When spring arrives, many homeowners feel the urge to wait until the weather is perfect before starting landscaping projects. While late spring may seem safer, early spring is actually the most important window for planting, pruning, and weed prevention—and missing it can create problems that last all season.
At Absolute Landscapes, we see the difference every year between landscapes that get an early start and those that wait too long. Here’s why early spring planting and maintenance sets your property up for success.
Early Spring Gives Plants a Stronger Start
Early spring offers cooler temperatures, higher soil moisture, and less stress on newly installed plants. This allows roots to establish before summer heat arrives.
When plants go into the ground early:
-
Roots grow deeper and stronger
-
Plants need less supplemental watering later
-
Shrubs and perennials handle summer stress better
-
Overall plant health and longevity improve
Late-spring planting forces plants to focus on survival instead of establishment, often leading to slower growth and increased maintenance needs.
Missed Pruning Windows Can Hurt Plant Health
Many trees and shrubs must be pruned before they break dormancy. Once buds open and sap is flowing, pruning can:
-
Reduce flowering for the entire season
-
Stress the plant
-
Increase the risk of disease and pests
Early spring is the ideal time to:
-
Shape ornamental trees and shrubs
-
Remove winter damage
-
Improve airflow and structure
Waiting until late spring often means you’ve missed the proper pruning window, especially for flowering plants like hydrangeas, azaleas, and flowering trees.
Pre-Emergent Weed Control Only Works If It’s Early
Pre-emergent weed control is one of the most misunderstood lawn treatments.
“Pre” literally means before.
The word comes from Latin, meaning before emergence.
Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before weed seeds germinate—not after you see weeds popping up.
When applied in early spring:
-
Crabgrass and other invasive weeds are stopped before they grow
-
Lawns stay thicker and healthier
-
Fewer weeds compete for water and nutrients
Once weeds emerge, pre-emergent no longer works. Late applications are ineffective and lead to more weeds all season long.
Early Action Saves Time, Money, and Frustration
Landscapes that start early require:
-
Fewer corrective treatments
-
Less replanting
-
Lower water usage in summer
-
Fewer weed and pest issues
By contrast, waiting until late spring often means playing catch-up—addressing problems that could have been prevented.
The Best Time to Act Is Before Problems Start
Early spring landscaping isn’t about rushing—it’s about timing. Proper planting, pruning, and pre-emergent applications must happen before visible growth begins.
At Absolute Landscapes, we help homeowners throughout Howard County and surrounding areas take advantage of the most important seasonal window so their landscapes thrive all year long.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve missed a step—or want to make sure everything is done right—our team is here to help.
👉 Contact Absolute Landscapes today to schedule your early spring landscape services and get your property off to the best possible start.