When the dogwoods bloom and the soil starts to warm up, it’s time to trade in the rake for a fresh landscaping plan. Spring in North Georgia is one of the best seasons to breathe new life into your outdoor space—but it’s also when small issues left over from winter can quickly get out of hand if they’re not addressed early.
At Complete Horticulture & Tree Service, we help homeowners across Canton, Woodstock, and the surrounding area get their landscapes in top shape each spring. Whether you’re managing a large estate or just want your front yard to stand out in the neighborhood, this spring checklist will help you protect your investment, prevent problems, and set the stage for a beautiful growing season.
✅ 1. Inspect Trees and Shrubs for Damage
North Georgia winters may not be harsh, but wind, frost, and heavy rain can still damage trees and shrubs. Walk your property and look for:
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Broken or hanging branches
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Cracked limbs
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Leaning or uprooted trees
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Early signs of disease or pest activity
If you see any red flags, especially around your home or driveway, call us for a professional tree risk assessment. Removing or pruning hazardous limbs now can prevent property damage later.
✅ 2. Clean Up Leaves, Debris, and Mulch Beds
Old leaves and fallen limbs left behind from winter storms can smother your lawn and garden beds. Clear out:
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Dead leaves
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Broken branches
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Matted mulch
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Any leftover holiday greenery (yes, it happens!)
This opens up your soil to sunlight and air—key ingredients for healthy spring growth. It also helps prevent mold and pest problems.
✅ 3. Re-Edge and Refresh Mulch
A clean edge on your flower beds not only looks sharp—it keeps grass and weeds from creeping in. After edging, apply a fresh 2–3” layer of mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and give your beds a polished appearance.
Choose natural hardwood mulch for a clean, high-end look. We recommend keeping mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs to avoid rot.
✅ 4. Test and Prep Your Soil
Before you plant anything new this spring, make sure your soil is ready to support it. Georgia’s clay soil often lacks organic matter and can be compacted.
Consider:
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Soil testing (we can help with that)
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Aeration to improve water and nutrient penetration
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Adding compost or conditioner if your soil is too acidic or compact
Healthy soil = fewer lawn issues later.
✅ 5. Plan and Install New Sod or Seed
Spring is a prime time for sod installation in North Georgia. Whether you’re starting fresh or patching bare areas, now is when warm-season grasses like Zoysia and Bermuda start to grow strong roots.
Need help deciding between sod and seed? Check out this blog →
✅ 6. Prune for Shape and Health
Spring is a good time to prune many shrubs, hedges, and small ornamental trees—but timing matters. Prune too early and you risk frost damage; too late and you may cut off new buds.
A quick rule of thumb:
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Prune spring-blooming shrubs after they flower (azaleas, dogwoods, etc.)
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Prune summer-flowering shrubs early in spring before buds form
Our team can handle selective pruning to shape your plants without harming their growth.
✅ 7. Inspect and Adjust Drainage
With spring rains on the way, now is the time to make sure your yard is draining properly. Look for:
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Pooling water near your foundation
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Erosion on slopes
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Soggy low spots in the yard
We specialize in French drains and grading solutions that protect your home and lawn from costly water damage. Learn more: French Drain Installation in Canton, GA →
✅ 8. Tune-Up Irrigation Systems
Don’t wait until your plants are wilting in May—turn on your irrigation system and inspect it for:
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Leaks or clogs
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Broken sprinkler heads
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Uneven coverage
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Proper timing settings
Need help? We offer full irrigation assessments and seasonal maintenance for Canton-area homeowners.
✅ 9. Add Color and Curb Appeal
Once your beds are cleaned and prepped, it’s time to plant! Spring is ideal for adding:
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Annual flowers like petunias, impatiens, and marigolds
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Perennials such as salvia, daylilies, and black-eyed Susans
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Native plants that thrive in our soil and climate
Don’t forget to add fresh pine straw or mulch around your plantings for a clean, polished look.
🏡 Need Help Getting It All Done?
Spring is one of the busiest times of year for yardwork, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Complete Horticulture & Tree Service, we provide full-service spring cleanups, tree care, sod installation, and landscape design for homeowners who want results without the backache.
Whether you’re tackling a full redesign or just need a seasonal refresh, our team is ready to help.
📞 Ready for a professional spring landscape refresh?
Call 770-243-3984 or schedule your spring consultation online at
🌐 completehorticulture.com
Proudly serving Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Alpharetta, and surrounding North Georgia communities.
