If you live in Portola Springs or Great Park — two of Irvine's most vibrant and beautifully planned communities — you already know that curb appeal here isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a lifestyle. And right now, before the California sun kicks into full gear, is the single best time to get your garden in shape for spring.
As the top real estate team serving Portola Springs and Great Park, we spend every day walking these neighborhoods, touring homes, and talking with residents and buyers. We know firsthand that a well-kept outdoor space doesn't just make your home feel better to live in — it can meaningfully boost your home's value and help it sell faster when the time comes. So whether you're planning to list this spring or simply want your yard to be the envy of the cul-de-sac, here's your go-to guide for spring garden prep in Irvine.
Why Now? The Case for Early Spring Prep
Southern California's climate is a gift — but it also means that spring arrives earlier than most people expect. By the time the calendar says "spring," the growing season in Irvine is already well underway. Starting your garden prep in late winter or early spring gives you several key advantages:
You get ahead of the heat. Planting and establishing new plants before temperatures spike in May and June gives roots time to settle before they're stressed. You also get ahead of the competition. In a real estate market as active as Irvine's, homes that are move-in ready — including the outdoor spaces — attract more attention and stronger offers. And finally, you simply have more time to enjoy it. A garden prepped now is a garden you can relax in all spring and summer long.
Step 1: Assess and Clean Up
Before you plant a single thing, walk your entire outdoor space with fresh eyes. Look at it the way a potential buyer would — or the way your neighbors do when they drive by.
Clear out any dead annuals, fallen leaves, and winter debris that may have accumulated. Trim back any overgrown shrubs and ornamental grasses. Remove any plants that didn't survive the cooler months. In communities like Portola Springs and Great Park, where HOA guidelines help maintain neighborhood standards, staying on top of this cleanup also keeps you in good standing with your association.
Check your irrigation system now, before you need it. Test each zone, look for broken or clogged heads, and make sure you're not overwatering or under-watering any area. Irvine's water-smart landscaping culture means efficient irrigation is both a community expectation and a cost saver.
Step 2: Refresh Your Soil
Healthy gardens start underground. After the cooler months, your soil may be compacted or depleted of nutrients. Work a layer of quality compost or amendment into your garden beds — this improves drainage, feeds beneficial microbes, and sets the stage for vigorous growth.
If you have lawn areas (common in Great Park homes with their generous lot sizes), now is also a great time to aerate and top-dress with compost to revive any turf that looks tired or patchy.
Step 3: Choose the Right Plants for Irvine
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is planting what looks beautiful at the nursery without considering how it will perform in Irvine's specific climate. Southern California-native and Mediterranean plants aren't just trendy — they're genuinely better suited to our hot, dry summers and mild winters.
For low-maintenance color and curb appeal, consider California poppies, lavender, salvia, agapanthus, and bougainvillea. These plants thrive in our conditions, require minimal water once established, and look stunning. For front yards especially, a mix of flowering perennials and clean, structured greenery signals a well-cared-for home to anyone who passes by.
In Portola Springs and Great Park, many homes feature California-friendly landscaping already built into the design. If that's your situation, spring is the time to divide and replant any perennials that have outgrown their space, and add fresh seasonal color in containers or along borders.
Step 4: Mulch — Don't Skip It
If there's one step that delivers the most value for the least effort, it's mulching. A fresh two-to-three-inch layer of shredded bark or wood chip mulch across your garden beds does three important things: it retains moisture (saving you money on water), suppresses weeds, and gives your landscaping that polished, finished look that buyers and neighbors notice immediately.
Think of it as the equivalent of a fresh coat of paint — it just makes everything look cleaner and more cared for.
In communities like Great Park Neighborhoods, outdoor living is a genuine selling point. Buyers in this area expect well-appointed outdoor spaces — patios, covered seating areas, and thoughtful landscaping that blurs the line between inside and outside.
Spring prep isn't just about the garden beds. Power wash your patio, driveway, and walkways. Refresh outdoor furniture cushions. Add potted plants or a container garden near the entry. Hang some outdoor lighting if you don't already have it. These finishing touches elevate your home's presence and create the kind of emotional pull that makes buyers fall in love at first sight.
The Real Estate Connection: Curb Appeal Sells Homes
We've helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes in Portola Springs and Great Park, and we can tell you with certainty — curb appeal matters more than most sellers realize. A well-maintained garden tells buyers that the home has been loved and cared for. It sets expectations before they ever step through the front door.
Homes with standout exterior presentation tend to attract more showings, generate more competitive offers, and sell more quickly. In a community where architectural beauty and outdoor lifestyle are part of the brand — as they are in Irvine's master-planned neighborhoods — your garden is a genuine asset.
If you're thinking about listing this spring or summer, we'd love to walk your property with you and share specific suggestions for maximizing your home's appeal. Our team knows these neighborhoods deeply, and we bring that local expertise to every conversation.
Ready to Talk Spring Strategy? Connect with Kwon Home Group
Your garden may be the first thing buyers see — but choosing the right real estate team is what makes all the difference in what happens next.
At Kwon Home Group, we are proud to be the top real estate team serving Irvine's Portola Springs and Great Park communities. Our deep roots in these neighborhoods mean we understand exactly what buyers are looking for, what sellers need to do to stand out, and how to navigate every step of the process with confidence and care.
We don't just list homes — we help you present them at their absolute best. From strategic advice on curb appeal and pre-listing prep to expert pricing, powerful marketing, and skilled negotiation, Kwon Home Group brings a full-service, results-driven approach to every client we serve.
Whether you're thinking about selling this spring, searching for your dream home in Portola Springs or Great Park, or simply want a trusted local expert in your corner, Kwon Home Group is here for you.
Let's connect. Reach out to our team today for a complimentary home consultation and let us show you why families across Irvine trust Kwon Home Group to guide one of the most important decisions of their lives.