How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring (Before Everyone Else Books In)

As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, spring is the season when gardens really come back to life. A little preparation now can make the difference between a garden that thrives all summer and one that constantly feels like it’s playing catch-up.

Whether you maintain your garden yourself or rely on professional help, these key spring tasks will set your outdoor space up for a healthy, tidy, and enjoyable year ahead.

1. Clear Winter Debris and Tidy Borders

Winter storms, falling leaves, and general die-back can leave gardens looking tired by the time spring arrives.

Start by:

• Removing fallen leaves, branches, and debris from borders and lawns

• Cutting back dead growth from perennials

• Tidying ornamental grasses before new shoots appear

This not only improves how your garden looks, but also allows light and air to reach new growth, reducing the risk of pests and disease later in the season.

2. Cut Back and Prune (At the Right Time)

Early spring is ideal for pruning many plants, but timing matters.

Focus on:

• Cutting back herbaceous perennials

• Tidying roses once frost risk has passed

• Pruning shrubs that flower on new growth

Avoid cutting spring-flowering shrubs too early, as you may remove this year’s blooms. If you’re unsure, it’s often best to seek professional advice to avoid costly mistakes.

3. Wake Up Your Lawn After Winter

Lawns take a real beating over winter, especially in high-traffic or shaded gardens.

Spring lawn preparation may include:

• Light scarifying to remove moss and thatch

• Aeration to relieve compaction and improve drainage

• Overseeding thin or worn patches

Addressing these issues early encourages strong, even growth and helps prevent problems later in the year when lawns are under more stress.

4. Check Drainage, Paths, and Hard Landscaping

Spring is a good time to inspect the “bones” of your garden.

Look out for:

• Areas of standing water after rain

• Loose paving or edging

• Blocked channels or gullies

• Broken fencing

Catching drainage or structural issues early can prevent water damage, algae build-up, and more expensive repairs down the line.

5. Refresh Beds With Mulch

A fresh layer of mulch in spring helps:

• Suppress weeds as they begin to emerge

• Retain moisture as temperatures rise

• Improve soil health as organic material breaks down

At this stage, mulching should be part of a broader garden tidy rather than a deep technical job. Done properly, it instantly lifts the appearance of borders and reduces ongoing maintenance through the season.

(We’ll be covering mulching in much more detail in a dedicated guide.)

6. Plan Planting and Seasonal Improvements

Spring is also the perfect moment to step back and think ahead.

Consider:

• Which areas need new planting or refreshing

• Whether your garden works for how you actually use it

• If regular maintenance would save you time and hassle

Small improvements made now often deliver the biggest visual impact later in the year.

Need Help Getting Your Garden Spring-Ready?

Preparing a garden properly takes time, knowledge, and the right equipment. Many homeowners choose professional support to ensure the job is done efficiently and to a high standard.

At Maratt Lawn & Garden, we provide bespoke spring garden preparation, maintenance, and improvement work across Sheffield and the surrounding areas — helping busy homeowners enjoy their gardens without the stress.

👉 If you’d like help getting your garden ready for spring, get in touch to discuss a tailored approach for your outdoor space.