Home Maintenance Monday… on a Tuesday! 3/4/25: Spring is Coming to the PNW ~ Is Your Landscape Prepared?
Spring is COMING to the Pacific Northwest and this is the perfect time to review your landscaping plans to ensure your yard will flourish in the warmer months ahead.
My family spent some time pruning fruit trees this last weekend and it gave me time to think about how important it is to stay on top of these tasks early in the season. If you have fruit trees on your landscape and you're in the PNW, now is definitely the time to make sure you get this task done; proper pruning now will set you up for a better harvest later in the year.
This isn't all about fruit trees though! Spring is the ideal time to evaluate your entire landscape and think ahead about what you want to grow, enhance, or change in 2025. Here are some simple steps to help get your outdoor spaces ready for the season:
1. Assess Your Landscape Design
Take a moment to look at your overall landscape design. Have any plants outgrown their space or failed to thrive in certain areas? Now’s the time to plan for adjustments. Consider how you want your garden to look this spring and beyond. Are there gaps in color or texture that you’d like to fill? Maybe it's time to add some new perennials, shrubs, or even a tree to improve the layout.
2. Prepare Your Garden Beds
One of the most rewarding spring tasks is preparing your garden beds. You can start by turning the soil to break up any compacted areas and allow for better water and nutrient flow. You can do this by using a shovel, garden fork, or tiller. Once the soil is loosened, it’s time to add compost. Compost will enrich your soil, improving both its structure and its ability to retain moisture. It’s also a great way to add essential nutrients to the earth, especially after the long winter months.
3. Mulch to Protect and Enhance
After you’ve prepared your garden beds, think about adding a layer of mulch to help protect the soil. Mulch can help prevent weeds from taking root, keep the soil moist, and add an aesthetic touch to your landscape. Organic mulch, like wood chips, can be a fantastic choice, as it breaks down over time and continues to improve your soil.
4. Plan for Irrigation
Spring also gives you the chance to review your landscape’s irrigation system. Have any of your hoses, sprinklers, or drip systems been damaged over the winter months? Spring is a good time to test your watering systems out and make sure everything is in working order for summer. If you don’t have an irrigation system, now’s a great time to consider installing one to help keep your plants hydrated throughout the warmer and dryer months.
5. Think About Seasonal Maintenance
As you review your landscaping plans, don’t forget about the seasonal maintenance tasks that will keep your yard healthy. Check for dead or damaged branches in trees and shrubs, and keep an eye out for pests/invasive species or early signs of disease. Pruning, mulching, and inspecting for issues regularly can save you time and effort down the line.
By taking a few simple steps now, you can ensure that your landscape will thrive throughout the year. Whether you’re working with an existing design or starting fresh, preparing in advance is key to a beautiful and healthy yard in the seasons to come.
PS: If you find yourself saying, “Home Maintenance Monday… on a TUESDAY?” Clients come first around here and yesterday my active clients came first! NO worries though, Home Maintenance Monday tasks can be completed ANY day of the week!