Spring has sprung, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get planting! Late March and early April are the perfect time to get a head start on your landscaping in Surrey. As soon as the ground thaws, you can begin planting a variety of dormant shrubs, perennials, fruit trees, and even get your vegetable garden going.
However, like most jobs, gardening is all about prep. Before you start planting, you have to make sure your yard is ready to support healthy growth. Here are five landscaping jobs to take care of now so you’re ready for spring planting.
Prune, Structure, and Shape
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the inside of your home, it’s also the perfect time to tidy up your landscaping. Pruning deciduous trees and shrubs will not only refresh your yard visually, but removing all the dead material will also help promote healthy new growth. Trim back overgrown hedges, cut away winter damage, and shape your trees and shrubs before they start sprouting new leaves.
Rake and Aerate
Winter certainly leaves its mark, even long after the snow has melted. Fallen branches, soggy leaves, and compacted grass and soil make it harder for new growth to thrive. So, before you think about planting, grab a rake and clear away debris. This will help loosen the soil, allowing oxygen and nutrients to penetrate deeper, which is great for growing and helps revive your lawn.
Prepare Your Soil
Over the winter, your soil becomes compacted and loses some of its nutrients. Turning over the soil, adding compost, and mixing in organic matter like mulch or peat moss will help give it the structure and nutrients it needs to support strong, healthy plants. If a vegetable garden is on your list this year, be sure to also test your soil’s pH levels and make adjustments as needed based on what you plan to plant. This will go a long way in ensuring a bountiful harvest and healthy crops.
Edge and Define Garden Beds
Every garden needs well-defined garden beds, and spring is the perfect time to clean up existing ones or create new ones. You can use hardscaping elements to construct raised beds or simply use an edging tool and a spade to create separation. Not only do defined garden beds keep your yard looking neat and put together, but they also help retain moisture and prevent grass and weeds from creeping into your planting area.
Get Your Tools Ready to Go
Maintenance is just as important to landscaping as preparation. While you’re getting your soil and garden ready for springtime planting, it’s a good idea to also take stock of your equipment to make sure you have all your essentials and that everything is functioning. Check for clogged sprinkler heads, fix or replace any leaky hoses, and sharpen your lawn mower blades. Well-maintained tools make gardening easier and more efficient.
Landscaping Not for You? Try a Service!
If you’ve made it to the end of this list and are already exhausted from the effort, then maybe a landscaping service in Surrey is more your style. In addition to all the springtime garden prep projects we’ve outlined here, such as pruning, cleaning, raking, mulching, and more, a landscaper will take care of lawn mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal planting. Whether you need a one-time spring refresh or ongoing maintenance, hiring a professional leaves more time for ballgames and BBQs.
Get Ready to Plant!
With your yard prepped and ready, it’s time for the fun part, which consists of planting! The opportunities are endless, from colourful flower beds to thriving vegetable gardens, native plant landscaping, and lush green lawns. But remember, the key to any successful garden is the prep work that comes first.