Spring Landscaping Guide
for Spokane

As winter releases its grip on Spokane, it’s time to prepare your landscape for the growing season ahead. This guide provides expert recommendations for spring landscape care, helping you create a beautiful, healthy outdoor space that thrives throughout the year.

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Spring Cleanup

Spring Cleanup Essentials

Debris Removal

Start your spring landscape care by thoroughly cleaning up winter debris:
  • Remove fallen branches, leaves, and other debris from lawns and beds
  • Clear drainage channels and gutters to prevent water issues
  • Remove protective coverings from sensitive plants
  • Clean up remaining snow mold or winter damage on lawns
  • Remove any salt or ice melt residue from near walkways and driveways

Pruning and Trimming

Early spring is an ideal time for certain pruning tasks:
  • Prune summer-flowering shrubs before new growth begins
  • Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs
  • Hold off on pruning spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom
  • Cut back ornamental grasses to 4-6 inches before new growth emerges
  • Prune roses as buds begin to swell but before full leafout

Bed Preparation

Prepare your planting beds for the growing season:
  • Edge beds to create clean lines between lawn and planting areas
  • Apply fresh mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture (2-3 inches depth)
  • Avoid “volcano mulching” around trees, keeping mulch away from trunks
  • Test soil and amend as needed based on results
  • Incorporate compost into annual planting beds

Lawn Care

Lawn Care for Spring

Spring Lawn Renovation

Address winter damage and prepare for healthy growth:
  • Rake lawns firmly to remove thatch and winter debris
  • Overseed bare or thin areas once soil temperatures reach 50°F
  • Apply starter fertilizer to newly seeded areas
  • Consider core aeration if soil is compacted
  • Address snow mold damage with light raking and fungicide if severe

Early Season Fertilization

Feed your lawn appropriately for spring conditions:
  • Apply spring fertilizer with pre-emergent weed control by mid-April
  • Use products specifically formulated for spring application
  • Follow application rates carefully to prevent burning
  • Water thoroughly after application if rain isn’t expected

Weed Management

Get ahead of weeds before they become established:
  • Apply pre-emergent herbicides before weed seeds germinate
  • Spot-treat early emerging broadleaf weeds
  • Hand-pull isolated weeds, including the root
  • Maintain proper mowing height (3-3.5 inches) to shade out weed seedlings

Irrigation System

Irrigation System Startup

System Inspection

Before activating your irrigation system:
  • Inspect for winter damage to pipes, heads, and valves
  • Check for proper head alignment and coverage
  • Clear debris from sprinkler heads
  • Verify valve operation and check for leaks
  • Inspect controller for proper operation

Professional Startup Service

Our spring startup service includes:
  • Gradual system pressurization to prevent water hammer
  • Adjustment of all sprinkler heads for optimal coverage
  • Programming controller for spring watering needs
  • Checking and adjusting pressure regulators
  • Testing each zone for proper operation

Water Conservation Tips

Start the season with efficient watering practices:
  • We recommend applying 1 inch of water per session
  • Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again
  • Water in early morning hours to reduce evaporation
  • Adjust spray patterns to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways
  • Consider upgrading to a smart controller that adjusts to weather conditions
  • Install rain sensors to prevent watering during or after rainfall

Spring Planting

Spring Planting Guide

Early Spring Planting (March-April)

These plants can handle Spokane’s unpredictable early spring:
  • Cold-tolerant annuals (pansies, violas, snapdragons)
  • Early vegetables (peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes)
  • Bare-root trees and shrubs
  • Spring-flowering bulbs that weren’t planted in fall
  • Divide and transplant summer and fall-blooming perennials

Late Spring Planting (May-June)

Once frost danger has passed (typically mid-May):
  • Warm-season annuals
  • Perennials
  • Container gardens
  • Hanging baskets
  • Vegetable starts and seeds for summer crops

Plant Selection Tips

Choose plants that will thrive in Spokane’s climate:
  • Select plants appropriate for USDA Zone 6
  • Consider microclimates within your yard (sun/shade patterns)
  • Group plants with similar water needs together
  • Include native plants for better adaptation and wildlife benefits
  • Plan for seasonal interest throughout the year

Landscape Enhancements

Landscape Enhancements for Spring

Outdoor Living Spaces

Prepare your outdoor living areas for the season:
  • Clean and inspect patios, decks, and walkways for winter damage
  • Repair any heaved or damaged pavers or concrete
  • Clean and maintain outdoor furniture
  • Service outdoor kitchens and grills
  • Check outdoor lighting systems and replace damaged fixtures

New Landscape Features

Spring is an ideal time to add new features to your landscape:
  • Install new patios or walkways
  • Add retaining walls to solve elevation issues
  • Incorporate water features
  • Install landscape lighting
  • Create new planting beds or garden areas

Refresh Existing Landscapes

Rejuvenate your current landscape with these enhancements:
  • Add fresh mulch to planting beds
  • Incorporate new perennials for seasonal interest
  • Update outdated plantings
  • Add container gardens for instant color
  • Install edging for cleaner bed lines

Maintenance Schedule

Spring Landscape Maintenance Schedule

March

  • Begin spring cleanup as weather permits
  • Prune summer-flowering shrubs
  • Cut back ornamental grasses
  • Apply pre-emergent weed control
  • Apply Tree & Shrub Dormant Oil
  • Apply Spring Lawn Fertilizer
  • Schedule irrigation system startup

April

  • Complete spring cleanup
  • Apply spring lawn fertilizer
  • Plant cold-tolerant annuals and vegetables
  • Divide and transplant perennials
  • Mulch planting beds

May

  • Begin regular mowing (3-3.5 inch height)
  • Plant warm-season annuals after last frost
  • Install new landscape features
  • Establish regular watering schedule
  • Monitor for early pest and disease issues

Professional Spring Services

Professional Spring Services from Dee’s Landscaping

Let our team help you prepare your landscape for the growing season with our comprehensive spring services:

Spring Cleanup Package

Our thorough spring cleanup includes:
  • Complete debris removal
  • Bed edging and preparation
  • Fresh mulch application
  • Pruning and trimming
  • Lawn dethatching and renovation

Irrigation Startup Service

Protect your irrigation investment with professional startup:
  • System inspection and pressurization
  • Head adjustment and alignment
  • Controller programming
  • Minor repairs as needed
  • Create new Efficiency recommendationsplanting beds or garden areas

Spring Lawn Care Program

Give your lawn the perfect start with:
  • Professional fertilization
  • Pre-emergent weed control
  • Overseeding of thin areas
  • Core aeration if needed
  • Pest and disease monitoring

Landscape Enhancement

Transform your outdoor space with:
  • New plantings and garden areas
  • Hardscape installation or repair
  • Outdoor living space creation
  • Landscape lighting installation
  • Water feature addition

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Ready to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring?

Contact us today to schedule your spring services or to discuss landscape enhancements for the coming season. Our experienced team will help your property look its best throughout the year.

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