Spring brings fresh growth, but winter leaves behind a mess that needs attention. Neglecting seasonal cleanup invites pests, weakens plants, and slows new growth. A structured approach keeps your yard healthy and ready for the season ahead.
Each step of spring maintenance strengthens your landscape’s ability to thrive. Removing debris, improving soil health, and pruning plants early all contribute to a lush, resilient yard. Tackle these tasks now for a landscape that looks great and requires less upkeep in the months ahead.
1. Remove Debris to Prevent Disease and Encourage Growth
Winter storms scatter fallen branches, leaves, and organic debris across lawns and garden beds. This layer traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungal diseases like snow mold, which damages grass roots. Piled-up debris also attracts pests like slugs and rodents.
Rake lawns thoroughly to loosen compacted grass and improve airflow. In garden beds, trim back dead stalks on perennials and ornamental grasses to make space for new shoots. Wear gloves while handling debris to avoid sharp twigs or hidden objects. Keep pet waste separate from compost to prevent contamination.
2. Prune Early-Season Shrubs for Stronger Growth
Strategic pruning shapes plant health and improves air circulation. Spring-flowering shrubs should be left untouched until after they bloom, but summer-blooming varieties like butterfly bushes benefit from early pruning. Removing dead or crossed branches reduces disease risk and directs energy into new growth.
For deciduous shrubs, thin overcrowded stems and remove up to one-third of older wood to encourage fresh shoots. Avoid heavy pruning on evergreens like arborvitae or juniper—light shaping after new growth appears maintains their form. Pruning correctly in spring supports long-term plant health.
3. Trim Street Trees for Safety and Compliance
Street trees add curb appeal but require regular maintenance to prevent hazards. Overgrown branches can obstruct sidewalks, interfere with power lines, or break during storms. Many neighborhoods require homeowners to maintain trees within the public right-of-way, making seasonal trimming essential.
For young trees, structural pruning corrects weak branch angles before they become a problem. Routine trimming prevents costly emergency removals and keeps pathways safe. Addressing these issues early ensures trees grow stronger and more stable.
4. Aerate and Feed Your Lawn for Deeper Roots
Compacted soil from winter freezes prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Aerate your lawn with a core aerator to break up density, allowing stronger root development. Follow with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to promote lush spring growth. Organic blends reduce chemical runoff and support long-term soil health.
For bare patches, overseed with a grass mix suited for the Pacific Northwest, such as perennial ryegrass, which germinates quickly and tolerates damp conditions. In garden beds, mix compost into the soil to improve microbial activity and moisture retention. Deep-rooted, healthy grass withstands summer heat better and requires less watering.
5. Refresh Mulch and Inspect Irrigation Systems
A fresh layer of mulch suppresses weeds, locks in moisture, and regulates soil temperature. Spread 3 inches of mulch around trees and shrubs, keeping it 6 inches from trunks to prevent rot. High-traffic areas may need additional coverage where decomposition has thinned layers.
While working in garden beds, inspect irrigation systems for leaks, clogged emitters, or misaligned sprinkler heads. Early maintenance prevents water waste and ensures even distribution as temperatures rise. A well-maintained system delivers the right amount of water exactly where it’s needed.
Spring Cleanup Services for Your Landscape
Yard cleanup takes time and effort, but each step strengthens your landscape for the growing season. A well-maintained yard looks better, prevents common issues, and requires less work in summer. Taking care of essential spring tasks now leads to a healthier, more manageable landscape.
Want professional help? Call to schedule a spring cleanup. Get a customized plan that fits your yard’s needs and keeps your landscape thriving all year.
February in the Pacific Northwest still brings winter’s chill, but signs of spring begin to emerge. For gardeners looking to add color and interest during these gray days, early-blooming plants provide an easy solution. These vibrant selections brighten landscapes while supporting pollinators as they emerge from winter rest.
Now is the perfect time to plant and prepare for a stunning early-season display. Frontier Landscaping offers expert guidance in selecting hardy plants that thrive in cool temperatures. These February favorites will bring charm and life to any garden, setting the stage for a colorful transition into spring.
