As the snow melts and the temperatures rise, it’s time to shift focus to your outdoor space. A well-planned spring cleanup not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also lays the groundwork for a lush, healthy yard all season long. A thorough spring landscaping cleanup is essential for homeowners in Edmonton, where winter can be particularly harsh. At Northway Landscaping, we help clients refresh and revitalize their yards through professional seasonal services tailored to our local climate.
Clear Out Winter Debris
The first step in any spring cleanup is removing the remnants of winter. Edmonton’s freeze-thaw cycles can scatter leaves, branches, and other debris across your lawn and garden beds. Start by raking the lawn to clear out dead grass, leaves, and thatch. Pay special attention to areas around walkways, fences, and flower beds where debris tends to collect.
Clearing debris helps improve air and water flow to your grass and plants, which is especially important for early-season growth. This is also a great opportunity to check for damage to hardscaping, fencing, and irrigation systems caused by ice or heavy snow.
Prune and Trim Strategically
Pruning is a crucial part of spring yard preparation. By cutting back dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs, you promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of disease. For flowering plants, timing matters—some species bloom on last year’s growth, while others bloom on new shoots.
In early spring, focus on removing:
- Broken or dead branches
- Overgrowth that might impede sunlight or airflow
- Any limbs encroaching on walkways or structures
Don’t forget to shape your hedges and ornamental bushes to maintain a clean, manicured appearance. If you’re unsure about the right pruning technique, consider reaching out to a professional landscaping team like Northway Landscaping to avoid causing harm to your plants.
Prepare Garden Beds for Planting
Once your yard is cleared and pruned, it’s time to prepare your garden beds. Start by removing weeds and any lingering mulch from the previous season. Use a rake or tiller to loosen compacted soil, which improves drainage and makes it easier for plant roots to grow.
To boost soil fertility, consider mixing in organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer. This replenishes nutrients depleted during the winter and gives your new plantings a healthy start. You can also edge your garden beds to define their borders—this not only looks tidy but helps prevent grass from creeping into flower beds.
For those planning vegetable or flower gardens, April and May are ideal months to begin planting cold-tolerant species in Edmonton.
Freshen Up the Lawn
A vibrant lawn is the centerpiece of most residential landscapes, and spring is the time to set the tone. Begin by aerating the soil if it feels compacted or if your lawn showed signs of poor drainage last year. Aeration allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more efficiently.
Next, apply a high-quality grass seed to bare or thin patches. Choose a seed blend suited to Edmonton’s climate—Northway Landscaping can help source the right product for your yard’s conditions. Lightly topdress with compost or soil to improve seed-to-soil contact and retain moisture.
Water the lawn consistently but avoid overwatering. Keep foot traffic minimal on newly seeded areas to allow grass to establish strong roots.
Refresh Mulch and Add Seasonal Color
Spring is also the perfect time to update your mulch. Mulch not only insulates plant roots and retains soil moisture, but it also prevents weeds and gives garden beds a neat, uniform look. Apply a fresh 2–3 inch layer around shrubs, trees, and flowers, being careful not to pile it too high around stems.
If you’re craving color after a long winter, consider adding early bloomers like pansies, tulips, or daffodils. These hardy plants can handle unpredictable spring weather and instantly brighten your yard.
Check Irrigation and Lighting Systems
Before your yard goes into full bloom, take a moment to test your irrigation system. Check for cracked hoses, misaligned sprinkler heads, and signs of leaks. Adjust watering schedules as needed to suit spring temperatures and rainfall.
If you have outdoor lighting, ensure all fixtures are working and replace any bulbs. Clean lenses and remove debris to maximize illumination, especially along paths, driveways, and outdoor living areas.
Book Professional Help for Bigger Projects
If your yard needs more than just a tidy-up, Northway Landscaping offers full-service spring landscaping in Edmonton. From comprehensive cleanups to custom planting, sod installation, and hardscaping, our team ensures your property is ready to thrive throughout the season. With our value-engineered pricing and locally sourced materials, we provide expert care that fits your budget. Whether you’re refreshing your garden beds or preparing your entire outdoor space for summer entertaining, our family-run business brings a personal touch to every project. To schedule your spring cleanup or request a quote, contact Northway Landscaping today.
