What Are the First Landscaping Tasks to Do in Early Spring?

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Landscaping

Spring in Cincinnati can be a magical time. Birds chirping, daylight stretching, and the first hints of green pushing through the soil—it’s the perfect season to breathe life back into your landscape. But before your outdoor space can truly thrive, there are essential landscaping tasks that every homeowner should tackle in early spring. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush lawn, blooming beds, or a fresh patio hangout, these steps set the stage for a beautiful season ahead.

1. Start with a Spring Landscape Cleanup

After a long Ohio winter, your yard likely needs some TLC. The first step in early spring landscaping is a thorough cleanup.

Tasks to check off your list:

  • Remove leaves, twigs, and debris that have collected in flower beds and around shrubs.
  • Rake the lawn gently to prevent thatch buildup and stimulate new growth.
  • Prune back dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees (but avoid pruning spring bloomers like lilacs and azaleas).
  • Pull early weeds before they take over.

Pro tip: This is also a good time to inspect for winter damage and drainage issues caused by snowmelt. According to experts, standing water and poor soil structure are common spring problems that can be avoided with professional help​.

2. Test and Treat Your Soil for Spring Success

Soil health is the foundation of any thriving landscape. Without healthy soil, your lawn and garden simply can’t reach their potential.

Spring soil must-dos:

  1. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels.
  2. Amend as needed with compost, lime, or organic fertilizers.
  3. Aerate compacted soil to allow air, nutrients, and water to reach plant roots.

Many homeowners don’t realize that skipping soil testing leads to weak growth, sickly plants, and wasted money on unnecessary fertilizers​. Partnering with a landscaping professional like Top Scapes Design ensures your soil gets the attention it needs.

3. Freshen Up Your Lawn with Mowing, Seeding & Fertilizing

Early spring is the perfect time to give your lawn the kickstart it needs.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Mow high to encourage deep root growth and discourage weeds.
  • Spot-seed bare patches with cool-season grasses like fescue or bluegrass.
  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to wake up your lawn from dormancy.
  • Water deeply but infrequently to establish roots.

FAQ: When should I start mowing my lawn in spring?
Start mowing once your grass hits 2.5–3 inches in height. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade at a time.

If you’ve had issues with grubs or patchy lawns before, now’s the time to apply preventative treatments and ensure proper drainage​.

4. Refresh Mulch and Define Edges for a Crisp Look

Once your beds are clean and your plants are pruned, it’s time to make everything look intentional.

Early spring bed refresh tips:

  • Apply a 2–3 inch layer of fresh mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Choose natural mulches like shredded bark or leaf compost.
  • Use a spade or edging tool to create clean lines around beds and walkways.

Mulching too early or too thickly can trap moisture and cause rot. Top Scapes Design ensures your mulch is the right type and depth for each area of your landscape.

5. Plan and Schedule Major Projects Like Hardscaping and Planting

While early spring is great for maintenance, it’s also the ideal time to plan bigger changes.

Why start planning now?

  • Spring gives plants the longest establishment time before summer heat.
  • Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls) is easier to install before soil becomes too soft or too dry.
  • Landscape designers like TopScapes can help you plan projects that bloom on time and last all year long​.

Don’t wait until summer to start! Projects like patios, outdoor kitchens, and planting beds need proper lead time to align with planting schedules.

Let’s Get Your Spring Landscaping Started Right!

Ready to wake up your landscape and make the most of spring in Cincinnati? Whether it’s tackling spring cleanup, lawn care, or dreaming up your new outdoor living space, Top Scapes Design is your local expert for landscape installation, maintenance, and lawn mowing services.

📞 Call us at (937) 218-6729
🌐 Visit topscapesdesign.com
📍 Find us on Google Maps

Let’s bring your landscape back to life—beautifully, professionally, and stress-free.