Spring is the perfect time to prepare your yard for the season. Whether you live in Albany, Delmar, Saratoga, Clifton Park, or anywhere in between, this checklist will guide you through key spring landscaping tasks to make the most of your outdoor space. From winter cleanup to lawn prep, poolside updates to patio refreshes, we’ll help you get your property ready for Memorial Day gatherings, backyard barbecues, and everything the season brings. It’s time to Live Your Space.

Step 1: Clean Up Your Yard After Winter

Winters in the Capital Region often leave behind salt damage and snowplow debris, especially near driveways and walkways. Start by clearing away the mess winter left behind. Remove fallen branches, leaves, and any debris that has built up in garden beds and lawn areas. Rake out dead grass, edge your lawn borders, and cut back any dead perennial growth. Cleaning up now gives you a fresh canvas and helps prevent mold, rot, and pests from taking hold.

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Step 2: Care for Plants, Trees & Shrubs

Next, give your trees, shrubs, and garden beds some attention. Start by removing salt-damaged limbs and inspecting evergreens for signs of winter burn—both common issues in Upstate New York. Trim dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy spring growth. Apply a fresh layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. For flowering shrubs or perennials, make sure you’re pruning at the right time to avoid cutting off new blooms. This is also a great time to assess overall plant health and treat for pests or disease.

Need expert care for your trees, shrubs, and garden beds? Blue Spruce Landscape & Design offers professional plant, tree, and shrub services to keep your Capital Region landscape healthy and beautiful all season.

Step 3: Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring Growth

Spring lawn care sets the stage for lush, green grass all season. Dethatch to remove dead grass build-up, and aerate if your soil is compacted. The clay-heavy soils found in many Capital Region neighborhoods—from Clifton Park to Delmar—make aeration especially important in early spring. Apply a pre-emergent weed treatment to stop crabgrass before it starts, and consider overseeding any thin or patchy areas. Once your grass starts actively growing, give it a healthy mow and begin a fertilizing routine tailored to the Northeast’s seasonal needs.

Want professional help getting your lawn in shape this spring? Explore Blue Spruce Landscape & Design’s lawn care and seasonal cleanup services for homeowners across the Capital Region.

Step 4: Inspect and Test Your Irrigation System

If you have an irrigation system, now’s the time to bring it back online. Turn the system on slowly, checking each zone for leaks, broken heads, or low pressure. Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure even coverage and avoid watering driveways or sidewalks. Addressing issues early can help you avoid wasting water and keep your landscape healthy as temperatures rise.

Learn more about lawn irrigation services from Blue Spruce Landscape & Design, including start-up, adjustments and repairs, upgrades or extensions, and winterizing.

Step 5: Refresh Hardscaping Features

Hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls can take a beating over the winter. Freeze-thaw cycles in Upstate New York can shift pavers or crack retaining walls—check for damage early to prevent bigger issues later. Inspect for cracks, loose stones, or areas in need of repair. Power washing your pavers or stonework can remove dirt, mildew, and stains—instantly refreshing the look of your outdoor space. Consider resealing surfaces to protect them from the elements and keep them looking great all season.

Ready to repair or upgrade your outdoor surfaces? Blue Spruce Landscape & Design offers expert hardscaping services in the Capital Region—from patios and walkways to retaining walls and custom stonework.

Step 6: Prepare Your Pool and Surrounding Landscape

If you have a pool, spring is the time to prep it for the season. Clean and inspect your pool cover, test the filtration system, and schedule professional servicing if needed. Don’t forget to tidy up the landscape around your pool. Trim back overgrowth, add fresh mulch or gravel, and consider adding container plants or lighting for a summer-ready finished look.

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Step 7: Add Color with Seasonal Planting

Finish your spring landscaping with seasonal color. Popular spring combinations in the Capital Region include tulips and daffodils in early April and hardy annuals like pansies, snapdragons, and violas in May. For a longer-lasting impact, mix in perennials that will thrive through summer. Focus on high-visibility areas like front entries, walkways, and garden beds near patios. For best results, choose native plants suited to the Capital Region’s climate, and incorporate pollinator-friendly varieties to support local wildlife.

Need help choosing and planting the right flowers for your Capital Region home? Blue Spruce Landscape & Design offers expert seasonal planting services that bring lasting curb appeal and vibrant color to your yard.

Step 8: Get Outdoor Living Spaces Ready, Including Your Outdoor Kitchen

Spring is the perfect time to prep or upgrade your outdoor living areas—just in time for family barbecues, Saratoga track season gatherings, lakeside picnics, and backyard parties. If you have an outdoor kitchen, inspect appliances, countertops, and plumbing fixtures. Clean surfaces, test connections, and make any necessary repairs before summer entertaining begins.

Thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen or built-in grill station? Blue Spruce Landscape & Design specializes in custom outdoor kitchens that blend seamlessly with your patio and landscaping, perfect for hosting friends and family all season long.

Request a Quote for Landscaping Services in the Capital Region, NY

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space? Blue Spruce Landscape & Design in Clifton Park provides expert pool, landscaping, and hardscaping services throughout the Capital Region, NY, including Albany, Clifton Park, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and beyond. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you create a space you’ll love.