Spring in Dublin arrives slowly. The days start stretching in March, temperatures creep upward through April, and by May, your garden should be in full swing. But the work that makes a garden look its best in May actually starts in February — those late winter weeks are your window to tidy, repair, plan, and prepare before the growing season takes over.
Whether you’re a hands-on gardener or prefer to leave it to the professionals, this checklist covers every task Dublin homeowners should tackle between now and April to set their gardens up for a great year. At Lion Paving & Landscaping, spring preparation is our busiest season — and with good reason. The work done now determines how your garden looks and performs for the rest of the year.
February: The Planning and Repair Month
February is the last chance to complete heavy work before the growing season begins and before the Wildlife Act restrictions on hedge cutting kick in on 1 March.
Finish Hedge Trimming Before 1 March
Under the Wildlife Act 1976, heavy hedge cutting is restricted from 1 March to 31 August to protect nesting birds. If your hedges need a significant trim, now is the time. Schedule your hedge trimming this month to avoid complications. This applies particularly to boundary hedges, leylandii, and any overgrown hedging that needs cutting back hard.
Inspect and Repair Fencing
Winter storms take a heavy toll on garden fences. Walk the full boundary of your garden and check every panel, post, and fixing. If you’ve got panels down or posts leaning, February is the ideal time for fence repair or replacement — before spring growth makes access difficult and before you start investing time in the rest of the garden.
Assess Your Patio and Hard Surfaces
After months of rain, frost, and leaf fall, your patio probably looks tired. Check for cracked or sunken slabs, damaged jointing, and areas where drainage is pooling. A professional pressure wash transforms the appearance of any patio or walkway — and February is a great time to book it before the spring rush. If slabs are cracked or the patio is beyond repair, this is the perfect time to plan a replacement while the garden is still dormant.
Plan Bigger Projects
If you’ve been thinking about a new patio, retaining walls, garden steps, or a full garden redesign, February is the time to get quotes and book your contractor. Landscapers’ diaries fill fast from March onwards, and planning now means your project can be completed before summer.
Need help with any of these February tasks? Whether it’s a hedge trim, fence repair, patio clean, or planning a larger project, our team is ready. Call +353 85 778 0394 or get a free quote here.
March: Wake Up the Garden
First Lawn Care of the Year
When the grass starts visibly growing (usually mid-to-late March in Dublin), give it its first mow of the year. Set the mower blade high — remove no more than the top third of the grass length. This encourages the roots to strengthen before you start mowing at normal height. If your lawn is patchy, thin, or heavily mossy after winter, this is the time to plan a treatment programme or consider a new turf lawn for an instant transformation.
Weed and Feed Borders
Clear winter debris, fallen leaves, and dead plant material from all beds and borders. Weed thoroughly while the soil is still damp and the weeds are small. Apply a layer of quality mulch (bark or compost) around established plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and feed the soil. This single task will save you hours of weeding throughout the summer.
Prune Shrubs and Climbers
Late winter-flowering shrubs should be pruned once their flowers have faded. Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials that have been left standing over winter. Prune climbing roses by removing dead wood and tying in new growth. Be careful not to prune spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia or camellia until after they’ve finished blooming.
Pressure Wash Hard Surfaces
March is ideal for cleaning patios, driveways, paths, and steps. Winter grime, algae, and moss will have built up over the darker months. A thorough pressure wash followed by a biocide treatment transforms the look of your garden and prevents slip hazards. Reseal natural stone patios after cleaning if the existing sealant has worn thin.
April: Planting and Growing Season Begins
Plant Summer Bedding and Bulbs
April is Dublin’s prime planting month. Hardy summer bedding can go in from mid-April, with tender plants following once the risk of late frost passes (usually late April to early May in Dublin). Plant dahlia tubers, gladioli bulbs, and summer-flowering perennials. Visit your local garden centre with a plan — impulse buying leads to clashing colours and overcrowded beds.
Lawn Treatment Programme
Apply a spring lawn feed (high nitrogen) in April once the grass is actively growing. If moss is a problem, apply a moss killer first, wait 2–3 weeks for it to blacken, then scarify (rake out the dead moss) before overseeding any bare patches. Aerate compacted areas with a garden fork or hollow-tine aerator to improve drainage and root growth.
Consider a Low-Maintenance Alternative
If you’re tired of the annual cycle of moss treatment, scarifying, feeding, and constant mowing, artificial grass is worth considering. It stays green year-round with no mowing, no moss, no feeding, and no muddy patches. Increasingly popular with Dublin families, it’s a genuine low-maintenance alternative that looks great in any garden.
