March marks the transition from winter to spring in New England, and while the weather can be unpredictable, this is the month to prepare your landscape for the growing season ahead. From early blooms to essential spring cleanup, now is the time to refresh your yard and set the stage for a vibrant, healthy landscape!
🌱 Early Spring To-Do List
March is all about prepping the garden while keeping an eye on the weather. Here are some key tasks to tackle this month:
Spring Cleanup Begins – As the snow melts, remove debris, fallen branches, and leftover leaves to allow new growth to emerge.
Prune Trees & Shrubs – Late winter to early spring is the perfect time to prune summer-blooming shrubs like hydrangeas and butterfly bush. Avoid cutting spring-bloomers (like lilacs) until after they flower.
Cut Back Ornamental Grasses & Perennials – Trim last season’s growth before new shoots emerge.
Edge Garden Beds – Define flower beds and clean up edges for a crisp, fresh look.
Lawn Prep – Rake matted grass and check for bare patches that may need seeding in April.
Check Hardscapes – Inspect walkways, patios, and stone walls for winter damage and plan for any needed repairs.
Pro Tip: March is also a great time to plan new landscape projects! Whether it’s adding a new garden bed, installing a patio, or revamping your front entryway, now is the time to start designing.
🌸 Early Spring Color: What’s Blooming?
While March isn’t peak bloom season, certain plants start waking up, offering some much-needed early-season interest.
🌼 Spring Bloomers to Watch For:
Witch Hazel – This hardy shrub blooms as early as February, offering bright yellow or red flowers when most plants are still dormant.
Snowdrops & Crocuses – These cheerful bulbs push through melting snow, bringing the first hints of color to the landscape.
Hellebores (Lenten Rose) – These evergreen perennials bloom in late winter and early spring, thriving in shaded garden beds.
Forsythia – A true sign of spring, forsythia bursts into golden yellow blooms before its leaves emerge.
Pussy Willows – Their silvery catkins add interest to landscapes and floral arrangements.
Pro Tip: If your yard lacks early spring color, March is the perfect time to plan new plantings for next year!
🌳 Tree & Shrub Planting: Get a Head Start
While the ground may still be frozen in early March, late March into April is a great time to start planting cold-hardy trees and shrubs.
Best Trees & Shrubs to Plant in Early Spring:
Red Maple – A native tree that provides brilliant fall color.
River Birch – Tolerates wet soil and has beautiful peeling bark.
Serviceberry – Offers spring flowers, summer berries, and fall color—a triple threat!
Boxwood & Hollies – Evergreen shrubs that add year-round structure to garden beds.
Lilacs – Iconic New England shrubs that bloom in May—plant now to enjoy their fragrance later!
Pro Tip: If you’re planting in March, make sure the soil is workable (not frozen or overly saturated) and mulch around new plants to insulate the roots.
🌿 Ready to Refresh Your Landscape? Let’s Get Started!
March is the perfect time to plan for a beautiful and thriving landscape this year! Whether you need spring cleanup, new plantings, or a fresh design, our team is ready to help.
Book a Free Consultation