Spring Landscaping Projects – A Comprehensive Guide
By late winter, most of us are champing at the bit to say goodbye to snow and begin some spring landscaping projects. However, when you’re located in regions with colder climates, like Hardiness Zones 5 and 6, timing is key to ensure your landscaping projects are successful and won’t be ruined by lingering, sub-zero temperatures.
In these zones, getting a head start on your landscaping project can be a bit tricky. But the below guide can help you kick off your landscaping tasks at the right times (earlier than you might think) and make the most of the spring and summer months.
Understanding The Southwestern Ontario Hardiness Zones
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to define our hardiness zones (5 & 6). Hardiness zones are determined by the average minimum temperatures that a region experiences during the winter.
- Zone 5 typically includes areas with average low temperatures ranging from –29°C to -23°C.
- Zone 6 has slightly milder winters, with average low temperatures ranging from -23°C to -18°C.
These zones are significant because they dictate what types of plants and trees will thrive (i.e. survive winter) in our area, and they also impact the timing of landscaping projects. In both zones 5 and 6, the winter frost can last into late April (or even May!), so it’s crucial to be mindful of this when planning.
The Ideal Time to Start Spring Landscaping Projects in Southwestern Ontario
Though the ground may still be thawing in early spring, there are several tasks you can begin before the frost has fully left the ground.
Early Spring (Late March to Mid April): Planning, Preparation, and Soil Work
While it’s not yet time to plant anything delicate or frost-sensitive, early spring is the perfect time to begin planning your landscaping project and preparing your yard. Here are some activities you can start with:
- Planning and Design: Take advantage of the cold weather to sketch your landscaping design. This is the time to think about your overall vision, the layout of flower beds, garden paths, patios, or water features. You can also research which plants are best suited for your zone. Drawing your plan on paper (or using a landscaping app) will help you visualize the changes and ensure your project flows smoothly once the weather warms up.
- Clearing the Area: Once the snow has melted and the ground has thawed enough, it’s time to begin spring cleanup. This can involve removing dead plants, leaves, and debris from flower beds, lawn areas, and other sections of your landscape. It’s also an ideal time to prune any shrubs or trees before they start budding. Be sure to clean up garden beds, pathways, and any other areas that need tidying up.
- Soil Testing and Preparation: Testing the pH and nutrient levels of your soil early in the season is an essential step in preparing for a successful landscaping project. You can get a soil test kit from your local garden center or university extension service. Based on the results, you can amend the soil with the necessary fertilizers, compost, or lime to improve soil health. Early spring gives you enough time to make adjustments before planting begins.
- Hardscaping: If your landscaping project includes hardscaping features like building a patio, retaining walls, or installing pathways, you can begin these tasks even in early spring. While it might still be too early to lay sod or plant anything sensitive, hardscaping typically involves working with materials like stone, gravel, or concrete that can be installed even if the ground is still a little cold. Just ensure that all of the frost is out of the ground. If it’s not, your hardscaping elements will settle after the ground thaws and you’ll most likely need to relay the stone. You can also lay out the framework for fences or garden structures.
Late Spring (Late April to Mid May): Planting and Plant Care
As the soil warms up and the last frost date approaches (typically in late April for Zone 6 and mid May for Zone 5), you can start thinking about planting. However, it’s important to wait until the soil is no longer too cold for seeds or young plants to thrive.
- Planting Hardy Perennials: In early spring, certain plants, particularly cold-tolerant perennials, can be planted in Zones 5 and 6. These include species like hostas, lavender, daylilies, and coneflowers. These hardy perennials can withstand some frost and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures have warmed a bit.
- Starting Annuals Indoors: Many gardeners in Zones 5-6 choose to start annuals indoors earlier in the year, generally around 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and petunias, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, all thrive when started inside in early spring. By doing this, you’ll have strong, healthy plants ready to be hardened off and planted outdoors when the time is right.
- Mulching and Weed Control: As the weather warms and plants begin to emerge from the soil, applying a layer of mulch around your garden beds can help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Keep an eye out for any invasive weeds that may start sprouting and remove them before they have a chance to spread.
