As a Michigan homeowner, you know how quickly the seasons can shift, from snowy winters to humid summers, and those changes can take a toll on your yard. Without proper planning, it’s easy for lawns to thin out, plants to struggle, and outdoor spaces to feel uninviting.
At Custom Built, we’ve helped families across Michigan design landscapes that thrive year-round. Our team understands how seasonal maintenance and smart design choices can protect your investment, boost curb appeal, and make outdoor living more enjoyable in every season.
In this guide, you’ll learn 20 practical landscaping tips tailored for spring, summer, fall, and winter, ensuring your outdoor space stays beautiful, healthy, and functional all year long:
- Spring: Refresh and Rebuild
- Summer: Grow and Protect
- Fall: Prepare and Preserve
- Winter: Secure and Plan
Spring: Refresh and Rebuild
Spring is all about renewal. After months of snow and ice, your lawn, trees, and flowerbeds need extra attention to bounce back.
This is the season to clean, repair, and set your landscaping up for healthy growth. Small investments now will pay off throughout the rest of the year.
1. Clean Up Debris
Start by clearing fallen branches, leaves, and any dead plants that may have piled up over the winter. This helps your lawn breathe and prevents pests from making a home in the debris.
Pay special attention to corners, flowerbeds, and under shrubs where buildup tends to hide. A thorough cleanup sets the stage for every other task that follows, giving your yard a clean, healthy foundation for spring growth.
2. Boost Your Lawn’s Health
Aerating compacted soil improves root growth and allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the grass more effectively. Follow up with a balanced fertilizer tailored to your soil type to encourage lush, vibrant growth throughout the season.
If bare spots appear, reseed those areas early so new grass has time to establish. Consistent watering and mowing at the right height will help maintain a dense, resilient lawn.
3. Prune Shrubs and Trees
Cutting back winter-damaged or overgrown branches helps prevent disease and stimulates healthy new growth. Pruning also improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, both of which are essential for strong plants.
Use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and shape shrubs or trees to enhance your home’s overall landscape design.
4. Plant Seasonal Flowers
Add bursts of color and personality with spring annuals and perennials that thrive in your region.
Early blooms such as pansies, tulips, or daffodils improve curb appeal and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies that benefit your entire garden. Mix colors, heights, and textures for a layered, dynamic look that lasts through the season.
5. Refresh Mulch Beds
A fresh layer of mulch locks in soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and creates a polished, finished appearance around your landscape. Before applying, remove old, compacted mulch and edge the borders of your beds for a clean, defined look.
Choose a mulch color that complements your home’s exterior, and keep the layer about 2-3 inches deep to maintain proper soil temperature and plant health.
Summer: Grow and Protect
Summer is when you spend the most time outdoors, so your landscaping should look its best. Heat, humidity, and long days mean your plants need steady care and protection.
With regular upkeep, your outdoor space can handle both family barbecues and relaxing evenings by the fire pit.
1. Water Wisely
Deep watering in the early morning reduces evaporation and strengthens root systems, helping your plants become more drought-tolerant over time.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which encourages weak, surface-level roots that can’t withstand heat or dry spells.
If possible, use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots where it’s most effective. Consistency is key: watering deeply two to three times a week is far better than a light daily sprinkle.
2. Mow at the Right Height
Keeping your grass slightly taller, around 3 to 4 inches for most species, shades the soil, prevents weeds from germinating, and helps the lawn retain moisture. Taller blades also protect the roots from extreme heat and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Always mow with sharp blades and follow the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time to avoid stressing your lawn.
3. Create Shaded Areas
Pergolas, umbrellas, or awnings do more than make outdoor spaces comfortable; they extend how long you can enjoy your yard throughout the summer.
Strategically placed shade structures protect delicate plants from scorching sun, prevent soil from drying out too quickly, and create inviting zones for relaxation or entertaining. Consider using climbing plants or outdoor curtains on pergolas for added beauty and natural cooling.
4. Monitor Pests
Summer is peak season for insects and plant diseases, which can spread fast if unnoticed. Check the undersides of leaves, stems, and flower buds regularly for early signs of trouble.
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that naturally control harmful pests. If treatment is necessary, start with eco-friendly solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap before moving to stronger methods.
Early intervention helps protect both your garden and the surrounding ecosystem.
5. Use Containers
Potted plants add flexibility and creativity to your outdoor design. You can rearrange them to refresh your layout, highlight color combinations, or fill empty spaces as needed.
Containers are also practical. Move them into shade or indoors during heatwaves or storms to prevent stress. Choose lightweight pots with proper drainage, and use high-quality potting soil to keep roots healthy and hydrated.
Mixing various sizes and materials can create layers of visual interest across patios, decks, or garden paths.
Fall: Prepare and Preserve
Fall is the season of transition. It’s the ideal time to give your landscaping a final boost before winter while also cleaning and organizing outdoor spaces.
By preparing now, you’ll minimize damage during freezing temperatures and set the stage for a strong spring comeback.
