Maintain Lawn and Order as Spring Wakes Up Your Yard

Spring is the best time of year in Southwest Louisiana. With the right care—and the right partners—your yard can become the season’s most rewarding project. 

Spring has a way of waking everything up at once. The trees bud, lawns green up and, suddenly, every bare patch in the yard feels like a honey-do item. The good news is that smart planning now will set the tone for a lush, inviting outdoor space all season long. 

Fresh Plantings 

Spring is prime time for planting. As soil temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more consistent, new shrubs, trees and perennials have perfect conditions to establish strong root systems before summer heat sets in. 

“Native plants are always a smart choice,” says Ryan Boyd, owner of Twisted Vines Landscaping of Lake Charles. “They’re adapted to local conditions and tend to require less maintenance and water.” 

Mix textures and bloom times for visual interest that lasts beyond a single burst of color. Early bloomers like azaleas can give way to summer standouts later. Before planting, enrich beds with compost and fresh mulch to lock in moisture and suppress weeds. If adding trees, think long-term. Consider mature height and canopy spread, and plant with proper spacing to avoid overcrowding as the landscape fills in. 

Set The Stage 

A healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Spring is the time to get your lawn dethatched, aerated and fertilized to encourage thick, even growth, Boyd says. Aeration improves airflow and allows nutrients and water to reach roots more effectively. Follow up with a slow-release fertilizer tailored to your grass type. 

Consistent mowing promotes denser turf and helps crowd out weeds. Early weed treatment is key. Applying pre-emergent herbicide can prevent many common invaders before they ever sprout. 

Regular edging and defined borders around beds and walkways also make a dramatic visual difference. Clean lines give even a modest yard a polished, intentional look. 

Drainage, Irrigation 

While you’re focused on what’s growing above ground, it’s also time to think below the surface. Proper drainage and irrigation solutions are essential for protecting your investment. Spring showers can reveal problem areas where water pools near foundations or suffocates plant roots. French drains, catch basins or grading adjustments can redirect excess water and prevent long-term damage. At the same time, upgrading to a smart irrigation system ensures plants receive consistent hydration without waste. Drip irrigation for beds and programmable sprinkler systems for lawns help conserve water and lower utility bills. 

Outdoor Living 

Spring is also the perfect moment to think beyond planting beds. If you’ve been dreaming about expanding your outdoor lifestyle, now’s the time to explore buildouts of outdoor spaces —especially outdoor kitchens. Adding a built-in grill, prep space, seating walls or even a pergola transforms a yard into an extension of your home. Outdoor kitchens aren’t just trendy. They’re functional investments that enhance entertaining and increase property value. When paired with thoughtful landscaping, lighting and hardscaping, they create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. 

Engage A Pro 

A cohesive plan ties all these elements together—planting, lawn care, drainage, irrigation and outdoor living spaces. That’s why it’s worth engaging a professional firm—one that’s experienced, licensed and insured—like Twisted Vines Landscaping of Lake Charles. An experienced team can assess your property, recommend tailored solutions and execute a design that balances beauty with function. 

To learn more, visit twistedvineslc.com, follow Twisted Vines on social media, or call Boyd and his team at 337-240-6254.