1. Hellebores – A Classic for Late Winter Color
Hellebores, also called “Lenten Roses,” produce long-lasting blooms in shades of white, pink, and deep plum. Their evergreen foliage keeps landscapes looking lush year-round, making them a reliable choice for shady gardens. Popular varieties like ‘Royal Heritage’ and ‘Anna’s Red’ provide striking early-season color.
Growing Tips
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
- Height: 18–24 inches
2. Winter Heath – A Low-Maintenance Winter Bloomer
Winter heath stands out with bell-shaped flowers that last from late winter into early spring. This evergreen shrub thrives in well-drained soil and brings bold pink, white, or red blooms to brighten the colder months. Early pollinators also rely on its nectar when other food sources remain scarce.
Growing Tips
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Height: 1.5–3 feet
3. Camellias – Evergreen Elegance with Bold Blooms
Japanese camellias produce glossy, deep-green foliage and spectacular flowers in pink, red, and white. Blooming in late winter and early spring, they provide structure and year-round interest in any landscape. These shrubs thrive in the Pacific Northwest’s cool, wet climate.
Growing Tips
- Light: Part shade with afternoon sun protection
- Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil
- Height: 6–12 feet
4. Crocuses – Small Blooms with a Big Impact
Crocuses often push through the last patches of snow to reveal bright purple, yellow, and white flowers. These compact bulbs look stunning along pathways, beneath trees, or in garden borders. They naturalize well, returning year after year with minimal care.
Growing Tips
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Height: 3–6 inches
5. Flowering Quince – Early Blooms on Bare Branches
Flowering quince produces coral, pink, or red blossoms before its leaves emerge. This drought-tolerant shrub thrives in the Pacific Northwest and creates an eye-catching display in early spring. Its strong branches also make it a popular choice for garden borders.
Growing Tips
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Height: 3–10 feet
6. Primroses – Bright Colors for Cool Weather
Primroses bring pops of red, yellow, and purple to garden beds and containers. These cool-season bloomers thrive in the damp, mild climate of the Pacific Northwest. Their compact size makes them perfect for adding color to walkways, rock gardens, or window boxes.
Growing Tips
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
- Height: 3–6 inches
7. Witch Hazel – Fragrant Blooms in the Cold
Witch hazel stands out with spidery yellow or orange flowers that appear on bare branches in late winter. Its fragrant blooms add interest when little else is in bloom. This hardy shrub thrives in damp conditions and pairs well with other early-season plants.
Growing Tips
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
- Height: 10–20 feet
8. Hardy Cyclamen – A Woodland Garden Favorite
Hardy cyclamen produces delicate pink or white blooms that rise above heart-shaped leaves. This perennial thrives in shady spots and pairs beautifully with ferns and hellebores for a natural, woodland-inspired garden.
Growing Tips
- Light: Part shade (avoid direct afternoon sun)
- Soil: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- Height: 3–6 inches
Plant Now for a Vibrant Spring Garden
By selecting early-blooming plants, you can bring color, texture, and life to outdoor spaces before spring arrives. These resilient choices brighten gardens while supporting pollinators and creating a seamless seasonal transition.
Frontier Landscaping helps homeowners select and plant varieties that thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Get started today and create an early-season garden filled with vibrant blooms—schedule a consultation to explore planting options now!
Outdoor upgrades take time to plan and complete, which is why winter is the perfect season to get started. Hardscaping projects like patios, retaining walls, and walkways require excavation, leveling, and settling time. By tackling these now, you’ll avoid delays and have everything ready for the best months of the year.
Spring is the season for enjoying the outdoors, not waiting for construction to finish. Frontier Landscaping helps homeowners create durable, well-designed landscapes by installing materials like pavers, stone, and concrete before temperature fluctuations begin. These three hardscaping upgrades will transform your yard into a more functional, attractive space just in time for warmer weather.
1. Build a Patio for Spring Entertaining
A patio creates an inviting space for relaxing, dining, or gathering with friends and family. Whether you choose pavers, natural stone, or stamped concrete, it adds structure and function to an outdoor area. A well-planned patio also reduces foot traffic on grass, which helps keep the lawn healthier throughout the season.
