TL;DR: Landscaping Salt Lake City spring guide: Plan Jan–Feb, cleanup March, aerate April, plant after Mother’s Day (mid-May). Budget $2k–$15k. Book early.
Spring landscaping in Salt Lake City requires careful timing around Utah’s unpredictable weather. Late-May frosts kill plants installed too early. Clay soil needs aeration. Irrigation systems need leak checks after freeze-thaw cycles. Contractors book 6–8 weeks out during busy season.
This 12-step guide walks you through planning, budgeting, and executing spring landscape work in Salt Lake City. From cleanup and pruning to planting and contractor selection, we cover what works in Utah’s USDA Zone 6–7 climate. Simms Landscape has managed hundreds of spring projects across the Wasatch Front—we know what lasts and what fails.
Why Spring Landscape Planning Matters in Salt Lake City
Good landscaping results start with planning, not impulse. Utah’s spring weather is unpredictable—70 °F one week, snow the next. Last frost hits mid-May. Clay soil stays cold and wet through March. Rush the process and you waste money on dead plants, missed contractor slots, and preventable mistakes. Below is our recommended step-by-step guide for planning your spring landscape project. Don’t waste your time or money!
- Frost Dates Dictate Planting: Last frost is typically mid-May (around Mother’s Day). Plant annuals too early and they die. Wait until mid-May.
- Clay Soil Compacts Over Winter: Heavy clay needs aeration every spring.
- Irrigation Systems Need Checks: Freeze-thaw cycles crack pipes and shift heads.
- Contractor Availability: Book 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Budget Planning Prevents Paralysis: Typical range $2k–$15k.
Step 1: Set Your Timeline (Late Winter Through Mid-May)
- Jan–Feb: Plan, set budget, get estimates.
- Mid-March: Cleanup once snow clears.
- Late Feb–Apr: Prune trees and shrubs.
- Early Apr: Aerate, dethatch, fertilize.
- Mid-Apr: Irrigation startup. Check out our Spring Sprinkler Startup article for more details.
- Mid-May + : Plant annuals and perennials.
Phasing prevents weather losses, spreads costs, and ensures contractor availability.
Step 2–12 (Condensed Overview)
- Assess Winter Damage & Create Task List: Document issues – plants, lawn, hardscape, irrigation, drainage.
- Establish Budget: $2k–$15k typical; include a 10–15 % contingency.
- Cleanup & Debris Removal: $300–$800 pro service mid-March.
- Prune Trees & Shrubs: Follow species-specific timing.
- Lawn Care: Aerate (Apr ≈ $100–$200), dethatch if needed, fertilize.
- Irrigation Startup: Mid-Apr ($80–$150) to catch leaks early.
- Garden Bed Prep: Add 2–3 in compost, fix pH, mulch ($2–$4 per sq ft).
- Planting After Mother’s Day: Use drought-tolerant perennials; water daily first 2 weeks.
- Hardscape Repairs & Sealing: Fix cracks, re-level pavers, seal Apr–May.
- Choose & Schedule Contractors: Verify license and insurance; book Jan–Feb.
- Final Review & Maintenance: Walkthrough, photos, watering schedule.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Planting too early, skipping irrigation check, over-fertilizing, ignoring drainage, hiring cheapest bid.
Common Spring Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting before Mother’s Day — frost kills tender plants.
- Skipping irrigation check — leaks waste 6,000 gal + per season.
- Over-fertilizing — burns grass, pollutes runoff.
- Ignoring drainage — causes foundation damage.
- Hiring cheapest contractor — no warranty or insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start spring landscaping in Salt Lake City?
Plan Jan–Feb; cleanup mid-March; aerate April; plant mid-May.
How much does it cost?
DIY cleanup $100–$300; Pro cleanup $300–$800; Full refresh $2k–$15k.
Should I hire or DIY?
DIY if under 1 acre and no tree work. Hire for pruning > 15 ft, irrigation checks, grading or hardscape repairs.
Can I plant in April?
Only cold-hardy plants (pansies, lettuce, peas). Wait until after Mother’s Day for tomatoes and annuals.
How do I find a reliable landscaper?
Verify Utah license and insurance, check references, get 3 written estimates, avoid cash-only deals.
Ready to Plan Your Spring Landscape Project?
Call Simms Landscape at (801) 285-9343 or request an estimate. Free on-site consultations, material samples, and detailed phased estimates. Clear scopes. Clean jobs. 30 + years serving Salt Lake County.