Love Your Landscape: Prep Now for a Beautiful Spring

Love Your Landscape: Prep Now for a Beautiful Spring

A beautiful spring landscape doesn’t start in April or May—it starts now. While your yard may be covered in snow or resting quietly through the cold months, winter is actually one of the most important times to set your landscape up for success.

By taking a few proactive steps while plants are dormant, you can prevent costly issues, protect your investment, and ensure your property is ready to thrive all growing season long. Here’s how to love your landscape now, so it loves you back in spring.

1. Evaluate Drainage While Snow Is on the Ground

Winter snowmelt is one of the best times to identify drainage issues. As temperatures fluctuate, pay attention to where water pools, where ice forms repeatedly, or where runoff flows toward foundations, walkways, or turf areas.

Why it matters:
Poor drainage can lead to compacted soil, damaged turf, root rot, and erosion once spring rains arrive. Identifying these problem areas now allows time to plan solutions—such as grading, drainage systems, or downspout adjustments—before the ground fully thaws.

2. Protect Plants During Dormancy

Cold weather can be tough on trees and shrubs, especially younger or newly planted material.

What to look for:

• Broken or damaged branches from snow load

• Signs of animal browsing on bark or branches

• Exposed roots from freeze-thaw cycles

Late winter is an ideal time to schedule structural pruning for many trees and shrubs. Pruning while plants are dormant reduces stress, improves shape, and encourages healthy spring growth. For our Property Care clients, we can include a dormant pruning into your contract to make sure your plants are off to the right start.

3. Check Hardscapes for Winter Damage

Snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles can be hard on patios, walkways, retaining walls, and steps.

Now is the time to note:

• Shifting or settling pavers

• Cracks in concrete or masonry

• Loose edging or uneven surfaces

Making repairs early helps prevent small issues from becoming safety hazards and ensures your outdoor living spaces are ready to enjoy as soon as warmer weather arrives.

4. Plan Enhancements Before the Spring Rush

Spring is the busiest season in landscaping—and the best projects often require planning ahead. Winter is the perfect time to think about what you want to improve or add this year.

Consider:

• New planting beds or refreshed foundation plantings

• Outdoor living features like patios, fire pits, or seating areas

• Privacy screening or shade trees

• Lawn renovation or drainage improvements

Early planning means better availability, better design, and a smoother installation timeline.

5. Prepare Your Lawn for a Strong Start

Even while dormant, your lawn benefits from winter attention.

Helpful winter actions include:

• Avoiding heavy foot traffic on frozen or saturated turf

• Identifying thin or problem areas for spring overseeding

• Planning early-season fertilization and weed prevention

A healthy lawn in spring starts with thoughtful care during winter.

Love Your Landscape, All Year Long

Winter may feel like a quiet season outdoors, but it’s actually a powerful opportunity. By evaluating, protecting, and planning now, you’ll be rewarded with healthier plants, fewer surprises, and a landscape that thrives from the first warm days of spring through the entire growing season.

If you’d like help assessing your property or planning ahead, our team is here to guide you—because loving your landscape is about caring for it year-round.