6 Spring Yard Clean-Up Tips for Homeowners

Spring is right around the corner, which means that the bitter winter temperatures, snow, and frost are fading. But, before you sit back on your porch or out in your yard with a cup of coffee or tea, you’ve got to get your spring yard clean-up checklist in order. As a homeowner, the spring yard clean-up will help you lay the foundation for a gorgeous outdoor space from spring to fall. 

In this article, we’ll share tips to clean up your yard and get it ready for spring. If you’re busy or don’t want to take on this project yourself, there are plenty of professionals to help you get the job done as well. So, let’s dive in and figure out what the most important parts are for spring yard clean-up. 

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Prune and Trim Flower Beds

To cross an item or two off your spring yard clean-up checklist, one of the first things you want to do is tackle pruning and trimming your flower beds. Chances are, they’re relatively overgrown and misshapen. This can take them from something potentially beautiful to a giant eyesore. So, get out your tools and get to work carefully, trimming away any dead or dying sections of your plants. This is especially important if you have perennials that need new growth to thrive. Once you trim away any bothersome areas, carefully prune and shape your plants and flowers. If you’re unsure what to trim or how much is too much, a landscaper will be happy to get your flower beds in good shape.  

Mulch

Springtime is an excellent time to get ahead of the weeds, so you’re not battling them all season long. Adding a two or three-inch layer of mulch around your flower beds, gardens, or pathways is a great way to help inject color into this space, keep the plant’s roots cool, and smother out any weeds. As a bonus, the mulch will break down as the season progresses to add much-needed nutrients to the soil to help boost your plant’s growth. 

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Rake Garden Beds and Lawns

When plants start to go dormant over the fall and winter months, they can drop debris onto the ground. Then, the snow comes through and covers them up before you get a chance to clean them out. In the spring, you must make a point to rake out your garden beds and lawn. Doing so will help pull away any dead leaves, sticks, twigs, or miscellaneous debris that can impede your plant’s new growth. You want to carefully work around sprouting plants to avoid damaging them or pulling them right out of the ground. Raking also gets your yard ready for new lawn seed. 

Trim Overgrown Trees

Dead and dying branches can present a hazard for anyone who walks under them, so you want to trim them as soon as possible. Additionally, pruning your trees helps you shape them while removing stray branches. Depending on the tree, you may need a ladder, or a pole saw to accomplish this task. If you have power lines around, it’s a good idea to call in a professional instead of trying to do it on your own. They have the tools, skills, and knowledge to complete this task efficiently and safely.  

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Service Your Sprinkler System

Your sprinkler system is going to be invaluable at helping you keep your plants alive and in good shape, especially when the hotter summer weather comes into play. After the frost recedes early in the spring, you should call in whichever company installed your sprinkler system for an annual inspection. They’ll send a professional to go through the system piece by piece to ensure that everything is working and in good repair. They may have to replace worn-out or broken parts, but they’ll get you a fully functional system ready in time to water all of your plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers. 

Apply Fertilizer

Springtime is when most of the plants and items in your yard and garden experience a considerable growth surge, and they need nutrients for fuel. Once you plant everything, apply the appropriate fertilizer early in the spring. Many people like to use liquid fertilizer because it’s easy to get an even application. Double-check which type of fertilizer is best for you, and make a note of the strength, so you don’t accidentally burn the plants. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what areas to focus on when the spring season hits, it’s time to determine whether you’ll be doing it all yourself or enlisting the help of a professional. If you’re looking at your spring yard clean-up checklist and you’re overwhelmed, don’t worry. There are many professional services in your area to get you started.  Be sure to think about what is most important to you before getting started so you can start enjoying your outdoor space right away. 

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