Spring Yard Maintenance Guide: Landscaping Tips to Refresh Your Outdoors

As the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your yard. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or just starting to care for your outdoor space, a well-executed spring maintenance routine can set the tone for a lush, inviting landscape all season long.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential spring yard maintenance tasks, most tailored specifically to landscaping, with a bonus section on general outdoor home upkeep to ensure your entire property is ready to shine.

Landscaping Maintenance: What to Focus On This Spring

1. Clean Up Winter Debris

• Remove fallen branches, matted leaves, and organic debris across the lawn and garden beds.
• Clear walkways, patios, and driveway edges of leftover salt and grit.
• Prepping with a clean slate allows you to better assess plant health and plan enhancements.

2. Inspect and Refresh Garden Beds

• Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials that were left for winter interest.
• Remove weeds and any dead annuals.
• Apply a fresh layer of mulch, pulling it back 2–3 inches from plant bases to prevent rot.
• Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth.

3. Prune and Maintain Flowering Shrubs

• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Understand your shrubs’ bloom habits before pruning:
  
  • Old wood bloomers (e.g., lilac, forsythia, most hydrangeas) should be pruned only after flowering.
  • New wood bloomers (e.g., panicle hydrangea, butterfly bush, spirea) can be pruned in early spring.
• Avoid aggressive pruning without identifying your plant species, as this is the most common reason flowering shrubs fail to bloom.

4. Edge Beds and Garden Borders

• Use a spade or edger to redefine garden bed edges and tree rings. Clean edges improve curb appeal and keep grass from creeping into beds.
• If you have aluminum edging, check for frost heave or lifting. Gently tap it back into place and ensure spikes are secure. Remove soil buildup and trim grass that grows over the edge.
• For natural stone edging, remove any settled debris or mulch buildup that hides the stone. Realign any shifted stones and check that the base layer hasn’t been disturbed over winter. A light cleaning with water and a stiff brush can restore the stone’s natural finish.

5. Fertilize Lawns and Gardens

• Apply a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer to lawns once soil temps reach 10°C.
• Use compost or organic granular fertilizer in garden beds to enrich the soil.
• Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent runoff and leggy plant growth.

6. Inspect and Clean Hardscapes

• Look for signs of frost heave, shifting, or cracking in patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
• Clean pavers using hardscape-safe cleaners to remove mildew, algae, and embedded dirt.
• Avoid high-pressure washing, which can damage the surface and wash out polymeric sand.
• Consider resealing pavers every few years to protect colour and finish.
• While you’re at it, make sure your downspouts and grading are directing water away from your home and garden beds to prevent erosion and water damage.

7. Start Up Irrigation Systems

• Check irrigation lines and heads for cracks, leaks, or misalignment.
• Flush the system thoroughly before running a full cycle.
• Adjust timers to reflect the milder spring watering needs.

8. Plan for Planting and Seasonal Enhancements

• Take stock of any bare areas in beds or gaps in plantings.
• Add cold-tolerant annuals, spring bulbs, or hardy evergreens for early colour.
• Book consultations or construction projects early—landscape schedules fill quickly in spring.
• Avoid planting frost-sensitive annuals until nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 10°C. Early-season cold snaps are common in many regions.

9. Maintain Tools and Equipment

• Sharpen mower blades and pruning tools to ensure clean cuts that reduce plant stress.
• Check oil levels, air filters, and fuel in lawn equipment before the first use.
• Disinfect garden tools to prevent the spread of disease between plants.
• Recharge or replace batteries in cordless tools as needed.

General Outdoor Home Maintenance

While you’re working outdoors, don’t overlook your home’s exterior. Spring is a great time to:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Inspect hose bibs and exterior faucets for freeze damage or leaks.
• Power wash decks, fences, and siding to remove grime, mildew, and salt residue.
• Test and clean outdoor lighting; replace any burnt-out bulbs.
• Examine exterior caulking, trim, and siding for wear or rot.
• Lubricate garage doors and test their function.

Proactive maintenance helps you avoid future repairs and keeps your home looking polished.

Download the Checklist

Download a copy of the Spring Maintenance Checklist to keep track of which ones you’ve finished!

Download Checklist

Need a Hand This Spring?

At Soares Landscaping, we specialize in transforming and maintaining beautiful outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s a seasonal refresh or a complete outdoor upgrade, our team is here to help you enjoy a yard that reflects your lifestyle and adds value to your home.

Ready to get your yard in shape for spring?

Schedule a Call and let’s bring your outdoors to life.