The combination of snow dissolution and warming weather demands gentle care for your lawn and garden to achieve a flourishing growing period. Your home needs spring cleaning but a similar care routine helps your outdoor area to prosper. The complete checklist provides you with everything required to remove winter debris while revitalizing your landscape along with preparing lawn and plants for maximum success.
Step 1: Clear Out Winter Debris
All seasonal remains including natural debris and human-made waste block new plant growth so we must clear the area before new development. Start your cleanup by removing:
- Litter, including any trash that may have blown into your yard
- Animal waste (always wear gloves for hygiene and safety)
- Dead grass, fallen leaves, pinecones, and broken branches
- Old plant stalks and dead foliage from perennials
Raking your lawn thoroughly prevents two major problems such as snow mold and thatch buildup that potentially can suffocate your lawn. Better quality airflow and sunlight penetration become possible after clearing away debris from the lawn area.1
Step 2: Refresh Your Garden Beds
The flower and planting beds require preparation work before the start of new growth. To refresh your garden implement the following sequence of steps:
- Remove dead leaves and weeds
- Loosen compacted soil with a rake or small garden fork
- Add fresh compost to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients2
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
New garden bed owners should implement the use of tillers and raised beds and landscape fabric to stop weeds from spreading control weeds successfully.
Step 3: Planting and Lawn Care
The spring season serves as an optimal month for establishing floral beds as well as planting bush and tree varieties. Two essential height and cup dimensions must remain when using these instructions:
- Plant perennials and shrubs early to establish strong roots
- Wait until the last frost before planting annuals
- Overseed patchy lawn areas for a thicker, healthier turf
- Avoid pre-emergent herbicides if overseeding, as they prevent grass seed from germinating
Step 4: Weed and Pest Prevention
Suppressing weeds before they emerge serves as the most effective method of control. Consider these weed control strategies:
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to lawns before soil temperatures reach 55°F
- Use mulch or landscape fabric to prevent weeds in garden beds
- Pull visible weeds by hand to prevent spreading
The installation of barriers and tick sprays should be considered as part of pest control strategies when deer and rabbit presence exists alongside tick risks.
Step 5: Prune Shrubs for Health and Beauty
During wintertime damaged or deceased branches afflict shrubs. Use sharp pruning shears to:
- Remove winter-damaged or dead limbs
- Shape shrubs for a neat appearance
- Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs too early, as it may remove flower buds
- Trim summer-blooming shrubs before new growth begins
Step 6: Adjust Mulch and Divide Perennials
The health of plants strongly relies on mulch but excessive mulch will suffocate new perennial growth. Follow these tips:
- Remove excess mulch as plants begin to sprout
- Keep a 2-3 inch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Replenish mulch after the threat of frost has passed
- Divide crowded perennials to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation
Final Thoughts
Putting in a little work during springtime will produce significant benefits that minimize seasonal difficulties during your gardening period. The documented process will help you establish a thriving garden with vibrant health which can thrive all summer season. The company Be Green Lawn Care can assist with your spring yard cleanup work. Contact Be Green Lawn Care to receive professional lawn and garden services.
Citations
- (2022). How to Get Your Yard and Garden Ready for Spring. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from The Spruce website: https://www.thespruce.com
↩︎ - (2015). Follow This Spring Garden Checklist for a Gorgeous Landscape All Year Long. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from Better Homes & Gardens website: https://www.bhg.com/
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