1. Rake and Remove Leaves
Keeping your lawn and gutters clear of fallen leaves prevents mold, rot, and suffocated grass. When leaves pile up, they block sunlight and trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for disease and pests.
Make this task part of your weekly fall routine to keep your yard healthy and safe. Instead of bagging everything up, consider composting the leaves. Once broken down, they create nutrient-rich soil that can boost your garden’s health next year.
2. Plant Bulbs
Fall is the ideal time to plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other spring-flowering bulbs. The cooler weather allows bulbs to establish strong roots before the ground freezes, ensuring a colorful, early display when spring arrives.
Choose well-draining soil, and plant bulbs at a depth of about two to three times their size. Group them in clusters or natural drifts for a more striking visual impact once they bloom.
3. Cut Back Perennials
Trimming back old growth and removing spent annuals tidies your garden beds and helps prevent disease from lingering over winter.
Cutting perennials down to a few inches above the soil redirects energy to the roots, promoting strength and regrowth when the weather warms.
Be selective. Some perennials, like ornamental grasses or seed-bearing plants, can be left standing for winter interest and to feed birds.
4. Fertilize Your Lawn
A late-season fertilizer application gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to build strong roots before winter. Look for a slow-release formula high in potassium to promote cold tolerance and overall health.
This step helps grass store energy for the dormant season and bounce back faster with rich green growth in spring. Combine this with aeration for even better absorption and long-term results.
5. Winterize Your Irrigation
Before the first hard frost, drain your hoses, shut off and bleed outdoor faucets, and store irrigation equipment indoors.
Water left in pipes or sprinkler lines can expand as it freezes, leading to cracks, bursts, and costly repairs. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, blow out the lines with compressed air or schedule a professional winterization service.
Taking these precautions protects your investment and ensures your irrigation system is ready to go when spring returns.
Winter: Secure and Plan
PC: STIHL
Michigan winters can be tough on landscaping, but your yard doesn’t have to look bare.
With a mix of protective steps and thoughtful design, you can keep your property safe while still adding seasonal beauty. Winter is also the perfect time to plan next year’s outdoor projects.
1. Protect Vulnerable Plants
Wrap young trees and shrubs with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from harsh winter conditions such as frost, windburn, and heavy snow.
Consider staking taller plants for additional stability, and apply mulch around the base to insulate roots from freezing temperatures. These steps reduce winter stress, prevent breakage, and significantly increase the chances your plants will thrive in the spring.
2. Choose Safe De-icers
Many traditional salts can harm grass, soil structure, and nearby plants. Look for plant-friendly alternatives, such as calcium magnesium acetate or sand mixed with eco-friendly ice melt products.
Apply sparingly and directly on walkways to keep paths safe while protecting your landscaping investment. Reapplying after heavy storms ensures safety without overexposing the soil and plants to harmful chemicals.
3. Remove Heavy Snow
Gently brush snow off shrubs, trees, and other delicate plants to prevent broken branches or crushed foliage. Avoid shaking branches aggressively, as frozen wood is brittle and prone to splitting.
For evergreens, use a broom to lift snow upward rather than side to side, and focus on areas where snow accumulates heavily to minimize damage.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal
Winter doesn’t have to be dull. Evergreens, ornamental grasses, berry-bearing shrubs, and decorative outdoor lighting can maintain visual interest during colder months.
Layer textures and colors, such as dark green pine, red holly berries, or frosted grasses, to create depth and appeal. Thoughtful winter landscaping adds charm to your home and makes your property inviting even when flowers aren’t in bloom.
5. Plan Ahead
Use the winter downtime to strategize landscaping updates, new garden beds, or hardscaping features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
Sketch layouts, research plant varieties, and budget for materials so that you can hit the ground running when spring arrives. Early planning ensures you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and implement projects efficiently once the growing season begins.
Next Steps to Updating Your Landscaping
Each season offers unique ways to care for your landscaping and keep your property looking its best.
In this article, you learned how small, season-specific tasks, like mulching in spring, watering wisely in summer, clearing leaves in fall, and protecting plants in winter, work together to maintain beauty and health year-round.
At Custom Built, we guide Michigan homeowners in creating and maintaining outdoor spaces that are both functional and timeless.
If you’re ready to plan landscaping updates that match your home’s needs, reach out to our team today.
Now that you know more about seasonal landscaping tips for year-round beauty, let’s take a look at the characteristics to look for in a reputable landscaping company, the top flora to plant for your deck, and terms you should know before starting your project:
- 7 Qualities of a Reliable Landscaping Company - Make the right choice while vetting your landscaping company options with our high-level article.
- 10 Best Plants for Your Michigan Deck - Discover the top foliage to incorporate into your Michigan outdoor living space for top-tier aesthetics and durability.
- The Ultimate Guide to Landscaping Terms for Your Home Remodel - Want to add more landscaping jargon to your vocabulary? Check out our guide to common terms.
