Spring is here, and warm weather is beginning to peek around the corner, inviting us outdoors and begging gardeners to get their hands dirty. But there may still be chilly nights to come, so don’t get ahead of yourself. Instead, use this promising early spring season to pay a visit to your garden, do some much needed maintenance, and tend to what’s already there.

Read on for 12 early spring lawn and garden tips to help kick the growing season off right in your yard!

    Pruning shrubs

    Spring Tip #1: Give your shrubs a spring makeover!

    This is a good time of year to prune your shrubs, except for those that bloom in the spring. Remove any deadwood and encourage the shrub’s natural shape.

    Find out more in our video and article on:

    Stepping stones

    Spring Tip #2: Complete that “Honey-Do” list!

    Finish building that trellis, raised bed, or stepping-stone path you started last fall. Inspect your garden for any needed structural repairs.

    To find out more, watch our videos on:

    Raking leaves

    Spring Tip #3: Clear out the rubbish!

    Get your yard back in shape by:

    • Remove debris from drainage ditches, gutters, and planting beds.
    • Clear unwanted brush and undergrowth out of your yard.
    • Cut back dead foliage on last year’s perennials and ornamental grasses before new growth starts.

    Compost pile

    Spring Tip #4: Make use of all that trash!

    Turn your compost pile to keep it decomposing, or start composting now!

    Find out more in our articles and video on:

    Pulling weeds

    Spring Tip #5: Be proactive in your yard!

    Get rid of weeds as they sprout, and go ahead and take measures to protect your garden from pests.

    Find out more in our articles and video on:

    Top-dressing grass with soil

    Spring Tip #6: Feed the soil!

    Once your spring soil is dry enough, amend your planting beds and lawn by “top-dressing” with a couple of inches of compost or your favorite organic mix.

    Find out more in our article on Top-Dressing to Improve the Soil in Your Yard.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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