Winter in Asheville isn’t brutal, but it’s not exactly gentle on gardens either. Now that spring is here, your yard needs some attention before everything starts growing like crazy.
Here’s what we do for our clients every spring, and what you should be doing too.
Clean Up the Debris
Start with the obvious stuff. Dead leaves, fallen branches, leftover plant material from last year. All of that needs to go. It’s not just about looks. That debris can harbor diseases and pests that’ll cause problems later.
Rake it out of your beds, pull it off your lawn, and either compost it or bag it up. Don’t just blow it into the corner of your yard and call it done. That’s where problems hide.
Cut Back Dead Plant Material
Perennials that died back over winter need to be cut down to the ground. Ornamental grasses should be trimmed to about 4-6 inches. Shrubs that bloom on new growth can be pruned now.
But be careful with spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas and forsythia. If you prune those now, you’re cutting off this year’s flowers. Wait until right after they bloom.
Check for Winter Damage
Walk your property and look for problems. Did any branches break? Are there plants that didn’t make it through winter? Is there erosion or drainage issues that got worse?
Fix what you can now, before things get growing. Dead plants should come out. Damaged branches should be pruned. Erosion problems need to be addressed before spring rains make them worse.
Edge Your Beds
Over winter, your lawn creeps into your garden beds. Get out there with an edger and redefine those lines. It makes everything look cleaner and stops grass from invading where it doesn’t belong.
This is also a good time to refresh mulch. A fresh 2-3 inch layer makes beds look finished and helps suppress weeds.
Feed Your Lawn
If you want a good-looking lawn this year, early spring is when you need to feed it. Use a slow-release fertilizer that’ll feed your grass over time rather than giving it one big burst.
Don’t go overboard. More fertilizer isn’t better. Follow the package directions.
Divide Overgrown Perennials
See any perennials that are getting too big or dying out in the center? Early spring, before they really start growing, is the perfect time to divide them. Dig them up, split them into smaller sections, and replant.
You’ll get more plants for free, and they’ll be healthier for it.
Get Your Tools Ready
Sharpen your pruners, clean your shovels, check your hoses for leaks. There’s nothing worse than getting ready to tackle a project and realizing your tools are a mess.
Oil the moving parts, replace anything that’s broken, and organize everything so you can find it when you need it.
Start Weeding Early
I know it’s tempting to wait, but get after those weeds while they’re small. They’re way easier to pull now than they will be in a month when they’re established and going to seed.
Hit them early and often. It’s the only way to stay ahead.
Plan Your Plantings
Figure out what you want to add this year. What holes do you need to fill? What color are you missing? What areas need more interest?
Get those plants in the ground in early to mid-spring, and they’ll have the whole growing season to establish before next winter.
Know When to Call for Help
Some of this is easy DIY work. Some of it isn’t. If you’re looking at significant pruning, drainage problems, or a complete bed overhaul, it might be time to bring in help.
We do this work all day, every day. What takes you all weekend, we can knock out in a few hours. And it’ll be done right.
Spring prep isn’t glamorous, but it sets up your entire growing season. Put in the work now, and you’ll have a yard you actually want to spend time in all summer.
