May in Denver: The Growing Season Begins

In Denver, mid-May marks a turning point in the yard. The danger of frost has (mostly) passed, perennials are waking up, and it's finally safe to plant warm-season annuals and vegetables. For many homeowners, this is the moment when the yard goes from dormant to dynamic.

At Oak & Canyon, we think of mid-May as a kind of opening day for the growing season—a time to set the tone for a healthy, low-maintenance landscape all summer long.

Here’s what we’re seeing, and doing, in local yards this month:

1. Lawn Growth Is Kicking In
If your grass was a little patchy in April, don’t worry. May is when cool-season lawns start to grow in earnest. Regular mowing now encourages strong roots later. We’re mowing at a higher setting in early May to support moisture retention and avoid stressing out the grass.

2. Soil Is Ready for Planting
The soil has warmed, which means it’s safe to plant heat-loving favorites like basil, tomatoes, and zinnias. If you’re thinking of adding new native perennials, this is a great time to get them settled before the heat of June. We’re prepping beds with natural compost and organic mulch to give new plants the best possible start.

3. Mulch Matters More Than Ever
A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature—especially important in our dry climate. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. We use untreated, natural mulches that are safe for pets, people, and pollinators.

4. Small Fixes Now Prevent Big Problems Later
Now is the perfect time to check your irrigation system, tidy up garden beds, and fix bare lawn patches before they spread. A little effort in May goes a long way toward preventing headaches in July.

Need a hand? We’re here. Whether it’s planting, mowing, mulching, or helping your yard get back on track—we’re just a message away.

Let’s grow something great together.

April Fools Plant in April!

Those first warm days of April are pure magic. Tulips and daffodils poke through the soil, many already blooming. Dogwoods, pears, and magnolias start to shower the neighborhood in soft color, a stark contrast against the greys and browns of winter’s grip, announcing spring’s arrival with a whisper and a flourish. It’s tempting, you want to plant everything, right now.

But if you’ve ever lost a tomato start or a blue sage to an April cold snap, you’re not alone. Every year, someone gets fooled. In fact, they’ve joined a time-honored tradition of April Fools who plant too soon.

At Oak & Canyon, we love an eager gardener. But in Colorado, April is trickster season: sunny one minute, snowing the next. Before you plant, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Know Your Zone:

Denver sits in USDA Zone 5b–6a, which means our average last frost is around May 5–15. That’s your real green light for tender veggies and annuals.

Cool Crops Can Handle It

Some plants actually like the chill. Think:

• Kale

• Spinach

• Peas

• Radishes

• Pansies and violas (for a splash of early color)

These hardy options can go in the ground in early April—but give them mulch, cover, or a little TLC when temperatures dip.

Be Ready to Cover Up

If you just have to plant early, have a plan. Old bedsheets, frost cloth, and overturned buckets can be lifesavers when the forecast surprises you.

Our Advice? Plant Plans, Not Plants

April is a perfect time to:

• Prep your beds, clean up the yard of sticks, pine needles, and the rest of winter’s debris

• Amend your soil, add mulch and think about aerating lawns

• Inspect sprinkler and drip systems and begin planning maintenance and improvements

• Dream big with new planting plans!

Let us know if you want help creating a custom spring-to-fall layout—especially with native, low-water plants that thrive here in Denver.

Don’t be the April Fool.

Plant smart. Plan with Oak & Canyon.

Ready to clean up and plan ahead?

Now’s the time to clear winter debris, trim back overgrowth, and prep your yard for a great season. Oak & Canyon is here to help. Whether you're dreaming of new plantings or just need a fresh start, we can help you plan and prepare your yard for the coming season!

Contact us today to schedule yard cleanup or talk planting plans before spring really kicks in.

Before the Bloom: Your March Yard Checklist

March in Denver is a month of almosts. It almost feels like spring. The sun hangs a little longer in the sky, the soil starts to unfreeze, and a few brave daffodils take their first shot at blooming. It’s not quite the growing season yet, but that makes it the perfect time to prepare your yard for everything that’s coming.

Here’s what we recommend at Oak & Canyon during this transitional stretch:

Gentle Cleanup

Begin removing leaves, fallen branches, and winter debris from your lawn and beds. But go easy! Many plants are just beginning to push new growth, so avoid deep raking or aggressive digging. Think of this as tidying up before company arrives.

Wake Up Your Irrigation

Now’s the time to inspect your drip lines and sprinkler heads. Look for cracks from freeze damage, clogs from leaf litter, or anything knocked out of alignment during the winter. Instead of turning the system on full blast, just take stock and make a plan for what needs fixing before the watering season begins.

Hold Off on Fertilizer

It’s tempting to start feeding your lawn, but hold off until at least late April. In March, your grass is still slowly waking up. Premature fertilization can actually stress it out or encourage weak growth. The same goes for pruning, only trim what’s dead or hazardous if necessary. March is a wet month in Denver, but your yard might need some water. Don’t turn on irrigation yet, but give your plants a little drink from the hose if there is no snow or rain in the forecast.

Start Seeds Indoors

If you're eager to get growing, March is a great time to start seeds indoors. Herbs, vegetables, and annual flowers can all be started under lights or on a sunny windowsill. That way, you’ll be ready to transplant once the weather warms up for good in April and May.

Schedule Spring Services Early

The best way to stay ahead of the rush is to get on the books now. Whether it’s a yard cleanup, minor irrigation repair, or fresh planting, March is when our schedule starts to fill. Need help getting your yard ready for spring? We’re here.

March is quiet, but it won’t be for long. A little work now means you’ll be ready to enjoy the season as soon as it arrives. At Oak & Canyon, we love this time of year because it’s all about the potential.