Preparing For Spring

Preparing Your Landscape for Spring

Take action now to benefit later!

As winter begins to loosen its grip, it’s tempting to wait for warmer days before thinking about the landscape. But late winter is actually one of the most important times to prepare for spring. A little planning and attention now can prevent problems, protect plants, and set the stage for a healthier, more attractive landscape once the growing season begins. 

Late-Winter Inspection

Before snow fully melts, take a walk through the property and note any visible winter damage. Look for broken branches, heaved plants, compacted snow piles, and areas where ice or water may be collecting. Winter conditions often reveal drainage issues that go unnoticed during summer. Making note of these problem spots now allows for quicker, more effective fixes in early spring.

Pay close attention to trees and shrubs. Branches weakened by snow or ice should be pruned before spring growth starts. This reduces stress on plants and helps them direct energy into healthy new growth once temperatures rise. 

Plan Planting and Make Design Decisions Early

Late winter offers a clear view of the landscape’s structure, making it easier to evaluate what worked and what didn’t last year. This is the time to rethink underperforming areas, plan new beds, or select plants for early-season interest. Popular trees, shrubs, and perennials often sell out quickly, so making selections early improves availability and quality.

For existing plantings, begin removing winter protection gradually as temperatures stabilize. This helps prevent moisture buildup and disease while allowing plants to adjust to changing conditions. 

Prepare Lawns and Hardscapes 

Lawns emerging from winter benefit from early attention. Watch for signs of snow mold, poor drainage, or thinning turf. Addressing these issues promptly leads to quicker greening and fewer problems later.

Hardscapes should also be inspected for freeze-thaw damage. Cracked pavers, shifted edging, sunken polymeric sand and loose stones are easier and less expensive to repair before spring use begins and damage spreads

Prepare the Soil Before It’s Workable

Soil health is the foundation of every successful softscape. Winter freeze-thaw cycles can compact soil, wash away nutrients, and leave planting areas uneven. While it’s too early to dig, now is the ideal time to plan soil testing and amendments. Identifying nutrient deficiencies early allows for targeted improvements as soon as conditions permit.

Avoid walking on saturated soil during late winter and early spring. Compaction caused by foot traffic can limit root development and reduce water infiltration for the entire growing season. 

Set a Spring Maintenance Plan 

Spring can be overwhelming without a plan. Creating a simple maintenance calendar, covering pruning, fertilization, planting, and irrigation start-up, helps prioritize tasks and prevents costly oversights. Landscapes that receive timely early-season care establish faster and perform better throughout the year.

Preparing for spring doesn’t require warm weather, just foresight. By using late winter to inspect, plan, and prepare, landscapes are ready to thrive the moment spring arrives.