Most people want to own an outdoor space to be proud of. This is clear to see when considering statistics like 186 million Americans garden regularly. After all, no one wants to host a BBQ with family and friends in a yard filled with overgrown shrubs and a weed-filled lawn. If you find yourself a bit embarrassed about the state of your yard, then it’s time for a change, isn’t it?

Beginning early on is the best thing to do when preparing your yard for spring 2026. Winter and spring are the best seasons to do so, just so you know, but you should keep in mind the image you have in mind for your backyard. To ensure you do this right, follow the three tips outlined below. 

Clean Up Any Debris

One of the first steps when preparing your backyard for spring is the clean-up. Not only will this make it easier to carry out further tasks, but it also eliminates potential hiding spots for molds and pests. Harmful insects and disease-causing fungi spores hide in debris. These will cause problems over time. The increased airflow after cleaning away debris will benefit your plants and soil, too.

However, consider the mess you are cleaning up. During the winter months, some birds, like finches and sparrows, rely on the insects and seeds typically found in debris for food. You could remove a critical food source if you clean too early, so it is worthwhile researching the birds in your area. If you are able to, it might be a nice idea to leave one area untouched for these birds to forage.

There are specific areas to look at when cleaning up your backyard. Any mulch that has been put down for winter protection should be removed. Doing so will allow pollinators to emerge. Branches, dead leaves, and plant debris should be raked up next. These are usually found on the lawn, flower beds, and around shrubs. This will uncover any weeds you need to deal with.

Prune Carefully

When it comes to pruning, being careful is crucial. Incorrect pruning causes a variety of problems, so you must consider the type of shrubs and trees you will be trimming. For example, a spring-flowering shrub should not be pruned until it has bloomed. This stops you from cutting off this year’s flowers. 

But pruning does provide the foundation for healthy plant growth. Targeting the four D’s – dead, dying, damaged, and diseased stems – will promote a strong structure. Remember, a well-pruned tree is more likely to withstand frost or heavy snowfall. 

When cutting, it is essential to do so correctly. Cut above a healthy, outward-facing bud. Do this at a 45-degree angle. This promotes growth and prevents water from pooling on the cut surface. Cuts need to be clean, so tools must be sharpened. A dull chainsaw will typically struggle to get through thick branches. Having a chainsaw sharpener and other maintenance equipment to hand would be useful.

Amend and Protect Soil

Soil is a significant factor when supporting a healthy yard. The soil must be in good condition for plants to grow. Nutrients become depleted as time progresses, though. This is why you must amend the soil. Soil amending improves the physical and chemical properties of the soil, ensuring plants are healthy and strong.

Another aspect of the soil is its protection. Protecting the soil will primarily involve mulching. A high-quality mulch shields that soil from environmental stressors during the off-season. It acts as a physical barrier – blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. The mulch shield will also insulate the soil and retain moisture; both of which are vital are growing plants in the future.

To conclude, preparing your outdoor space for spring next year is no small feat. It requires a lot of labor, but that will all be worthwhile if completed properly. Fortunately for you, the three tips outlined above are useful in achieving this.