Preparing Your Home’s Yard Now for the Growing Season

January 26, 2026

Our House

Here’s the “How to” for making your yard beautiful this spring and summer.

1. Clean up flowerbeds and prep for planting season. Clear away dead leaves or any other winter debris from the ground surfaces where you’re planning to plant or have planted annual flowers, perennials and vegetables. Especially wet and moldy debris.

Watch for the Dogwoods to bloom. This signals a great time to start planting perennials. DON’T plant annuals until after the last frost date unless you plan to bring them indoors. Typically Mid-April in Birmingham.

2. Divide your perennials. Dividing perennials such as lilies is a budget-friendly way to add more plants to your garden, or to share extras with friends. It also helps in keeping your existing plants healthy.

3. Prune trees and shrubs.It’s a good time to prune evergreen trees and shrubs.

The “May Rule”: If a plant blooms in spring (before May/early June), it flowers on old wood and should be pruned after it flowers. If it blooms in summer or fall, it flowers on new wood and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. *Some Hydrangeas break this rule*

4. Perform basic maintenance on your hardscaping. Check the condition of your deck or patio and make any needed repairs.

5. Apply fresh mulch and weed pre-emergent. If you mulch now and add pre-emergent weed control before weeds have a chance to sprout, you’ll have next-to-no weeding come summer.

When to Call a Pro. If your yard needs more than a quick refresh, professional design can save time and prevent costly mistakes. Consider expert help with: