Spring Lawn & Garden Checklist for Victoria & Saanich

With a mild winter behind us and warmer-than-average late winter temperatures, spring lawn and garden growth in Victoria and Saanich is already getting an early start. What you do now—before spring fully kicks in—can make the difference between a low-maintenance, healthy landscape and months of playing catch-up.

This local checklist breaks down exactly what homeowners should be doing in February, March, and April to get their lawns and gardens ready for the growing season.

February: Get Ahead Before the Spring Rush

February is often overlooked, but in Victoria and Saanich it’s one of the most important months for preventative landscape work. Soil is workable, moisture levels are ideal, and growth hasn’t exploded yet.

Mulch Installation (Mulch Month)

Mulching in February sets your garden beds up for success all season long:

• Locks in winter moisture

• Prevents early weed germination

• Protects roots from temperature swings

• Improves soil health as organic mulch breaks down

Installing mulch before spring growth begins is far more effective than reacting later.

Winter Pruning

Late winter is the ideal time to prune many shrubs and trees:

• Encourages strong spring growth

• Improves structure and airflow

• Reduces disease risk

Once spring growth starts, pruning windows quickly close.

Garden Bed Clean-Ups

February clean-ups help:

• Remove winter debris

• Define bed edges

• Prepare soil for mulch and planting

Clean beds early mean less weed pressure later.

Pressure Washing (Last Call)

This is the last practical window for pressure washing:

• Driveways

• Walkways

• Patios

• Fences

Once regular lawn and garden maintenance begins, pressure washing typically pauses for the season.

March: Lawn Wake-Up Phase

By March, lawns in Victoria and Saanich begin actively growing. This is when core lawn health work should happen.

Core Aeration

Aeration:

• Relieves soil compaction

• Improves water and nutrient absorption

• Supports stronger root systems

Fertilization

Early spring fertilization provides:

• Nutrients for new growth

• Stronger colour and density

• Improved stress resistance

Overseeding

Overseeding in March:

• Fills in thin or damaged areas

• Improves lawn density

• Helps crowd out weeds naturally

For best results, overseeding works best when combined with aeration.

April: Maintenance Mode

By April, growth is in full swing. Focus shifts to:

• Regular mowing

• Weed management

• Hedge trimming

• Ongoing garden maintenance

Homes that completed February and March prep typically require less corrective work during peak season.

Common Spring Lawn & Garden Mistakes

Homeowners often run into issues by:

• Waiting too long to mulch

• Skipping aeration before overseeding

• Pressure washing after plants and lawns are actively growing

• Trying to fix problems instead of preventing them

Timing is everything—especially in our coastal climate.

When to Hire a Professional

A professional lawn and garden service can:

• Schedule work at the correct time

• Use the right materials and techniques

• Save time during the busiest season

• Deliver better long-term results

For homeowners in Victoria and Saanich, early-season planning is the key to a clean, healthy, low-stress landscape.

Thinking about getting ahead this spring? Late winter availability fills quickly, and March marks the start of full maintenance schedules. Booking early ensures the best results and the easiest season ahead.