I’m not an arborist. I definitely don’t play one on TV. But I do know a thing or two about getting a home ready for spring and leaving winter behind.

This year, that even included trimming the top of our plum tree so we could get a little peekaboo view of the Sound … and maybe end up with fewer plums bouncing around the yard come summer. We can never pick them up fast enough, even though we try to take the extras to the food bank.

While I was at it, I pruned back our roses, which turns out to be exactly the right time of year, and gave our ferns a thorough haircut. And because I was feeling ambitious, I started eyeing our ornamental cherry … until a little research taught me that one should wait until late summer. So that project is officially on pause, which honestly feels like a win.

Winter in Edmonds may have been mild, but it still leaves its fingerprints. Branches settle, leaves drift into corners, and the yard takes on that “just woke up” look. Then the light starts to shift, the tulips and daffodils push through, and suddenly it feels like the right moment to bring everything back to life.

Clear out the winter leftovers

A simple cleanup makes the biggest difference. Rake out the old leaves, gather the fallen branches, and trim back anything that stretched a little too far over the winter. It’s not about creating a magazine-ready yard (although this is Edmonds, and the bar is pretty high around here); it’s about giving everything room to breathe again.

Refresh the edges

Driveways, walkways, and garden borders always take the brunt of winter. A quick sweep, a little edging, and a reset of gravel or mulch sharpens the whole look of a home. It’s amazing how much cleaner and more intentional a yard feels with just a few minutes of attention.

Take stock of what’s working

Spring is a great time to notice how your yard actually behaves. Where does the light fall in the morning? Which corners stay soggy? What areas naturally invite a chair, a planter, or a small herb pot? You don’t need a master plan, just a sense of what makes your outdoor space feel good.

Bring in early color

You don’t need to know every plant in the yard to make spring feel like spring. A few pots of tulips or daffodils by the entry or on the porch add instant warmth while the rest of the yard catches up. These early pops of color do a lot of heavy lifting.

A quick nod to the inside, too

Spring prep isn’t only outdoors. This is also the time of year when the light changes inside the house, and suddenly you notice the windows, the baseboards, and that one closet that’s been quietly judging you all winter. A little cleaning and clearing indoors makes the whole home feel lighter, just like the yard.

Prep for the season you want

Whether you’re planning to grill more, grow a few herbs, or simply enjoy a tidy front yard, spring prep is about setting the stage for the months ahead. A little effort now pays off all season long and makes those first warm evenings feel even better