After winter, many homeowners plant flowers and trim hedges to beautify their yards. The frost, fluctuating temperatures, and additional cold-weather conditions take a toll on the landscape. That’s why you should take a few steps to get the yard ready for spring planting. The advice below will ensure you have a vibrant, healthy garden throughout the warmer months.

3 Gardening Tips to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring

1. Remove Threats to the Landscape

Many people tend to their landscapes less during winter, so pests often take up residence in the plants. When pests wake from hibernation, they eat the surrounding vegetation. As soon as temperatures start to rise, inspect the landscape for slugs, snails, larvae, and any other pests. A landscape contractor can recommend the best method for removal. Weeds are also a threat to your landscape, as they compete with other plants for nutrients. Pull up the unwanted vegetation to prevent this from happening.

2. Remember to Rake

You might have raked autumn leaves before winter, but you should rake again at the end of the season. High winds might have blown leaves and additional debris into the yard. It often becomes fused to the ground under ice and snow. The soggy, matted leaves obstruct sunlight, which plants need to create energy. Rake or use a leaf blower to tidy the yard and ensure plants get plenty of light. 

3. Put Fertilizer on the Ground 

When the ground freezes during winter, it becomes difficult for air and water to circulate into the soil. Roots die without water and oxygen, which is why it’s not uncommon to see bare patches on lawns when the snow melts. When planting seedlings, cover the ground with an organic fertilizer. This will help put nutrients back in the earth to boost the growth of grass seeds, flower bulbs, and seedlings. You should also place fertilizer around shrubs, garden plants, and trees to feed their roots and revitalize them after winter. 

If you need help restoring plant health after winter or recommendations on how to enhance your landscape design for spring, the professionals at Done Right Landscapes will help. The technicians have over 25 years of experience, which is why residents in the Saint Peters and Saint Charlies, MO, areas trust the crew to handle their planting and landscape maintenance needs. For a free service estimate, call (636) 373-3902. For planting and hardscape ideas to inspire your yard revitalization, visit the company’s website and Facebook page to see project photos.