Spring is arriving in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and your landscape is waking up whether you’re ready or not. The first warm days are your golden opportunity to lay the groundwork for a lush, thriving yard—and if you tackle the right tasks early, the rest of the season will feel like a breeze.
If you’re wondering what the first landscaping tasks are to do in early spring, this blog is your go-to checklist. From clearing out winter debris to pruning and prepping your lawn, these early-season tasks will give your yard the head start it deserves.
Table of Contents
1. Clear Out Winter Debris with a Thorough Leaf Cleanup
Even if your trees lost their leaves months ago, winter winds and storms leave behind twigs, branches, and stubborn leaves that can smother your lawn or block sunlight from new plants.
Here’s how to clean up your yard the right way:
- Rake and remove leaves from garden beds, lawns, and under shrubs.
- Pick up sticks, acorns, pine cones, and any fallen debris.
- Compost organic materials or bag them for disposal.
- Watch for signs of mold or rot in damp areas, especially shaded zones.
Pro Tip: Leaf cleanup isn’t just about looks—it helps prevent pests, diseases, and dead patches in your lawn and beds.
2. Time for Pruning: Trim Back Trees, Shrubs & Perennials
Early spring is the perfect time to prune dormant trees and shrubs before new growth starts. Pruning now means cleaner cuts and less stress on your plants.
What to prune in early spring:
- Shrubs: Trim summer-blooming varieties like Rose of Sharon or spirea.
- Perennials: Cut back last year’s growth to make room for new shoots.
- Trees: Remove dead or damaged branches—especially those hanging over walkways or roofs.
- Hedges: Give them a shape-up before they start filling out.
Don’t prune spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs or forsythia just yet—they bloom on old wood and should be trimmed after flowering.
3. Plant Spring Bulbs & Cold-Season Flowers
Yes, you can still plant bulbs in spring—as long as they’re the right kind.
- Summer-blooming bulbs like lilies, gladiolus, and dahlias can go in the ground once the soil is workable.
- Add cold-tolerant flowers like pansies, violas, or snapdragons to your beds and containers for an early color boost.
- Divide and transplant perennials if needed while they’re still dormant.
Straight Line Landscaping Tip: Don’t forget to amend your soil with compost or topsoil to give your plants the best possible start.
4. Start Lawn Prep: Wake Up Your Grass the Right Way
Your lawn is shaking off winter, too—and early spring is the best time to prep it for new growth.
Here’s your lawn prep to-do list:
- Lightly rake out matted grass and thatch to improve airflow.
- Aerate compacted areas to let water and nutrients in.
- Overseed bare patches with cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue.
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to stop crabgrass and weeds before they germinate.
- Don’t forget early spring fertilization—use a slow-release formula after the last hard frost.
Water newly seeded areas consistently, and wait to mow until your grass is at least 3 inches tall.
5. Bonus Task: Redefine Edges and Refresh Beds
A crisp edge can instantly improve your yard’s appearance and give it that pro-landscaped look.
- Use a flat spade or edging tool to cut clean lines around beds and walkways.
- Pull any early weeds or grass creeping into flower beds.
- Add a fresh layer of mulch (2–3 inches max) but wait until the soil has warmed up slightly.
Don’t skip edging—it’s one of those small tasks that makes a big visual difference.
Ready to Get a Jump on Spring Landscaping?
The key to a lush, low-stress yard is getting started early—and Straight Line Landscaping is here to help. Whether you need leaf cleanup, shrub pruning, lawn treatments, or mulch installation, our experienced team is ready to tackle the hard work while you enjoy the results.
Call us today at 513-702-1543 to schedule your spring services.
Or message us on Facebook to request a quote or ask a question!
Let’s give your landscape the fresh start it deserves this spring.