Tackle Your Spring Garden Jobs Faster with the Right Tools
Now that the weather has finally dried up, it’s the perfect time to get out into the garden and tackle the key jobs that will have it looking its best for summer outdoor living.
From hedge trimming and lawn repair to hard landscaping and larger garden projects, getting these jobs done now will set your garden up for a healthier, lower-maintenance season. Check out our helpful tips below.
For larger projects we offer a range of hire equipment to help make every job quicker, easier, and more effective.
Hedge Trimming in Spring: When and How to Cut
Spring is the ideal time to tidy and shape hedges but timing and care are crucial to avoid damage and protect wildlife.
Check for nesting birds first
Before cutting, always inspect your hedge or tree carefully. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to damage or destroy an active bird’s nest.
When to trim hedges
Domestic hedgecutting has no restrictions but for commercial hedgecutting there is a ban from 1st March until 31st August (under the Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024). For domestic hedges:
- April–May: Lightly trim fast-growing hedges like privet or honeysuckle to maintain shape
- June: Carry out the first major cut of formal hedges like box and yew
- Pro tip: Use the “B-shape” Trim hedges so they are wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. This allows sunlight to reach lower growth, preventing thin or patchy bases.
For taller hedges, using the right equipment – like long-reach trimmers or powered cutters – can make the job safer, quicker, and more precise, especially if you’re tackling multiple jobs in one go.
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Lawn Care: Repair, Grow, Maintain
Spring to early summer is critical for lawn recovery and strong growth.
April: Repair bare patches
This is the best time to overseed thin or damaged areas, taking advantage of warming soil and regular rainfall to get new grass established before summer stress.
May: The “No Mow May” approach
Many gardeners take part in No Mow May, allowing grass, clover, and wildflowers to grow freely and support pollinators. But when May ends you can be left with a lot of long grass to tackle – see our Tackling Long Grass after No Mow May blog for tips on how best to get it back into shape.
June: Regular mowing and heat management
- Mow once a week during active growth
- Raise blade height during hot spells as longer grass helps to retain moisture, protect roots and maintain a greener lawn. If you are only cutting a small amount off it can help if you leave the clipping on the grass if they’re light and scattered, to help protect against moisture loss, allow some nutrient recycling and give some sun protection. Or use a mulching mower.
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Paths, Patios & Hard Landscaping Maintenance
After winter, hard surfaces often need attention to stay safe and tidy.
Spring cleaning
- Remove algae, moss, and grime from patios, decking and paths
- Use a pressure washer or stiff brush with patio cleaner
Re-sanding block paving
April is ideal for:
- Applying kiln-dried sand, stabilising paving and preventing weed growth between joints
Weed control
- Clear weeds from gravel and paths early
- Focus on April before they seed in May
- Saves significant time later in summer
- Pro tip: Tackle hard surfaces early in April while conditions are still damp - it makes removing moss, algae, and weeds much easier before they fully take hold.
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Garden Projects: Build, Paint & Upgrade
Warmer, drier conditions make late spring perfect for outdoor projects.
Install garden structures
Late April to May is ideal for building pergolas, arches and raised beds. The soil is soft enough for digging but firm enough for stability.
Paint and stain woodwork
- Choose a dry spell in May or June
- Ensure surfaces are completely dry
- Ideal for fences, sheds and garden furniture
Planting water features
Early June is best for adding pond plants like lilies and oxygenators as warmer water helps plants establish quickly.
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Why April to June Matters for UK Gardens
Browse our hire range online, or call our friendly team at our Tadley store on 01256 851 166, to book your hire.