The Ultimate Spring Yard Cleanup Checklist | Great Lakes Landscape Design
Great Lakes Landscape Design April 16, 2025
Great Lakes Landscape Design April 16, 2025
Spring is a time for fresh starts, but before you can truly enjoy the beauty of the season, there’s work to be done! A thorough yard cleanup is essential to clear away the remnants of winter and prepare your landscape for new growth. Plus, getting your lawn in tip-top shape now means you have more time to make the most of the warmer season.
Our landscaping experts are here to help you tackle your seasonal to-do list with ease. Get started today with our spring yard cleanup checklist!
Before you can focus on new growth, you need to get rid of the mess winter left behind. Fallen branches, leaves, and other debris can suffocate your lawn and prevent it from flourishing. Raking up this mess allows more sunlight to reach the grass beneath and creates the perfect conditions for healthy growth.
As you clear away organic debris from your lawn, don’t forget to give your flower beds a little attention. Clear out any dead plant material to give new sprouts room to grow.
Winter can be tough on trees and shrubs, leaving behind dead or damaged branches hanging from your favorite plant. This is why early spring is the perfect time to trim away problematic branches. Pruning during this time helps shape your trees and shrubs and allows them to grow healthy leaves and blooms (for flowering plants). Just be sure to cut just above the bud or branch junction to promote proper healing and regrowth. For the best results, partner with a landscaping maintenance team who has the training to trim trees and shrubs properly.
Spring lawn maintenance is key to bringing your grass back to life. Start by dethatching your lawn to remove the layer of dead grass that may have built up over winter. This allows water and nutrients to reach the soil more effectively. Next, aerate your lawn to improve airflow and encourage deep root growth. Once that’s done, apply a high-quality spring fertilizer to give your grass the nutrients it needs to thrive.
If you notice bare spots, now is also the perfect time to overseed. Choose a grass seed variety suited to your region and spread it evenly over any thin or patchy areas. Keeping your lawn well-watered in the early spring will help the new seedlings establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives.
Spring is the season of blooming flowers, but your garden beds need some preparation before they reach their full potential. Start by turning over the soil to loosen it up and break apart any compacted areas. This will help with water absorption and root growth. Adding a layer of fresh mulch not only improves the appearance of your beds but also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Speaking of weeds, now is the time to tackle them before they have a chance to take over. Pulling weeds while they’re small makes them easier to manage throughout the growing season. If necessary, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating in the first place.
Just like it can with your plants, winter weather can take a toll on patios, walkways, and fences. So, as you care for your lawn, take some time to inspect these hardscaping features for any damage. Next, power wash your patio or deck to remove built-up dirt and grime. If you have a wooden fence, consider applying a fresh coat of stain or sealant to protect it for the months ahead.
After a long winter in storage, your lawn care tools and equipment need some attention. Start by inspecting your lawn mower — sharpen the blades, change the oil, and check for any necessary repairs. A well-maintained mower makes cutting your grass easier and ensures a clean, even cut.
Don’t forget about your other gardening tools! Clean off any rust or dirt, sharpen blades where needed, and make sure everything is in working order before you start your spring lawn maintenance.
As temperatures rise, your lawn and garden will need consistent watering to stay healthy. Set up a watering schedule to ensure your plants get the hydration they need without overdoing it. Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows moisture to soak in before the heat of the day causes evaporation. If you have an irrigation system, check for leaks or broken sprinkler heads and get them fixed right away for efficient watering all season long.
Now that your yard is clean and ready for spring, it’s time to add the finishing touches! Consider adding new outdoor furniture, hanging string lights, or planting colorful flowers to enhance your outdoor space. Whether you’re planning to host backyard barbecues or simply enjoy a quiet evening outdoors, a well-maintained yard makes all the difference.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything on this spring yard cleanup checklist? We get it — preparing your lawn for the summer season can be a big job. That’s why our team at Great Lakes Landscape Design is here to help. We offer landscape maintenance packages designed to keep your yard in pristine condition all year round. From lawn care to garden bed maintenance, we handle it all so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space. We can even refresh your property with our landscape design services.
Contact our team today to discuss all the possibilities for your lawn, and let us take care of the hard work for you!
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