Your Spring Landscaping Checklist

Welcome Spring to Your Yard

After months of snow and ice, Ottawa yards need some TLC to bounce back. This comprehensive checklist will help you prepare your outdoor space for the growing season.

Week 1: Assessment and Cleanup

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Survey the Damage

Winter can be tough on landscapes. Walk your property and note:

• Hardscape damage: Cracks in pavers, heaved stones, damaged edges
  - Plant casualties: Dead or damaged shrubs and perennials
  - Drainage issues: Areas where water pools or flows incorrectly
  - Fence/structure damage: Leaning posts, damaged boards

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  Initial Cleanup

  - Remove winter debris (branches, leaves, garbage)
  - Clear remaining salt/sand from hardscapes
  - Take down winter plant protection
  - Clean out garden beds

  Week 2: Hardscape Maintenance

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  Interlock and Paver Care

  - Re-level heaved pavers: Frost can push pavers up
  - Replenish joint sand: Winter erodes polymeric sand
  - Power wash: Remove salt stains and winter grime
  - Repair edges: Reset any shifted edge restraints

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  Concrete and Stone

  - Fill any new cracks
  - Clean salt stains (use appropriate cleaners)
  - Check for spalling or surface damage

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  Retaining Walls

  - Check for leaning or bulging
  - Clear drainage weep holes
  - Reset any displaced cap stones
  - Look for erosion behind walls

  Week 3: Soil and Planting Prep

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  Soil Care

  - Test soil pH: Adjust if needed
  - Add compost: Refresh garden beds with organic matter
  - Edge beds: Clean, crisp edges look professional
  - Mulch: Apply fresh mulch (2-3 inches)

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  Lawn Care

  - Rake: Remove thatch and debris
  - Aerate: If soil is compacted
  - Overseed: Fill in bare or thin patches
  - Fertilize: Apply early spring fertilizer

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  Pruning

  - Shrubs: Prune summer-flowering shrubs now
  - Trees: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
  - Perennials: Cut back dead growth
  - Wait: Don't prune spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom

  Week 4: Systems and Features

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  Irrigation

  - Turn on system gradually
  - Check for leaks and broken heads
  - Adjust spray patterns
  - Program controller for spring schedule

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  Lighting

  - Replace burned-out bulbs
  - Clean fixtures
  - Check connections
  - Adjust timers for longer days

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  Water Features

  - Clean pumps and filters
  - Refill and treat water
  - Check for winter damage
  - Start up gradually

  Ongoing Spring Tasks

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  Weed Prevention

  - Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds
  - Hand-pull early weeds before they seed
  - Maintain mulch depth to suppress weeds

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  Pest Monitoring

  - Watch for early pest activity
  - Identify problems before they spread
  - Consider organic controls first

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  Planting

  - Add spring annuals for color
  - Plant new perennials
  - Install new shrubs and trees

  Professional Services to Consider

  Some tasks are best left to professionals:

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  Power Washing

  Professional equipment cleans more effectively and safely

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  Major Repairs

  Significant hardscape repairs require expertise

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  Tree Work

  Large tree pruning should be done by arborists

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  Irrigation Startup

  Complex systems benefit from professional activation

  Create a Maintenance Schedule

  Keep your landscape looking great all season:

  - Weekly: Mow, weed, water as needed
  - Monthly: Fertilize, check irrigation, deadhead
  - Seasonally: Mulch, major pruning, hardscape inspection

  Planning Ahead

  Spring is also the time to plan summer projects:

  - Get quotes for new work
  - Schedule installations during dry weather
  - Order materials early for popular items
  - Book contractors before their busy season

  The Stoneway Spring Checkup

  We offer comprehensive spring maintenance services:

  - Full property assessment
  - Hardscape inspection and repairs
  - Joint sand replenishment
  - Power washing
  - Planting bed refresh

  Conclusion

  A little spring effort sets up your landscape for a beautiful growing season. Work through this checklist systematically, and you'll be enjoying your outdoor space in no time.

  Need help with spring preparation? Contact Stoneway Landscaping for professional maintenance services.