Late Spring to Early Summer (Late May to June): Full Planting and Maintenance
Once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F, you can move forward with your full landscaping project. This is when most of the planting will take place. This period offers a long window for planting flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetables. Here’s what you can do:
- Planting Warm-Weather Crops and Annuals: After the last frost date (typically mid-May for Zone 5 and late May to early June for Zone 6), you can begin planting annuals and vegetable garden crops that need warm soil to thrive.
- Adding Trees and Shrubs: Late spring is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs, as the weather is warming and the soil is beginning to support healthy root development. When selecting trees or shrubs, make sure to choose species that are hardy in your specific zone. This will ensure that they can withstand the climate and provide long-term beauty.
- Ongoing Maintenance: As your plants start to grow, make sure to monitor their progress. Water regularly, especially during hot spells, and watch for any signs of pests or diseases. Keeping your yard free of debris, properly mulching garden beds, and maintaining your hardscaping features will ensure your landscaping project looks great throughout the season.
In Hardiness Zones 5 and 6, it’s crucial to know the optimal time for each phase of your landscaping project to get the best results. While you may have to wait for the last frost date and ensure the soil is warm enough, there are plenty of activities you can start in early spring, including planning, clearing, hardscaping, and soil preparation.
By taking advantage of the early part of the year for these preparatory tasks, you’ll be ready to plant and grow a beautiful landscape once the warmer weather arrives. Remember to tailor your landscaping plans to your specific zone’s growing season and weather patterns, and don’t forget the importance of patience—good things take time, and a little advance preparation will pay off in the end.
If you’re not a green thumb, or just want to ensure that everything is done right and at the right time, contact us and share your landscaping goals.
Choose the Right Plants
Not all snow or ice needs to be removed. In some cases, it’s better to leave it alone to avoid causing more harm than good.
Examine the Shape of Shrubs
Initial Watering: Immediately after planting or transplanting, water the tree thoroughly. This helps settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
When to Fertilize: Avoid fertilizing immediately after planting. Wait until the tree shows signs of new growth, which indicates it has begun to establish its roots.
Staking: Young trees may need to be staked to protect them from strong winds, especially in exposed areas. Use flexible tree ties that allow some movement, promoting a stronger trunk.
Frost Protection: In areas prone to frost, new 
Japanese beetles were introduced from Japan in the early 20th century and have since made themselves at home in Southwestern Ontario. These beetles have a metallic green color with copper-colored wings and are often found munching on the leaves of roses, grapes, and fruit trees.
Aphids are native to North America and thrive in our temperate climate, reproducing rapidly and infesting a wide range of plants. This makes Aphids one of the most common among the common lawn and garden pests in our region. Look for clusters of small, green, pear-shaped insects on plant stems and new growth of various garden plants, including roses, vegetables, and fruit trees.
Native to Asia, emerald ash borers arrived in North America in the early 2000s and have devastated ash tree populations. Look for D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark, canopy dieback, and S-shaped larval galleries under the bark.
Spider mites are native to North America and thrive in warm, dry conditions, rapidly infesting plants. Look for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippling or discoloration on foliage of garden plants, including tomatoes, beans, and ornamentals.
These soil-dwelling larvae are the immature stage of beetles like Japanese beetles, and they primarily feed on grass roots. Look for patches of dead or dying grass, which may indicate white grub infestation.
Cutworms are native to North America and are nocturnal pests that feed on young seedlings at or below ground level. Look for seedlings that have been cut off at the base.
Slugs and snails are native to the region and are nocturnal pests that feed on plant foliage and tender shoots of a range of garden plants. Follow slime trails and look for irregular holes in leaves.
Cabbage worms are native to North America and are the larval stage of small white butterflies. As their name implies, they feed on brassica crops. Look for green caterpillars on cabbage family plants (cabbage, broccoli, kale), causing chewing damage to leaves.
Thrips are native insects that feed on the sap of garden plants, including roses, onions, and peppers. They can transmit diseases to a wide range of plants. Look for tiny, slender insects and silvery patches on leaves.
Scale insects are native to North America and can weaken or kill plants by feeding on sap and excreting honeydew of ornamental and fruit-bearing trees. Look for small, immobile insects on stems and leaves, often surrounded by a protective shell.