Don’t let all the investments you’ve already made into your landscape go to waste. Now is the perfect time to do a quick sweep and conduct basic maintenance before warmer weather and spring storms fully unfold. Here are 8 things you should do to prepare your landscape for the spring season.

1. Prune plants

Spring pruning removes dead branches and maintains the proper form of your plants. Think of the adorable round bushes and even edges you see in a well-maintained front yard: that’s the fruit of regular pruning.

Pruning can also stimulate growth in some perennial plants. By cutting back severely, you allow them to generate all new growth. This technique, known as rejuvenating pruning, should be done annually or every 3 to 5 years before spring arrives because you need to wait until you see new leaves sprouting off the branches to know how far you can cut back.

2. Clean debris and dead branches

Kansas City’s winter tends to have many storms and strong winds, especially this year. Now that the weather is milder, take the opportunity to clean up any debris in your lawn, backyard, and flower beds. Not only are debris an eyesore, they can also kill off the grass and plants underneath them.

Now is also a good time to remove dead plants and broken branches. 

3. Divide your perennials

Dividing your perennials is a cost-effective way to gain new plants without restarting from bulbs or spending a fortune to buy new pots. It also keeps your older perennials healthy by controlling growth.

To divide a perennial, dig up the entire plant, shake soil off the roots, then carefully separate the root bulb into smaller sections. Each section should contain roots and three to five healthy shoots. Replant them promptly and water to hold the soil in position.

4. Hardscape maintenance

Check stones and pavers for frost heaves, and look for damage on your decks and patios. You’d want everything patched, fixed, and cleaned before family activities begin. You should also clean up any outdoor furniture you didn’t put away over the winter and repair or replace things as needed.

5. Mulching and Fertilization

You can’t plant any early spring vegetables until after the last day of frost, usually in mid- to late-April. This gives you plenty of time to lay down fresh mulch and fertilizer to replenish the nutrients in your soil.

You can also lay down pre-emergent herbicide to kill any new weed seeds once the soil temperature is above 55°F. However, remember that you can’t seed over the same area right away because the herbicide will also suppress normal grass growth. In this case, it’s best to wait till later in the season to seed altogether. 

6. Check Your Drainage Systems

Clean your gutters and downspouts before Kansas City’s spring storm season arrives. If you use trenches, dry creek beds, or rain gardens, you should also check to ensure nothing is blocking the drainage and the structures are in good shape.

7. Add new trees, shrubs, and flowers

What’s spring without planting new things? Now is a good time to add new trees, shrubs, and flowers, especially early-blooming perennials, so you can still catch some flowers before their seasons are over.

If you’re struggling with choosing what plants to add, consider subscribing to a seasonal plant delivery service to take the hassle out of your agenda.

8. Tune up your equipment

Nobody wants to find out their lawnmower has died before they start mowing. It’s important to inspect all your power equipment before you actually need to use it so you can promptly repair or replace anything that’s no longer working.

Landscape Maintenance in the Spring

Landscape maintenance in the spring is crucial because it ensures you start the new season on the right foot. These 8 tasks will help you prepare your landscape for spring, although there are always more to do if you want to go the extra mile. Therefore, we recommend that you invest in landscape maintenance, especially garden and turf care. Having a professional to take care of your landscape ensures your yards always look healthy and pleasant and frees you up from having to handle every maintenance task yourself.