Spring is the busiest season of the year for landscape contractors, and every minute counts. Success doesn’t happen by chance, it comes from preparation, foresight, and using the right tools and products to stay ahead of the schedule.  

This guide provides actionable steps and checklists that help contractors reduce downtime, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure crews are ready to tackle any job efficiently.  

By following these tips and leveraging resources, you can start the season organized, productive, and profitable. 

Inventory Your Supplies and Materials 

Walk through your shop or storage and review what ran out last year. Stock up early on fertilizers, herbicides, mulch, and irrigation components, so you’re ready for any project. Consider creating a “season starter kit” with commonly used items, including products like landscape fertilizers, sprayers, and irrigation fittings, to streamline the first few jobs. 

• Review last year’s usage and identify shortages
• Stock up on fertilizers, herbicides, mulch, and irrigation parts at Ewing
• Assemble a “season starter kit” with key consumables
• Label materials for easy access on the job 

Inspect and Maintain Tools 

Check mowers, trimmers, sprayers, pruners, and hand tools for wear. Replace worn parts, tighten loose connections, and clean everything thoroughly. Proper maintenance improves efficiency, prevents downtime, and ensures safety. 

• Inspect blades, belts, hoses, and filters
• Test batteries and replace as needed
• Clean and lubricate tools
• Replace worn parts 

Upgrade Safety and PPE 

Ensure boots, gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility gear are in good condition. Durable gloves with reinforced palms reduce fatigue and prevent blisters, keeping crews productive during long days. Ewing carries a wide selection of professional-grade PPE designed for contractors. 

• Inspect boots, gloves, and eye protection
• Replace worn or damaged PPE
• Ensure high-visibility gear is clean and intact
• Equip crews with gloves and safety gear available from Ewing 

Plan for Seasonal Challenges 

Spring weather is unpredictable. Track local forecasts and prepare contingency plans for rain, frost, or pest outbreaks. Keep essential products on hand like frost-tolerant fertilizers, pest treatments, and irrigation repair parts, so you can respond quickly without disrupting schedules. 

• Monitor local weather forecasts
• Create contingency plans for common spring challenges
• Stock emergency fertilizers, pest treatments, and irrigation parts from Ewing
• Communicate any schedule changes to crews in advance 

Leverage Technology for Efficiency 

Smart irrigation controllers, sensors, and scheduling software help streamline operations, reduce errors, and save time. Technology solutions that integrate seamlessly into your workflow so you can stay efficient and prepared. 

• Set up and test smart irrigation controllers from Ewing
• Update scheduling software with crew availability
• Monitor system performance and adjust remotely
• Train crews on new technology before peak season 

Hone Skills and Crew Training 

Crew training ensures everyone is confident with tools, equipment, and best practices. Ewing Education Services and YouTube tutorials provide practical techniques that improve efficiency, reduce mistakes, and create upsell opportunities. A trained crew works faster and delivers higher-quality results. 

• Review training materials with crew
• Schedule hands-on practice with new tools or methods
• Train crews on upselling additional services
• Take advantage of Ewing Education Services for skill-building 

Create Job-Specific Checklists 

Even experienced crews can forget essential items on busy days. Develop pre-job checklists for residential lawns, commercial properties, and irrigation installs. Include tools, PPE, consumables, and specialty equipment. Using these items ensures crews have reliable, high-quality products on hand. 

• Create separate checklists for each project type
• Include tools, PPE, consumables, and specialty items
• Review checklists before leaving for each job
• Update checklists as projects or materials change 

Success in spring comes down to preparation. Those who plan ahead, organize their crews, and have the right products on hand are the ones who finish jobs faster and win more work.  

Ewing makes it easier to stay ready with reliable tools, quality supplies, and expert support, giving your business the advantage when the season is at its busiest.