10 Expert Tips for Spring Lawn Care
The Skagit‑Island Counties Builders Association has been backing local contractors, landscapers, and home improvement pros since 1979. If you’re thinking about boosting curb appeal, fixing drainage issues, or just cutting down on yard work this season, these spring lawn care tips are made for the real-life conditions we see in Mount Vernon and Burlington. Between soggy fall weather, clay-heavy soil, and the occasional summer drought, our area definitely keeps things interesting.
Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or hiring a local lawn care crew, these tips cover the essentials—like choosing native plants, setting up smart irrigation, or adding hardscaping features like retaining walls and drainage solutions. Thoughtful planting, erosion control, and pops of seasonal color can go a long way in making your yard both beautiful and low-maintenance.
For results that actually work in our Pacific Northwest climate, stick with advice from SICBA members who really know the ins and outs of our local soil, weather, and building rules.
Spring Lawn Care Maintenance Strategies
1. Use Native Plants That Thrive in Skagit County
When it comes to spring lawn maintenance in Skagit County, the best place to start is with your plant choices. Skip the high-maintenance exotic plants and go for native species instead—they’re built to thrive in our local climate, need less water, and can handle local pests without a fight. Around Mount Vernon and Burlington, we often recommend:
These plants are well adapted to our soggy winters and dry summer spells, making them a smart, low-maintenance choice for anyone looking to create a sustainable spring landscape.
2. Test Your Soil Before Planting
Another smart spring lawn care tip: start by checking your soil. What grows great in one Burlington yard might struggle just a few blocks away. That’s because Skagit Valley’s soil can be all over the map—from silty lowland areas to heavy hillside clay. Picking up a $15 DIY soil test kit is a simple way to find out your pH and nutrient levels. Once you know what you're working with, you can fine-tune your soil to give your plants a better shot at thriving.
3. Improve Drainage With Grading and Hardscape
One of the smartest things you can do for your Mount Vernon or Burlington home this spring is to tackle drainage right away. With both areas getting more than 30 inches of rain a year, water buildup can quickly lead to soggy yards or even basement leaks. A good rule of thumb? Make sure your yard slopes slightly away from your home’s foundation. You might also want to look into:
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French drains
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Gravel trenches
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Permeable pavers
Moreover, many of these options qualify for local stormwater management incentives.
4. Install Smart Irrigation Systems
As we move from spring into summer, using water wisely becomes more important than ever. Smart upgrades—like installing WaterSense-labeled irrigation controllers—can cut down your outdoor water use by as much as 30%. Setting up irrigation zones also helps, since shady areas don’t need as much water as spots that get full sun. Don’t forget to check with Skagit PUD for potential rebates available in Mount Vernon and Burlington. And if you’re looking for help, our Find-a-Pro Directory is a great place to connect with local experts.
5. Plan for Year-Round Color and Structure
It’s easy to think of landscaping as a spring-and-summer project, but a great yard should look good year-round. One simple way to make that happen is by combining evergreen shrubs with seasonal flowers like:
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Lavender and sedum in summer
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Witch hazel and holly in winter
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Spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips for early color
In short, planning beyond the spring season keeps your yard visually appealing throughout the year.
6. Break Up Your Yard Into Functional Zones
If your backyard feels wide open or lacks structure, one smart spring lawn care tip is to break it up into zones. Think spots for dining, gardening, playing, or just relaxing. You can define these areas with things like pavers, raised garden beds, or oversized planters. This layout is especially useful in Burlington’s more compact yards—and it makes the space feel more inviting and functional.
7. Consider a Retaining Wall for Sloped Lots
A lot of Mount Vernon homes sit on sloped or uneven ground. In these cases, building a retaining wall can be a great way to create level space for planting, entertaining, or play—while also helping to control erosion. If the wall is under 4 feet tall and isn’t holding up a structure, you usually won’t need a permit. Still, it’s always a good idea to confirm with Skagit County Planning before you start.
8. Don’t Forget Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is one of those landscape details that’s easy to forget—but it makes a big difference in how your yard functions, especially during darker months. In Mount Vernon, winter sunsets can happen as early as 4:15 p.m., so adding energy-efficient LED lights along walkways, patios, and entry points is a smart upgrade. To be considerate of neighbors and wildlife, look for fixtures that are dark-sky friendly.
9. Keep Maintenance Manageable
Spring is a great time to set yourself up for an easier season ahead. To cut down on yard work later, add mulch to garden beds, pick low-maintenance or slow-growing plants, and use edging to help keep weeds in check. In Burlington’s mild climate, grass can keep growing well into late fall—so it’s a good idea to schedule one last mow before Thanksgiving rolls around.
10. Hire a Local Landscaping Professional
Finally, if you'd prefer expert support, bring your Spring Lawn Care Tips to life with help from a trusted professional. SICBA connects you with experienced landscapers in Mount Vernon and Burlington who understand native plants, local code, and the Skagit Valley climate.
Find a professional landscaper near you
Expert Insight from the Field
"Keeping lawns green and weed-free in Skagit County comes down to timing and consistency. During the season, we mow at a height of about 3 inches to shade out weeds and encourage deeper root growth. Fertilizing in early spring and again in the fall with a slow-release feed keeps lawns vibrant with that dark green we all love, while providing nourishment and supporting healthy development. For watering, aim for deep soakings 2–3 times per week instead of daily light watering as this stimulates roots to grow deeper and improves drought resistance. Also remember, healthy lawns start with a strong foundation, the soil. Be sure to aerate, dethatch, and overseed as needed to keep your lawn thick, resilient, and thriving"
— Marcos Vega, CEO of Skagit Landscaping, member of SICBA, 2024 "Best of Skagit County Winner"
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of plants work best in Burlington yards?
Native plants like red-flowering currant, evergreen huckleberry, and sword fern perform exceptionally well due to their adaptability to local rainfall and soil conditions.
How can I reduce water use in my Mount Vernon landscaping?
Installing a smart irrigation system with zone control and soil sensors can reduce water use by 20–30%. Moreover, mulching beds and choosing drought-tolerant plants also help.
Do I need a landscaping permit in Skagit County?
Most routine landscaping doesn’t require a permit. However, elements like retaining walls over 4 feet, or those supporting structures, may. Always verify with Skagit County Planning.
What’s the best time to seed my Mount Vernon lawn?
Late March to mid-April, once soil temperatures reach at least 50°F.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Burlington?
No permit is required if the wall is under 4 feet and not supporting a structure. Still, it's best to confirm with Skagit County Planning.
Final Thoughts
Great landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics. Rather, it’s about creating a space that fits your lifestyle, handles our regional climate, and adds long-term value to your home. Whether you're enhancing a Mount Vernon front yard or reworking a Burlington backyard, start with these proven Spring Lawn Care Tips—and rely on local experts when it’s time to bring your vision to life.