The Best Time to Get Started
- Contractors have more availability now. Booking early prevents the scheduling rush that happens in spring when demand spikes.
- Materials settle properly ahead of freeze-thaw cycles. This prevents shifting and cracking, ensuring a patio stays level and long-lasting.
- You’ll have time to customize the space. Add outdoor furniture, lighting, or a fire pit so everything is in place when warm weather arrives.
2. Install a Retaining Wall for More Usable Space
Retaining walls add structure, define planting areas, and create visually appealing levels in a yard. For sloped landscapes, they help control runoff while maximizing usable space for gardens, seating areas, or decorative rock features.
Get It Done Before Spring Arrives
- Soil is easier to work with in winter. The cold helps compact the base, which creates a more stable foundation for the wall.
- Walls create new planting opportunities. Adding a tiered design allows for layered landscaping, making your yard look more dynamic.
- It saves time on future maintenance. A well-placed retaining wall keeps soil in place, reducing erosion and minimizing mulch and lawn upkeep.
3. Create Walkways for a Defined Landscape
A well-planned walkway improves curb appeal while guiding foot traffic through a yard. Whether leading to a patio, garden, or driveway, pathways keep grass and flower beds protected from wear. Pavers, flagstone, and gravel each offer distinct styles, making it easy to match your home’s look.
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Transition into Spring
- Walkways installed now will be ready before heavy spring rain. This prevents muddy paths and unstable ground.
- Finishing early means more time for landscaping. With paths in place, planting and design can be the focus once spring arrives.
- Defined walkways make maintenance easier. Less foot traffic on grass means fewer bare patches and healthier landscaping.
Start Now for a Finished Yard in Spring
Waiting until spring to begin hardscaping can lead to delays, higher costs, and fewer contractor openings. Winter is the best time to get started, ensuring everything is complete before warm weather returns. These upgrades add lasting value while making outdoor spaces more inviting and easy to maintain.
A patio, retaining wall, or walkway will improve both the look and function of your yard. Get ahead of the busy season and schedule a consultation today to start planning your project.
After months of cold weather, your lawn is in need of some tender loving care to revive its lush green beauty. At Frontier Landscaping, we understand the importance of proper spring lawn care to ensure your yard thrives throughout the seasons.
Rake and Remove Debris
The first step in spring lawn care is to clear away any debris that has accumulated over the winter. Fallen leaves, branches, and other debris can smother the grass and prevent healthy growth. Raking also helps to loosen matted patches of grass, allowing air and nutrients to reach the soil.
Survey Your Lawn for Trouble Areas
Our soil in many areas can have a large percentage of clay. This can make the soil heavy and affect root growth. The soil can get compacted and create drainage issues. Loosening the soil can be done through aeration, but in some cases, a landscape drain may need to be installed.
Lawns can become habitats for pests, diseases, and weeds. We can help you identify a proper treatment plan to keep your lawn looking green and lush.
Aerate the Soil
Compacted soil can inhibit root growth and water absorption, leading to a lackluster lawn. Aerating your lawn in the spring helps to alleviate compaction by creating small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeply.
Additional benefits of aeration:
- Limits fertilizer runoff
- Improves ability to absorb water
- Slows buildup of thatch
- Builds strong root system and layer of topsoil
Overseed Bare Patches
Winter can be harsh on your lawn, leaving behind bare patches where the grass has died off. Overseeding these areas in the spring helps to fill in the gaps and promote a thick, healthy lawn.
Fertilize Strategically
Spring is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn, providing essential nutrients to support healthy growth. However, it’s important to fertilize strategically, using the right type and amount of fertilizer for your lawn’s needs. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and nutrient runoff, while too little can result in a lack of growth and a healthy appearance.
Mow with Care
As your lawn begins to grow in the spring, it’s time to pull out the lawnmower. However, resist the urge to cut the grass too short, as this can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to disease and weeds. Instead, try to mow at a height of around 3 inches the first time you mow.
