Kickstart Your 2026 Landscaping Season with These Essential Tips

Timothy Jacobs
Jan 2
3 min read

Starting the landscaping season on the right foot can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming, healthy, and beautiful environment. Whether you have a small backyard or a sprawling garden, preparing early helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures your lawn and plants thrive throughout the year. This guide shares practical steps to help you launch your 2026 landscaping season with confidence and success.

Eye-level view of freshly mowed green lawn with garden beds — Freshly mowed lawn with garden beds ready for spring planting

Assess Your Lawn and Garden Needs

Before jumping into planting or maintenance, take a close look at your lawn and garden. Walk around your property and note areas that need attention. Look for:

Bare patches or thinning grass
Weeds invading flower beds or lawn
Signs of pests or diseases on plants
Soil compaction or erosion spots

Understanding these issues early lets you plan targeted solutions. For example, bare patches may need reseeding, while compacted soil benefits from aeration.

Prepare Your Lawn for Growth

Lawn care is the foundation of a great landscape. As temperatures rise, grass starts growing actively and demands more nutrients and water. Follow these steps to prepare your lawn:

Rake thoroughly to remove dead grass, leaves, and debris that block sunlight and trap moisture.
Aerate the soil to improve air, water, and nutrient flow to the roots. This is especially important for heavy clay soils.
Apply fertilizer suited to your grass type. A balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supports healthy growth.
Overseed thin areas to encourage thicker turf and reduce weed invasion.
Set up a watering schedule that keeps soil moist but not soggy, ideally early in the morning.

Regular lawn care in early spring sets the stage for a lush, green yard all season.

Plan Your Landscaping Design

Landscaping is more than just planting flowers. It involves creating a cohesive outdoor space that fits your lifestyle and enhances your home’s curb appeal. Consider these design tips:

Choose plants suited to your climate and soil to reduce maintenance and increase survival rates.
Mix perennials and annuals for a balance of long-lasting structure and seasonal color.
Incorporate hardscaping elements like pathways, retaining walls, or seating areas to add function and visual interest.
Think about plant height and spacing to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper airflow.
Plan for year-round appeal by including evergreens, ornamental grasses, or shrubs with interesting bark or berries.

Sketch your ideas or use online tools to visualize your landscaping plan before buying plants or materials.

Use Pressure Washing to Refresh Outdoor Surfaces

Pressure washing is an effective way to clean patios, decks, driveways, and fences, removing dirt, mold, and mildew that accumulate over winter. This step brightens your outdoor space and prevents damage caused by grime buildup.

Use a pressure washer with adjustable settings to avoid damaging surfaces.
Test a small area first to ensure the pressure is safe for your material.
Clean surfaces before applying sealants or stains for better adhesion.
Regular pressure washing extends the life of wood, concrete, and stone features.

Incorporating pressure washing into your seasonal routine keeps your landscaping looking fresh and well-maintained.

High angle view of clean stone patio after pressure washing — Clean stone patio after pressure washing in spring

Maintain Your Tools and Equipment

Well-maintained tools make landscaping tasks easier and more efficient. Before the season starts:

Sharpen lawn mower blades and garden shears for clean cuts.
Check and replace spark plugs or oil in gas-powered equipment.
Clean and oil hand tools to prevent rust.
Inspect hoses and sprinklers for leaks or blockages.
Organize your storage area for easy access.

Taking care of your tools saves time and helps you avoid interruptions during busy landscaping days.

Monitor and Adjust Throughout the Season

Landscaping is an ongoing process. After your initial preparations, keep an eye on your lawn and plants:

Watch for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly.
Adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature changes.
Prune shrubs and deadhead flowers to encourage new growth.
Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Schedule regular pressure washing for outdoor surfaces exposed to dirt and algae.

Staying proactive ensures your outdoor space remains healthy and attractive.