Installing landscaping features is the perfect way to enhance your yard before summer. Whether you want to add eye-catching features that turn heads or simply maintain an already beautiful landscape, spring is the ideal season for updates.
Why Install Landscaping Features in the Spring?
Spring is one of the best seasons for landscape installation, especially in Metro Detroit. This is the case for several reasons, with the most obvious being that it’s the best time to build your dream landscape right before summer kicks off. But the list doesn’t end there—here’s why:
- Longer Growing Season: Michigan’s climate has warmed over the years, leading to a longer growing season. This means plants have more time to establish strong roots.
- Lower Risk of Spring Freezes: With fewer sudden cold snaps, trees, shrubs, and flowers have a better chance of thriving.
- Boost Your Property Value: Research shows that well-designed landscaping can increase home value by 10-12%, making it a smart investment for homeowners planning to sell.
Ways to Enhance Your Michigan Landscape This Spring
Best Annuals and Perennials for Metro Detroit Landscapes
Annuals are plants that live for one growing season and are perfect for brightening a dull landscape. They are the perfect addition to walkways, underwhelming gardens, perimeters, and much more, because they come in such a wide variety of colors and growing conditions. Since annuals do not typically come back after a single season of growth, they are a good choice for trying out something new, even if you are unsure of whether you will bring them back for an additional year. Some popular choices for Metro Detroit landscapes include:
Impatiens
With their bright colors and dark green leaves, impatiens thrive in partial to full sun and provide long-lasting color throughout the season. They’re also drought-resistant, making them a low-maintenance choice.
Begonias
Perfect for shaded areas, begonias feature waxy leaves and delicate blooms in pink, red, and white. They work well in garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers, adding texture and color to darker spaces.
Perennials are plants that live for multiple growing seasons. These are a good option for individuals who already know exactly what best complements their houses, walkways, and gardens. Since perennials come back year after year, they require less annual maintenance. Much like annuals, perennials come in a wide variety of colors and weather adaptions. Fertilization in the early spring can help to ensure these plants stay strong throughout the season. Some popular perennials that are perfect for Metro Detroit landscapes include:
Lavender
Lavender produces bright purple flowers with a pleasant fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes in need of a pop of color.
Hostas
Known for their lush, leafy foliage, hostas are ideal for shaded areas and garden borders. They come in various sizes and colors, from deep green to variegated white and yellow patterns, adding texture and depth to any landscape.
Purple Coneflowers
Native to Michigan, these striking flowers feature purple petals and a raised orange center. They thrive in full sun and attract pollinators while also being drought-tolerant. Theybloom from summer to fall, providing long-lasting beauty.
Best Trees and Shrubs to Plant in Metro Detroit This Spring
As previously mentioned, freezing temperatures are now less likely to occur in the Metro Detroit area throughout the spring. Milder spring weather makes this season the perfect time to plant seedlings or transplant larger trees. Warmer weather allows young or newly planted trees to establish their root systems and ensure enough moisture for proper growth. Some trees even bloom in late spring, such as the eastern redbud and the flowering dogwood, meaning if they are transplanted well, they may even bloom the same season they are installed in your landscape.
Early spring is a great time to plant shrubs for the same reason—they will use the mild weather to establish strong root systems. Adequate rainfall, which is common during the spring season, also aids in root establishment, which can help shrubs to better handle stressful weather conditions. Thawed soil, occurring in early to mid-spring in the Metro Detroit area, allows soil to become easier to work with and shrubs to be established at the preferred depth.
Some of our favorite tree and shrub choices for Metro Detroit landscapes include:
- Eastern Redbud: Blooms in late spring with beautiful pink flowers.
- Flowering Dogwood: Offers striking white or pink blossoms.
- Boxwood: A classic evergreen perfect for hedges.
- Lilac Bushes: Fragrant blooms in late spring.
- Hydrangeas: Thrive in Michigan’s climate and add seasonal color.
Spring Fertilization Tips for a Healthier Yard
There are many different ways to fertilize your lawn and plants. While the intention of fertilization may impact when you should fertilize your landscape, research has shown that fertilization in the spring is extremely effective. This is especially true if your landscape includes trees and shrubs. Fertilization is most effective after the ground thaws and soil temperatures increase. In most cases, you will want to ensure that you fertilize your trees, shrubs, and flowers in the spring prior to or at the time of growth. Fertilizing your plants at the right time will allow them to grow, produce fruit, and thrive.
Fertilizing your lawn in the spring can help grass to recover from a cold winter and to start growing again. There are two different time frames that are best for spring fertilization in Metro Detroit. The first is early spring, or right after the first frost. The second is in late April or early May, when the grass begins to grow quickly. Fertilizing your lawn can help to prevent weeds and pests while also helping to strengthen your lawn’s roots.
Transform Your Yard This Spring with J & J Landscaping
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space. Whether you’re interested in planting vibrant flowers, installing trees, or maintaining a lush lawn, spring is the time to act.
Ready to upgrade your yard? Contact J & J Landscaping today for a free estimate!
