As winter fades and longer days return, your landscape is preparing to wake up. Early spring in areas like Raleigh can shift quickly from cold snaps to warm, wet conditions. What you do in this transition window sets the tone for the entire growing season. A thoughtful approach now leads to stronger turf, healthier plants, and fewer problems later.
Start with a Clean-Up
Remove leaves, fallen branches, and storm debris that accumulated over winter. Clearing this material allows sunlight and airflow to reach turf and plant beds, reducing disease pressure and encouraging even green-up.
While cleaning up, evaluate soil compaction and drainage. If water puddles in certain areas or turf feels hard underfoot, aeration may be needed once warm-season grasses are actively growing. Addressing these concerns early strengthens root systems before summer heat arrives.
Prune with Purpose
Late winter to very early spring is the ideal time to prune many shrubs before they flush with new growth. Focus on:
- Crape myrtles (selective structural pruning, not topping)
- Roses
- Fruit trees
- Summer-blooming shrubs
Pruning now encourages healthy branching, improves air circulation, and enhances flowering performance. However, avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas or camellias until after they flower, or you risk removing this year’s blooms.
Be Strategic with Perennials
It can be tempting to cut everything back the moment the weather warms, but there is ecological value in waiting. Many native bees and beneficial insects overwinter inside hollow stems and plant debris. Leaving perennial stems standing through winter provides essential habitat.
We recommend waiting until consistent daytime temperatures reach around 50 degrees before cutting back all of your ornamental grasses and perennials. This gives pollinators time to emerge while still allowing you to refresh beds before new growth fully takes off. Supporting pollinators strengthens the overall health of your landscape.
Pre-Emergent and Fertility Planning
Apply pre-emergent herbicide at the correct soil temperature to prevent crabgrass and other summer annual weeds. Timing matters more than the calendar. A soil test is also valuable before applying fertilizer. Understanding nutrient levels and pH ensures you are feeding your lawn appropriately rather than guessing.
Irrigation Start-Up and Walk-Through
Spring is the right time to schedule irrigation start-up. A professional system check should include:
- Inspecting and adjusting spray heads
- Checking for leaks or damaged lines
- Testing each zone for proper coverage
- Calibrating run times for seasonal needs
An irrigation walk-through ensures even distribution, prevents overspray onto hardscapes, and reduces water waste. Proper watering supports deeper root growth and minimizes disease pressure as temperatures rise.
If you would like a professional spring walk-through of your property, reach out to Myatt Landscaping and Construction. Our team can evaluate your turf, irrigation, and plant material and implement a plan that sets your landscape up for long-term success.
Getting Your Landscape Ready for Spring in Central North Carolina
As winter fades in Raleigh and surrounding Triangle communities, your landscape begins transitioning from dormancy to active growth. Early spring weather in Central North Carolina can swing quickly between cold snaps and warm, wet conditions - and what you do during this window directly impacts turf health, plant vigor, and weed pressure throughout the year.
A proactive spring plan strengthens root systems, improves flowering performance, and prevents costly issues before summer heat arrives.
👉 Schedule a Spring Landscape Walk-Through
Serving Homeowners Across the Triangle
If you’re in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill and need expert help with landscaping, hardscaping, or outdoor construction, Myatt Landscaping and Construction is here to help.
From custom patios and retaining walls to full outdoor design-build projects, our local team has served the Triangle area for more than 25 years.
📍 Myatt Landscaping and Construction
217 Technology Park Ln, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
☎ (919) 577-6050
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I clean up my yard after winter?
Early spring is ideal for removing leaves, branches, and debris. Clearing beds and turf improves airflow, sunlight exposure, and reduces disease pressure.
When should ornamental grasses and perennials be cut back?
Wait until consistent daytime temperatures reach around 50°F. This allows overwintering pollinators to emerge while still preparing beds for new growth.
When is the right time to apply pre-emergent herbicide?
Apply pre-emergent when soil temperatures consistently reach the appropriate threshold for crabgrass prevention - timing matters more than the calendar date.
Which plants should be pruned in early spring?
Crape myrtles (with proper structural pruning), roses, fruit trees, and summer-blooming shrubs benefit from late winter or early spring pruning. Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas until after flowering.
Why is irrigation start-up important?
A spring irrigation check ensures proper coverage, identifies leaks, adjusts spray heads, and calibrates run times for seasonal conditions - preventing water waste and uneven growth.
Should I fertilize in early spring?
A soil test is recommended before fertilization. Understanding nutrient levels and pH ensures your turf and plants receive precisely what they need.