Whether you need a new lawn, artificial grass, or a complete garden makeover this spring, we’re here to help. Call +353 85 778 0394 to discuss your project.
Preparing Your Outdoor Living Space
Spring is when Dublin homeowners start using their gardens again for relaxing, entertaining, and family time. Here’s how to get your outdoor living areas ready:
Patio Furniture
Bring furniture out of storage, clean it thoroughly, and check for damage. Tighten loose bolts on metal furniture. Sand and re-oil wooden furniture. If your furniture has seen better days, this is a good time to invest in quality pieces that will last several seasons.
Garden Lighting
As evenings get longer, good garden lighting extends the usability of your outdoor space. Solar-powered path lights, LED spotlights for feature planting, and ambient string lighting all make a significant difference. For a more permanent setup, professional garden lighting installation gives a polished, year-round result.
Boundaries and Privacy
If your garden lacks privacy, spring is the time to address it. New fencing, trellis with climbing plants, or strategic evergreen planting can all create privacy screens that make your garden feel like a genuine outdoor room.
Your Complete Spring Garden Checklist
| Month | Priority Tasks |
| February | Complete hedge trimming before 1 March. Inspect and repair fences. Check patio for damage. Plan larger projects and book contractors. Service lawnmower and garden tools. |
| March | First lawn mow (blade set high). Clear and weed all borders. Apply mulch. Prune shrubs and climbers. Pressure wash patio and paths. Start planting hardy plants. |
| April | Apply spring lawn feed. Treat moss. Plant summer bedding and bulbs. Overseed bare lawn patches. Set up outdoor furniture. Install garden lighting. Begin enjoying your garden. |
Spring is the perfect time to transform your garden. From a simple tidy-up to a complete redesign, Lion Paving & Landscaping handles projects of every size across Dublin and Kildare. Reach us on +353 85 778 0394 or send us a message through our contact page.
Why February Is the Best Time to Book Your Spring Project
Every year, we see the same pattern: homeowners wait until April or May to contact a landscaper, only to find that diaries are booked weeks in advance. The smart move is to plan and book in February — when you can secure your preferred dates, take advantage of quieter scheduling, and have your project completed before the summer rush.
At Lion Paving & Landscaping, we offer free site visits and detailed written quotes with no obligation. Whether you need a quick hedge trim or a full garden renovation, getting in touch now means your garden will be ready to enjoy by the time the sun comes out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I start preparing my garden for spring in Dublin?
Start in February. This gives you time to complete hedge trimming before the 1 March Wildlife Act restriction, repair winter storm damage to fences and paving, and book contractors before the spring rush. March and April are then focused on planting, lawn care, and enjoying the results.
Q: When can I start mowing my lawn in Dublin?
Usually, mid-to-late March, once the grass is visibly growing and has reached about 5–7cm. Set the mower blade high for the first 2–3 cuts, then gradually lower it to your preferred height through April and May.
Q: How do I get rid of moss on my lawn in Dublin?
Apply a ferrous sulphate-based moss killer in early spring (March–April) or autumn (September–October). Wait 2–3 weeks for the moss to blacken, then scarify (rake it out). Aerate compacted areas and overseed bare patches. Improving drainage is the long-term solution — moss thrives in waterlogged, compacted soil.
Q: Can I trim hedges in March?
Only light maintenance trimming of fast-growing species like privet or leylandii. The Wildlife Act restricts heavy hedge cutting from 1 March to 31 August. Before any trimming during this period, always check for nesting birds. If in doubt, wait until September.
Q: What is the best time to book a landscaper in Dublin?
February is ideal. You’ll secure your preferred dates before diaries fill up, and work can be completed while the garden is still dormant, causing less disruption to plants and lawn. Waiting until April or May often means longer lead times.
Get Your Garden Spring-Ready with Lion Paving & Landscaping
From hedge trimming and fence repairs to full garden transformations, our team is ready to help you make the most of the 2026 growing season. We serve homeowners across North Dublin, South Dublin, and Kildare with expert craftsmanship and reliable service.
Call us: +353 85 778 0394
Email: sales@lionpavingandlandscaping.ie
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Lion Paving & Landscaping
259 Birches Rd, Wedgwood, Dublin 16, D16Y5E5
Serving North Dublin, South Dublin, Kildare & Surrounding Areas
