March in Sonoma County marks the transition from winter’s cool, wet conditions to the warmer, longer days of spring. This is the time to prepare landscapes for a season of vibrant growth, ensuring that plants, lawns, and trees are healthy and thriving.
At Gardenworks Inc., we specialize in seasonal landscape maintenance tailored to our region’s unique climate. Our team understands how to work with Sonoma County’s soil, native plants, and seasonal rainfall patterns to keep landscapes looking their best.
Table of Contents
Why March Is Important to Landscape Health
March Gardening Checklist: Essential Tasks for a Thriving Property
Protect Your Investment with a Landscape Maintenance Plan
Why March Is Important to Landscape Health
March is the turning point from winter dormancy to active growth. Lawns, plants, and soil need a boost to recover from colder months and prepare for the season ahead. Taking action now sets the foundation for a lush, healthy landscape that thrives through spring and summer.
Early maintenance also prevents costly problems down the line. Without proper care:
Weeds spread quickly and become harder to control.
Pests take hold, damaging plants before they have a chance to grow.
Irrigation issues go unnoticed until the dry season, leading to water waste or plant stress.
Addressing these concerns now ensures a smooth transition into the growing season while avoiding expensive repairs later. Investing in landscape maintenance services this month means fewer headaches and a stronger, more resilient outdoor space.
March Gardening Checklist: Essential Tasks for a Thriving Property
March is the ideal time to take care of essential landscape maintenance tasks that will set the stage for a healthy and thriving spring. Focusing on soil management, tree and shrub pruning, irrigation maintenance, and lawn care will ensure that the landscape remains beautiful and resilient through the changing seasons.
Spring Cleanup & Soil Management
Winter often leaves landscapes with fallen debris, compacted soil, and depleted nutrients. If left unaddressed, these issues hinder plant health, slow new growth, and increase the risk of pest infestations. Landscapers clean up and refresh your landscape to ensure plants have the best possible start for the season.
Your landscaping crew will:
Clear debris from garden beds and turf areas to remove fallen leaves, dead plants, and organic matter that could attract pests or contribute to fungal growth.
Apply fresh mulch to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds, ensuring a well-maintained and polished appearance.
Aerate the soil to break up compaction, improving oxygen flow and allowing nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone.
Perform soil testing to determine pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, allowing for precise amendments that promote optimal plant health.
Apply organic fertilizers to provide slow-release nutrients that improve soil structure and long-term plant resilience.
Pruning Trees and Shrubs for Structure & Health
Strategic pruning in early spring is essential for both aesthetics and plant health. Leftover winter damage, deadwood, and weak branches must be removed to prevent disease spread and encourage vigorous new growth. Proper pruning also helps trees and shrubs develop a balanced structure, reducing risks of wind damage and breakage throughout the year.
Key tasks include:
Removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches to prevent decay and eliminate potential entry points for pests and fungi.
Shaping trees and shrubs for a uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance, ensuring proper clearance from walkways, buildings, and other landscape features.
Thinning out dense growth to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration; to help prevent fungal infections; and to encourage healthier foliage and blooms.
Inspecting and Optimizing Irrigation Systems
A well-functioning irrigation system is critical for maintaining lush, healthy landscapes while conserving water. After a season of dormancy, systems often develop clogs, leaks, and inefficiencies that need professional attention before the growing season begins. Optimizing irrigation now helps prevent costly water waste and ensures even distribution.
A certified water manager will:
Check sprinkler heads and drip systems for blockages, leaks, or misaligned nozzles that could cause uneven watering.
Adjust watering schedules to match seasonal needs, preventing overwatering early in the season and ensuring plants receive the right moisture levels.
Inspect for leaks, damaged pipes, or valve issues that could lead to water waste, plant stress, and increased utility costs.
Perform Essential Lawn Care Services
A healthy lawn enhances a property’s curb appeal, durability, and value. March is the perfect time for core aeration, dethatching, overseeding, and pre-emergent weed control to prepare turf for the demands of spring and summer. Taking these steps early ensures strong root development, even growth, and reduced weed competition.
Key tasks include:
Dethatching lawns to remove excess organic matter that can suffocate turf, improve airflow, and reduce fungal risk.
Aerating compacted areas to allow better penetration of water, air, and nutrients, promoting deep root growth.
Overseeding bare or thinning patches with high-quality grass seed tailored to the local climate and soil conditions.
Applying pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds like crabgrass from establishing before the warmer months.
Implementing deep, infrequent watering strategies to promote strong, drought-resistant root systems.
Protect Your Investment with a Landscape Maintenance Plan
A well-preserved landscape directly impacts your property’s curb appeal, value, and long-term health. Regular maintenance keeps costly repairs at bay, helps gardens thrive, and secures your outdoor space’s beauty and function throughout the year!
At Gardenworks Inc., our comprehensive landscape services cover everything from soil enrichment and seasonal plant care to precise irrigation adjustments, pest management, and lawn health. With a dedicated team of experts, we take the guesswork out of upkeep. Call (707) 857-2050 to get an estimate for a customized landscape maintenance package.