As the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw, spring landscaping season arrives—bringing the perfect opportunity to clean up winter’s mess and refresh your outdoor space. Harsh weather, freezing temperatures, and heavy snow can take a toll on lawns, gardens, and hardscapes, so a thorough spring clean-up is essential to prepare your property for the growing season.

A Spring Site Inspection is the best way to assess any damage, clear out debris, and set your landscape up for a lush and healthy season. Here’s what to focus on when planning your spring landscaping checklist.

1. Remove Dead Plants and Winter-Damaged Foliage

Winter can be rough on plants, and as temperatures rise, it becomes easier to see which ones didn’t survive. Removing dead or damaged plants not only improves your garden’s appearance but also helps prevent pests and diseases from spreading.

What to Look For:

• Brown or brittle shrubs and perennials that may need pruning or replacing
• Winter-burned evergreens that could benefit from a deep watering and fertilization
• Broken tree limbs or weak branches that should be trimmed for safety

Clearing out damaged plants makes room for new growth and keeps your landscape looking vibrant.

2. Address Safety Concerns Around Your Property

Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can create hidden hazards in your yard and garden. Snow and ice can cause pavement cracks, loose bricks, and fallen debris, which become more apparent as the weather warms up.

Common Spring Safety Issues:

• Uneven walkways or loose pavers that pose a tripping hazard
• Driveways and patios with cracks that may need sealing
• Fallen branches or debris that could block paths or create obstacles

Taking care of these hazards early ensures your outdoor space is safe and ready to enjoy as soon as the warm weather arrives.

3. Repair Winter Damage to Lawns, Plants, and Hardscape's

Between snow mold, salt damage, and compacted soil, lawns and gardens often need extra attention in spring to recover from winter stress. A little effort now will encourage strong, healthy growth throughout the season.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Turf Damage: Look for patchy or yellowed grass, which may need aeration, over-seeding, or fertilization.
• Plant Stress: Some perennials may need pruning to encourage new growth, while others may need replacing.
• Hardscape Wear & Tear: Freezing temperatures can cause shifts in retaining walls, fences, and patios, so check for any needed repairs.

A quick spring clean-up will bring your outdoor space back to life, ensuring it looks great as the season progresses.

4. Identify and Fix Drainage Issues

Spring showers bring lush gardens—but also potential drainage problems. Poor drainage can lead to standing water, erosion, and damage to plants or foundations, so it’s important to address any issues early.

Signs of Drainage Problems:

• Pooling water in garden beds, pathways, or low-lying areas
• Erosion around downspouts or sloped areas
• Waterlogged soil that stays muddy days after rain

Solutions like regrading, installing French drains, or adding permeable pavers can help prevent long-term damage and keep your yard looking its best.

5. Refresh Your Landscape with Seasonal Enhancements

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your garden with fresh plantings and landscape enhancements. Whether you’re updating flower beds, planting new shrubs, or adding decorative elements, a few small changes can make a big impact.

Simple Ways to Enhance Your Landscape This Spring:

• Add seasonal flowers like tulips, pansies, or daffodils for an instant pop of color
• Refresh garden beds with new mulch, edging, and a mix of annuals and perennials
• Prune trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth and improve curb appeal

A well-planned spring landscaping refresh will keep your yard looking beautiful and enjoyable all season long.

Top Tip: Plan Ahead for a Successful Spring Clean-Up

Before getting started, take a walk around your property and make a list of areas that need attention. Many homeowners find it helpful to prioritize tasks and tackle them in stages—starting with clean-up, then moving on to repairs and enhancements.

If you're unsure where to start or need professional guidance, our team at TLC Landscaping is here to help.

Get Your Property Spring-Ready with TLC Landscaping

A well-executed spring clean-up is the key to a healthy, beautiful outdoor space all year long. By removing winter damage, addressing safety concerns, and enhancing your landscape with fresh plantings, you can transform your yard into a vibrant oasis.

At TLC Landscaping, we specialize in spring landscaping services designed to refresh and maintain your property. Whether you need help with lawn care, planting, or hardscape maintenance, our expert team is ready to bring your outdoor vision to life.

Book your Spring Site Inspection today and let’s get your landscape looking its best for the season ahead!