By the time February arrives, it can seem like spring will never come. But, there is no time like the present to start planning lawn and landscape projects for backyarding.

The TurfMutt Foundation offers these suggestions to help you get a jumpstart on spring:

Map out a plan for improving your outdoor living room.
The family yard is an extension of the home, providing a place for families to gather and for kids and pets to play. More than three-quarters of Americans who have a yard (76%) say the family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home, according to a 2022 poll commissioned by The TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll.

What would enhance this space for your family? An outdoor kitchen, firepit, pergola, and patio are bigger ticket items that you should start planning and saving for now. Enhanced landscaping is another alternative.

Determine which plants are best for your climate.
Selecting the right plants, trees and shrubs for your climate zone is important for keeping maintenance to a minimum and maximizing benefits to the environment and ecosystem. Check out the USDA’s plant hardiness zone map to determine which plants are most suitable for your area now to make shopping at your local nursery more productive this spring.

Take stock of your lawn and landscape tools.
Does your outdoor power equipment need to be serviced before the spring season? Or maybe you were living in an apartment and now need to purchase a lawnmower, edger or leaf blower for your home. Now’s a good time to take care of these tasks so you will be ready to roll come spring.

Decide now if you need professional assistance.
You might be able to take on your outdoor living room improvement project on your own. But if you think you might need professional assistance, line up professionals and obtain bids. This will put you a step ahead of the spring rush.

For more tips, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding ideas and all the news from The TurfMutt Foundation. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com.