As winter winds down and Atlanta homeowners look forward to warmer, longer days, there’s no better time to begin preparing your landscape for a vibrant, healthy spring. Thoughtful preparation now ensures your outdoor space bursts into the new season with color, structure, and vitality—ready to enjoy with family and guests alike.

At Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces, we believe in proactive landscape care that sets the tone for beauty and usability year-round. Whether you’re maintaining a luxury outdoor space or planning your next upgrade, here’s how to prepare your landscape for a strong, stylish start to spring.

1. Clean Up Debris and Winter Damage

Start by clearing leaves, fallen branches, and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. This gives your yard a clean slate and helps prevent mold, pests, or rot.

Key tasks:

Rake beds and lawns
Prune any dead or damaged branches
Clear gutters and downspouts near landscape beds
Remove old mulch and prep for a fresh layer

This is also a great time to inspect your outdoor features—like walkways, lighting, and hardscapes—for signs of wear or shifting.

2. Schedule a Professional Landscape Assessment

If your property includes complex hardscapes, custom irrigation, or structured plantings, it pays to have an expert evaluate its health and performance post-winter.

At Outdoor Makeover, our team provides early-season assessments to:

Check soil health and compaction
Inspect drainage and runoff areas
Evaluate existing plant health and pruning needs
Recommend seasonal planting or upgrades

Starting with a plan means your landscape will be more beautiful and resilient through spring and beyond.

3. Refresh and Re-Edge Beds

As new growth emerges, clean lines make a big visual impact. Re-edging garden beds and landscape borders helps define your planting areas and instantly boosts curb appeal.

Spring edging tips:

Use a spade or edging tool to define curves and borders
Remove grass that has crept into beds over winter
Install or replace natural stone, brick, or metal edging for a refined finish

This simple step elevates the look of your entire yard.

4. Prune Thoughtfully

Early spring is the ideal time to prune trees and shrubs—but timing and technique matter.

Pruning tips:

Remove deadwood and shape ornamental shrubs
Cut back ornamental grasses to encourage healthy regrowth
Wait to prune flowering shrubs until after blooming (unless winter-damaged)

Avoid over-pruning, especially for evergreens or plants with spring blooms.

5. Plan Your Spring Planting Strategy

Not all spring plants need to go in the ground immediately. Plan a phased planting strategy based on bloom times, sun exposure, and Atlanta’s zone 7b–8a climate.

Smart planting approach:

Start with cold-hardy perennials and foundation plantings
Add seasonal color with early annuals like pansies or snapdragons
Schedule larger tree or shrub installations early to give roots time to establish
Use native or drought-tolerant varieties to reduce maintenance

Our team can help design a seasonal planting plan that supports long-term beauty with minimal effort.

6. Evaluate Irrigation & Drainage Systems

Spring is when you want your irrigation systems and drainage features functioning at their best.

Spring prep checklist:

Test and calibrate smart irrigation controllers
Repair or replace broken sprinkler heads or drip lines
Check grading and swales for proper runoff
Ensure French drains or dry creek beds are clear of debris

A well-watered landscape is a healthy one—but overwatering or poor drainage can lead to erosion, fungal issues, and wasted resources.

7. Refresh Mulch for Moisture & Weed Control

A new layer of mulch is not only beautiful—it helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate roots.

Mulch tips for early spring:

Use 2–3 inches of mulch in beds and around trees
Avoid piling mulch directly against trunks or stems
Choose natural options like pine bark, hardwood, or composted mulch

Fresh mulch gives beds a clean, cohesive look that pairs beautifully with new spring growth.

8. Add Spring Containers for Instant Curb Appeal

Planters and container gardens allow you to add color and interest to patios, porches, and entryways even before your in-ground beds fully awaken.

Great early-season container plants:

Pansies, violas, and primroses
Decorative kale or cabbage
Tulip or daffodil bulbs started indoors
Evergreen herbs like rosemary and thyme

Use planters that reflect your home’s style—stone, copper, concrete, or modern matte finishes.

9. Plan Enhancements or Larger Projects Early

Spring is a busy season for outdoor improvements. If you’re considering an upgrade—like a new patio, fire pit, retaining wall, or garden lighting—it pays to start the design process now.

Booking your consultation early allows us to:

Design with seasonal planting and growth cycles in mind
Secure materials and permits before peak demand
Build in time for custom features and seamless installation

Contact us today to get on the calendar before spring rush sets in.

10. Think Long-Term: Landscape with All Seasons in Mind

A spring-ready landscape should also be a foundation for year-round beauty. Our designs focus on:

Layered plantings that evolve through the seasons
Evergreen anchors for winter interest
Smart lighting and hardscape zones for multi-season use
Efficient irrigation and low-maintenance planning

Your landscape should look stunning in every season—and that starts now.

Start Spring with a Landscape That Reflects Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re refreshing your garden beds or embarking on a full outdoor transformation, now is the time to prepare for a spring full of color, texture, and life.

At Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces, we blend design, craftsmanship, and personalized service to help Atlanta homeowners make the most of their outdoor investments.

Let us help you start spring strong—with a landscape that’s built for beauty, built for comfort, and built for life.

Contact us today to schedule your spring landscape consultation.

How to Prep Your Landscape for a Beautiful Start to Spring