As winter fades, your yard is waking up. Spring is your window to lay the groundwork for a lush, healthy landscape. But where do you start? This spring landscaping checklist will walk you through every step of preparing your yard before the growing season kicks off, whether you’re handling it yourself or bringing in the professionals. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s dig in.
Why Spring Prep Matters
Spring isn’t just a good time to tidy up, it’s the best time to set your outdoor space up for success. Done right, spring prep can prevent weed outbreaks, improve your lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, and even make maintenance more affordable in the long term.
Not only that, but the fresh look definitely heightens curb appeal, so your yard is the best-looking one on the block. The best part? You don’t have to go all in at once. Think of this list as a roadmap to a greener, more personalized yard.
Clean Up After Winter
Winter can leave your yard cluttered and compacted, but a spring cleanup clears the way for new growth.
What to Do:
- Rake up fallen leaves, branches, and thatch buildup
- Remove dead annuals and trim back perennials
- Blow off hardscapes like patios and walkways
- Clear debris from planting beds
Inspect and Prep Your Lawn
Now’s the time to take a closer look at your yard.
Should You Scalp Your Lawn?
Scalping your lawn (cutting it super short) can help warm-season grasses like zoysia transition out of dormancy faster, but be cautious. Only scalp if your grass is actively growing and you’ve already mowed once this year.
Aerate if Needed
Spring aeration helps relieve compaction, especially in high-traffic areas. This creates channels for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Make the First Cut Count
Some tips for optimal mowing are to sharpen your mower blade beforehand for a clean cut. When you do mow, only remove the top â…“ of the grass height to keep it healthy and strong. The best time to mow is when the grass is dry and the ground is firm.
Fertilizing, Seeding & Pre-Emergents
This is where things can get tricky, so timing is everything.
What Comes First: Grass Seed or Fertilizer?
If you’re overseeding your lawn, seed first, then wait about 4–6 weeks before applying fertilizer. Too much nitrogen too soon can harm seedlings.
Can You Fertilize and Seed at the Same Time?
You can, but it’s not ideal unless you’re using a starter fertilizer specifically made for new seed.
What Is a Pre-Emergent?
Pre-emergent herbicides stop weeds like crabgrass before they sprout. Apply before soil temperatures hit 55°F, but skip it if you’re planning to seed (it can also block your grass seed from germinating)
Test Your Soil and Prep Your Beds
Get a Soil Test
Local extension offices or lawn care services can test for pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content. This tells you what amendments to add, whether it’s compost, lime, or gypsum.
Refresh Your Beds
To give your plant beds the biggest boost possible, try adding compost to enrich the soil. While things are growing, periodically top off mulch, leaving space around stems. The earlier you pull weeds, the better. They are much easier to retrieve when they’re small, and the soil is soft enough to make roots come loose with ease.
Check Irrigation and Drainage
Before planting anything, make sure your water systems are working as they should.
Irrigation Tune-Up Checklist:
- Turn on the system and check for leaks or clogs
- Adjust spray heads to avoid sidewalks and fences
- Set your timer for spring conditions (not summer!)
Drainage Check:
Walk your yard after a good rain. Are there puddles? Erosion? It might be time to regrade or install French drains.
Prune Like a Pro
Proper spring pruning encourages growth and reduces disease. Dead or damaged branches, along with overgrown shrubs (before they leaf out) should be pruned as soon as you get wind of them, but spring blooming plants like lilacs should wait until after they flower. Fruit trees should wait until late winter or very early spring. Remember, always use sharp, clean tools—and when in doubt, don’t cut it out.
Plan for New Plantings
Now comes the fun part: deciding what to grow.
When to Start Planting in Washington
Cool season plants like pansies, spinach, and snapdragons can go in early. Wait until after the last frost (usually mid-April to early May) for summer favorites like tomatoes and petunias.
Designing for Style and Function
Whether you’re planting new grass seed, adding planting beds, or installing a water feature, keep these proportions in mind. Don’t mismatch plant sizes to the space available, and stick to a consistent style to avoid clutter. Remember, this is your garden and your yard—make it yours! If you enjoy relaxing outside, keep it peaceful. If it’s going to be a place for kids to play, family friendly is the name of the game. The best outdoor space isn’t a specific design trend, but simply a place that fits the lifestyle of the people who live in it.
Build a Maintenance Plan
Consistency is key to a thriving yard.
Weekly Tasks:
- Mow as needed
- Water in the early morning
- Spot-weed problem areas
Monthly Tasks:
- Fertilize based on lawn type
- Trim hedges and deadhead flowers
- Refresh mulch
Seasonal Tasks:
- Aerate and overseed in spring or fall (for cool season grass)
- Adjust irrigation schedules
- Reseal hardscapes if needed
Starting Strong Sets the Tone for the Season
Spring is more than just a cleanup, it’s a reset button. Taking time now to plan, prep, and plant will reward you with less work and more enjoyment all year long.
Your yard doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. With the right care and a bit of creativity, it can reflect your home’s style and your personal taste. Whether it’s lush turf, vibrant beds, or a peaceful outdoor retreat, spring is your chance to bring it all to life.
Let True Design Landscape Help You Get There
We’re not just here for advice, we’re your neighbors, your design team, and your go-to crew for landscaping services across the Puget Sound region. At True Design Landscape, we combine over a decade of local experience with custom plans made just for you. From spring cleanup to full backyard transformations, we help Washington homeowners turn their visions into thriving, beautiful spaces on time and on budget.