By following these essential spring lawn care tips from Frontier Landscaping, you can help your lawn thrive throughout the season and beyond. With a little bit of effort and attention now, you can enjoy a lush, green lawn that enhances the beauty of your home for months to come. Our maintenance crew can schedule regular visits to keep your yard looking its best.
If your garden looks more like an urban jungle this spring, there are tasks you can do for a spring yard clean-up.
Just like your house may need spring cleaning so does your yard. There are several spring yard tasks to complete this time of year.
Yard Tasks For Spring
Remove Yard Debris
First, remove yard debris like tree branches or twigs that may have fallen over the winter. Rake up leaves that may be covering your lawn from fall or blew in during heavier winds. This winter and spring we have had wind, hail, snow, rain, and sunshine, sometimes all on the same day! Your landscape may have taken a beating.
Get a Head Start on Weeds
The weeds are starting to emerge or maybe they never left for the season? Getting a head start on weeding can help you prevent a bigger problem later in the year. Debris removal of weeds is important so they don’t reseed themselves and regrow.
Add Fresh Mulch
Adding fresh mulch as a top layer in planting beds will instantly help spruce up the look of your yard and help your plants retain more moisture this summer. Mulching also helps keep weeds from taking over before you can pull them by cutting off their light source to grow.
Prune Your Plants
Prune back trees, shrubs, and plants to enhance the plant health and appearance of your property. Remove deadwood on plants and look to see if there are any shrubs or trees that may need removing.
Remove any dead growth on perennials and consider dividing them if they have grown large enough. Consider dividing bulbs or larger perennials. By dividing perennials you can add more interest to other parts of your yard for free.
Add Soil Amendments
Adding compost or fertilizer to the soil around your plants is also a good idea to keep your garden looking healthy for the season. A well-cared-for landscape can also increase your property value and may prevent trees and other plants from failing health later on.
We Can Help With Your Spring Yard Clean-Up
Frontier Landscaping offers not only seasonal yard cleanups but also land and brush clearing and debris removal for properties that may have been reclaimed by nature with extensive weeds and blackberries. When our team has finished with your yard clean-up, your property will be ready for any new project or space you wish to create this spring!
If you are feeling overwhelmed, need a one-time service, or regular landscape maintenance you can count on Frontier. Call or email us today for a free estimate on spring clean-up! (360) 574-8979 or [email protected].
Yard Maintenance is an important part of preparing your garden for the up-coming year. Whether you have a landscaping crew do this, or you work in the yard yourself. Don’t miss these important steps:
- Following the recent snow, clean up any de-icing products from driveways and paths, and keep off planting beds. Add some gypsum to any beds that may have been affected by these products.
- You may have already added some soil amendments to planting beds, as part of your Fall/Winter garden maintenance. If not, it’s not too late for this. The Pacific Northwest still has many months of rain before the drier season is upon us, this will help the organic amendment penetrate the soil, and encourage good soil life and drainage.
- It’s also a good time to adjust soil pH, if your soil is too acidic, you can add some agricultural lime. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add aluminum sulfate, sphagnum peat or organic soil amendment, (most of these tend to be acidic). Adjusting pH will ensure that your plants can absorb the nutrients they need.
- Now is the time to fertilize plants. Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas will appreciate an acid fertilizer mix for their upcoming blooms. Other trees and shrubs can be fed a general organic fertilizer. Your lawn will also appreciate some fertilizer, as it comes out of Winter dormancy.
- Cut back grasses; Miscanthus, Calamagrostis and Pennisetum, can now be cut down to the base, so they will be ready for the new Spring growth. The stalks can even be left on planting beds as mulch to keep weeds down. Perennials can also be cleaned up and any dead leaves and flower stalks removed, once danger of heavy frost is past, for example, Sedums and Echinacea.
- Pull up any weeds and make sure to dispose of them in your green bin, don’t throw them in the compost bin, unless you want weeds sprouting up! If you didn’t already apply bark mulch or dust, top dress the soil to keep the weeds down.
We hope that these tips will help you with your yard maintenance.
Contact Frontier Landscaping for help with this and so much more!
