Spring comes early here in Southern California, which means that now is the time to start thinking about your spring backyard checklist. We recommend following these 10 steps to prepare your backyard for the spring season.
10 Steps to Prepare Your Backyard for Spring
Step #1: Clear Winter Debris & Weeds
The first step to any checklist is to clear away the old to prepare for the new. We highly recommend taking the time (or hiring a landscaping company) to clear any winter debris (like leaves or twigs) as well as weeds from your backyard. By cleaning up, you will have a clear representation of your backyard’s true potential.
Step #2: Create a Garden Design
Spring is the perfect time to implement a new garden design. Whether you want to add constructed areas like a porch, pergola, pool, or you simply want to design a cohesive flower or vegetable garden, now is the time to lay out a plan. By creating a design in advance, you ensure that you have plenty of space for everything you desire and that any plants, shrubs, grasses, or trees have room to grow to their full potential.
Step #3: Start Construction of Major Changes
Before the beauty of summer arrives, you want to get all significant construction completed. We suggest speaking with a hardscaping company in winter or early spring to finalize a design early. This allows time for materials to be delivered and construction to go smoothly.
Step #4: Repair Fences, Gates, & Trellises
Even if you aren’t doing major construction, you should repair any damage that occurred over the winter, especially to fences, gates, and trellises. These structures are vital to the safety and privacy of your home, so they should always be a priority.
Step #5: Trim Trees & Prune Shrubs
Much like a person’s hair, trees and shrubs grow at their optimal level when properly trimmed each spring. In addition, by trimming and pruning, you can ensure that they don’t get too big or that they maintain an ideal shape.
Step #6: Implement Drought Prevention Techniques
Here in Southern California, it is common to suffer from drought during the summer. What’s the point of having a beautiful backyard if you can’t keep it watered? Fortunately, there are a variety of drought prevention techniques that you can apply to your backyard including, water collection, drought-resistant soil, and drought-resistant landscaping.
Step #7: Apply Fertilizer
If you are in a location where your soil needs fertilizer, spring is the time to do it. Just make sure that you invest in a high-quality, eco-friendly fertilizer that suits your specific backyard needs.
Step #8: Start Seeds in Advance
If you are planting a vegetable garden, you may need to start your seeds inside before planting. In addition, we highly suggest designing a planting calendar to ensure that your veggies are ready to be picked when you want them to be.
Step #9: Prepare the Soil
If you are planting flowers or vegetables into the ground or in raised garden beds, it is time to prepare the soil. We recommend tilling the soil before mulching, adding compost, or adding nutrients. In addition, we advise researching the type of soil and space your garden will need before getting started.
Step #10: Start Mowing
Let’s face it; spring is the time of mowing. Now is the time to service your mower or hire a landscaping company to ensure you are ready to go once that grass springs into action.
Design Scapes Yard Landscaping
Design Scapes is the premier landscaping and hardscaping company for the SoCal Area. If you need assistance to prepare your backyard for spring, we are here to help! We serve Rancho Palos Verdes, South Bay, Sherman Oaks, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Encino, Pasadena, and more local areas. Don’t see your area on the list? Give us a call today to discuss your project and location!
