Pre-season Pruning and Cleanup

Ah, glorious almost-spring! That magical time when the snow melts, the sun shines, and you realize your yard looks like it's been through a rough winter.

Don't bee stressed, we're here to help! Let's get that outdoor space looking less "abandoned homestead" and more "magazine-worthy retreat."

Pruning = Tree Therapy

Those trees aren't going to prune themselves (shocking, I know). Time to give them some tough love. Grab your hand pruners or loppers (because anything bigger means you've got bigger problems) and get ready to snip.

We're talking about branches growing into each other – because nobody needs that kind of drama. Also, anything with a tight, upright angle (think "elbow" not "open arms") needs to go.

Those angles trap moisture and lead to rot, which is about as attractive as a week-old banana peel. Anything rubbing or hitting something else? Buh-bye.

Diseased or damaged branches? Consider it a mercy killing.

And remember, be reasonable – don't go hacking off more than 1/3 of the plant structure. We're going for "chic and sleek," not "the Edward Scissorhands chop treatment."

Shrub Rehab

Your shrubs are begging for a makeover.

Time to evict those old, gnarly branches that are just taking up space.

Red twig dogwoods looking a little…brown? The oldest branches lose their beautiful wintertime coloring after a few years.

Lilacs not blooming like they used to? Old wood is the culprit.

Plus, big branches rubbing together? That's a recipe for moisture problems and wounds.

"Pruning encourages new lush growth that will provide you with the color your heart desires." – Chelsey, The Queen Bee

Remember it is safest for plant health to remove only 1/3 of the overall plant structure. Over-pruning stresses the roots, and we don't want any plant casualties.

Think of it as a spa day for your shrubs – they'll thank you with better air circulation and fewer diseases.

Flower Bed Face-Lift

See those cute little green shoots poking through the soil?

That's your cue to clean up the flower beds. Gently remove the old growth – you can cut or break it off, but don't pull. Unless you want to accidentally yank out the roots and cause a plant funeral before the season even starts.

Grass Grooming

Time to tame those ornamental grasses.

Hedge trimmers or long-handled shears are your friends here. Bonus points if you have a helper – one person holds the foliage together while the other chops. I like to leave about 3-4 inches, but you can go a bit lower. Just be careful not to damage the crown or the growing point of the grass.

Pot Purge

Let’s start the season clean! Clean and disinfect your old pots.

A 10% bleach solution and some soapy water will do the trick. And for the love of all that is green, get rid of any old, diseased soil. Saving a few bucks isn't worth infecting your new plants.

Think of it this way: a clean pot is a happy pot, and a happy pot means happy plants. And happy plants mean a happy you. (Hopefully.)

Get Started Now for Spring

A little work now on the nicer days can really help you get jump started for spring!