As the snow melts and temperatures rise, your property is revealing the toll winter has taken. At Black Swan Landscaping, we know that addressing maintenance tasks early not only enhances your property’s appearance but also prevents costly repairs down the road. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your outdoor spaces thrive all season long.

Lawn Care Essentials

• Remove winter debris – Clear away fallen branches, leaves, and other debris that accumulated over winter
• Rake and dethatch – Remove dead grass to allow new growth to flourish
• Aerate compacted soil – Improve nutrient absorption and root development
• Apply spring fertilizer – Give your lawn the nutrients it needs for strong early growth
• Overseed bare patches – Address thin areas before summer heat makes establishment difficult
• Hand-pull early weeds – Target them before they establish strong root systems
• Set up proper watering schedule – Ensure your lawn receives 1-1.5 inches of water weekly

Pro Tip: Consider installing an irrigation system to save up to 37 hours of your summer spent manually watering. Our calculations show this investment typically pays for itself within 1-2 years!

Garden Bed Maintenance

• Edge all garden beds – Create clean, defined borders between lawn and planting areas
• Remove weeds and dead plants- Start with a clean slate for new growth
• Prune damaged branches – Cut back winter damage on shrubs and ornamentals
• Apply fresh mulch :
• We recommend black or brown mulch, which:
•   Suppresses weed growth naturally (reducing need for chemicals)
•   Retains soil moisture better than red varieties
•   Deters certain pests (unlike red mulch which can attract insects)
•   Provides elegant contrast with your plants
• -Divide overgrown perennials- Rejuvenate crowded plants and expand your garden

Hardscape Inspection and Repair

• Clean moss from interlocks – Prevent spread and slippery surfaces
• Check for uneven or shifting stones – Address frost heave issues promptly
• Replenish polymeric sand between pavers 
• This simple step:
•  Prevents weed growth
• Deters insect
• Stabilizes your interlock structure
• Makes your hardscape look freshly installed
• Inspect retaining walls – Look for bulging or leaning sections
• Clean and seal natural stone surfaces – Protect porous materials from staining

Exterior Structure Maintenance

• Power wash decks, fences, and siding – Remove winter grime and mildew
• Inspect and clean gutters – Ensure proper drainage away from foundations
• Apply fresh stain or sealant – Protect wooden structures from moisture damage
• Repair damaged caulking – Seal gaps around windows and exterior fixtures
• Clean windows inside and out – Maximize natural light in your home

Outdoor Lighting Review

• Check all fixtures for damage – Replace broken lights or covers
• Clean light fixtures – Remove dirt that reduces illumination
• Adjust timers for longer daylight hours – Maximize energy efficiency
• Consider adding landscape lighting – Enhance safety and extend outdoor enjoyment into evening hours

Drainage Assessment

• Inspect downspouts – Ensure they direct water away from foundations
• Check for pooling water – Address low spots in the yard
• Clean drainage grates – Remove debris from driveway and yard drains
• Consider rainwater collection systems – Reduce water bills while being eco-friendly

Why Maintenance Matters: The Cost of Procrastination

Delaying these essential maintenance tasks doesn’t just affect your property’s appearance—it can significantly impact your wallet: (pricing for a standard home up to a 50’ wide lot)

Let Black Swan Landscaping Handle Your Spring Maintenance

Feeling overwhelmed with all the items you need to check off your list? Contact us today to schedule your spring maintenance service and protect your outdoor investment.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Black Swan Landscaping serves the Greater Toronto Area, Simcoe County, and Muskoka regions with professional landscaping services that make the impossible possible.