points for disease. We recommend sharpening blades at least twice per season. Adjust your mowing height seasonally. In spring, cut to about 2-2.5 inches, and during summer, raise the height to 3-3.5 inches to protect roots and retain moisture. Try alternating your mowing pattern each time to prevent soil compaction and encourage upright growth.
Fertilizing Your Lawn
Spring fertilization gives your lawn the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Apply fertilizer when your grass is actively growing—typically after your third mowing of the season.
Choose the right type:
- Quick-release fertilizers: Provide immediate nutrients but require more frequent application
- Slow-release fertilizers: Feed gradually over time, requiring fewer applications
- Organic fertilizers: Build soil health while providing nutrients
Organic options like compost, manure, or commercial organic fertilizers improve soil structure while feeding your lawn, they release nutrients slowly and support beneficial soil organisms. Always follow package directions for application rates, as over-fertilizing can burn your lawn and contribute to water pollution. Also, water thoroughly after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the root zone where they’re needed most.
Dealing with Weeds and Pests
Pre-emergent herbicides applied in early spring prevent weed seeds from germinating, working by creating a barrier in the soil that stops weed development. For existing weeds, spot-treat with appropriate herbicides or remove them manually. Pull weeds when the soil is moist for easier removal of the entire root system.
Maintain proper mowing height to shade out weed seedlings naturally. Thick, healthy turf is your best defense against weed invasion. Common spring pests include grubs and chinch bugs – look for brown patches or areas where grass pulls up easily, which may indicate grub damage.
Natural pest controls like beneficial nematodes can manage grubs without chemicals, but for severe infestations, targeted pesticides may be necessary. Walk your lawn weekly to check for signs of weeds, pests, or disease.
Plant Selection and Care
Selecting the right plants and providing proper care are crucial for successful spring landscaping. These practices ensure your garden thrives throughout the growing season while minimizing maintenance challenges.
Choosing the Right Plants
When selecting plants for your spring garden, consider your specific growing conditions. Check how much sunlight your garden receives daily—full sun (6+ hours), partial sun (4-6 hours), or shade (less than 4 hours). This information helps narrow down plant options significantly.
Some plants prefer well-draining sandy soil, while others thrive in clay, so determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels with a testing kit.
Choose native plants when possible. They typically require less maintenance, use less water, and provide better habitat for local wildlife. Consider drought-resistant varieties if you live in areas with water restrictions. For continuous visual interest, select plants with different blooming periods. This ensures your landscape remains colorful throughout the growing season.
Planting and Mulching
Spring is ideal for planting many perennials, shrubs, and trees. When planting, dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the plant’s container. This encourages roots to spread outward for better establishment.
Water thoroughly after planting, as new plants need consistent moisture during their first growing season. We suggest creating a watering schedule based on your climate and rainfall patterns.
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around new plantings, keeping it away from stems and trunks. Consider using a mulching mower for grass clippings as a natural fertilizer, as this reduces waste and provides essential nutrients to your lawn.
Mulch helps:
- Retain soil moisture
- Suppress weeds
- Regulate soil temperature
- Add nutrients as it breaks down
Proper Pruning Practices
Different plants require specific pruning approaches and timing. For spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and forsythia, prune immediately after flowering ends. Summer-flowering shrubs can be pruned in early spring before new growth appears. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and minimize damage to plants.
When pruning trees, remove:
- Dead or damaged branches
- Crossing or rubbing limbs
- Suckers growing from the base
- Water sprouts growing straight up from branches
Never remove more than one-third of a plant at once to prevent stress and allow for proper recovery. For major pruning projects or large trees, consult with a professional arborist to ensure proper techniques.
Ground cover plants typically need minimal pruning—just remove damaged portions and keep edges tidy to prevent spreading into unwanted areas. Get in touch to discuss your outdoor space and what is possible within your budget for an eye-catching spring garden.
