Winter can be brutal in Grand Rapids, so it’s important to tackle your lawn care and landscaping tasks during the months when the weather permits it. Follow this seasonal landscaping plan, to keep pace with all your yard work.

Spring

• Lawn Care: Mowing season starts mid to late April.
• Irrigation: Unpredictable weather means the end of May is the best time to start using your irrigation system.
• Landscape Lighting: The ground should be soft enough to install lights after the last frost.
• Hardscaping: Install patios, walkways, and other hardscape features mid to late spring.
• Fencing: Install fencing when temperatures consistently remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pruning: Get those trees and shrubs ready for the hot summers with late May pruning and shaping.
• Planting: When the threat of frost is no longer a concern, plant flower beds, trees, shrubs, and ground covers.
• Mulch: Spreading mulch around your plants will help bring them to life while suppressing weeds.

Summer

• Lawn Care: Continue to mow weekly.
• Irrigation: Water your lawn deeply and early in the morning or install an irrigation system to do so.
• Fencing: Now is a good time to inspect, repair, replace, or install a fence.
• Hardscaping: Complete hardscape projects early in the summer so you can enjoy them while the weather is still nice.
• Pruning: Shape up shrubs after they flower.

Fall

• Lawn Care: Mow as needed and reduce frequency as the end of the mowing season approaches, around late October or early November.
• Hardscaping: If you didn’t finish in the summer, complete hardscaping projects before the weather drops to freezing.
• Fencing: Installing or repairing fences in the fall means avoiding spring demand and availability issues.
• Leaf Cleanup: Keep the grass clear of leaves. It helps maintain a healthy lawn. Find out more about curbside and drop-off yard waste services.
• Planting: Install trees and hardy shrubs.
• Mulch: Apply mulch to protect roots from Jack Frost.
• Irrigation: Prevent freeze damage by winterizing your system before temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter

• Pruning: Prune trees and shrubs when they're hibernating so they’re ready for spring.
• Hardscaping: Figure out your hardscape project and gardening layout plans now.

Whether you need routine lawn care or some landscaping, LawnStarter’s Grand Rapids landscaping pros have you covered with expert service at prices you’ll love.