Spring Cleanup Checklist: Preparing Your Landscape for the Growing Season

After months of winter dormancy, your landscape is ready to wake up and burst into life. But before you can enjoy the beauty of spring blooms and lush green growth, there's important preparation work to be done. At Vivid Landscape, we've helped countless homeowners transition their properties from winter slumber to spring splendor, and we know that proper spring cleanup is the foundation of a thriving landscape all season long.



Think of spring cleanup as an investment in your property's health and beauty. The time you spend now will pay dividends throughout the growing season, setting the stage for vibrant colors, healthy growth, and fewer problems down the road. Let's walk through our comprehensive spring cleanup checklist that will have your landscape looking its absolute best.

Start with a Landscape Assessment

Before diving into the physical work, take a slow walk around your property with a critical eye. Look for winter damage, note areas that need attention, and make a mental inventory of what's thriving and what might need replacement. This initial assessment helps you prioritize your efforts and ensures nothing important gets overlooked.

Check for broken branches, damaged hardscaping, areas where mulch has washed away, and spots where drainage might be an issue. Look for signs of pest damage or disease that may have developed over winter. This overview gives you a roadmap for the work ahead and helps you determine which tasks you can handle yourself versus which might require professional attention.

Clear Away Winter Debris

Winter leaves behind a significant amount of debris that needs clearing before new growth can flourish. Start by removing fallen branches, twigs, and any remaining leaves that have accumulated in garden beds and around the base of plants. These materials can harbor pests and diseases, and they prevent sunlight and air from reaching emerging plants.

Don't forget about less obvious debris like old mulch that has broken down completely, plastic plant protectors, and any temporary winter coverings you may have installed. Clean out gutters and downspouts while you're at it, as spring rains can overwhelm clogged drainage systems and cause water damage to both your home and landscape.

Pay special attention to areas around your home's foundation, where debris tends to accumulate and can create moisture problems. A clean foundation area also makes it easier to spot any winter damage to your home's exterior.

Prune Strategically and Thoughtfully

Spring pruning is one of the most important tasks for plant health, but timing and technique matter tremendously. The general rule is to prune spring-flowering shrubs immediately after they bloom, while summer-flowering plants can be pruned in early spring before they leaf out.

Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood first – this type of pruning can be done anytime and should be your priority. Look for branches that cross or rub against each other, as these create wounds that invite disease. Remove suckers from the base of trees and shrubs, and thin overcrowded areas to improve air circulation.

For roses, remove any dead canes and prune back to healthy, white pith. Most perennials benefit from having their dead foliage cut back to make room for new growth, though some ornamental grasses look beautiful through winter and should be cut back just before new growth begins.

Remember that not all plants need annual pruning. Over-pruning can be just as harmful as neglect, so research the specific needs of your plants or consult with professionals when in doubt.

Refresh and Replenish Mulch

Mulch is one of your landscape's best friends, but winter weather takes its toll on even the best mulching materials. Spring is the perfect time to refresh existing mulch and add new material where needed. Good mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and gives your beds a polished, professional appearance.

Before adding new mulch, rake and fluff existing material to break up any matted areas and improve its appearance. Remove any mulch that has become severely decomposed or developed mold or fungal growth. The ideal mulch depth is 2-3 inches – enough to provide benefits without creating problems.



Choose your mulch material based on your landscape's specific needs. Organic mulches like shredded bark or compost improve soil as they decompose, while inorganic options like decorative stone provide long-lasting coverage. Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks or plant stems, as this creates conditions for rot and pest problems.

Tend to Your Lawn's Spring Needs

Your lawn has specific spring requirements that differ from other landscape areas. Start with a thorough raking to remove thatch buildup and allow air and water to penetrate the soil. If you have significant thatch accumulation, consider professional dethatching services.

Spring is also the ideal time for overseeding thin or bare spots in your lawn. Choose grass seed varieties that match your existing lawn and are appropriate for your climate and sun exposure. Keep newly seeded areas consistently moist until germination occurs.

Consider soil testing if your lawn has been struggling. Many lawn problems stem from pH imbalances or nutrient deficiencies that are easily corrected once identified. Early spring fertilization can give your grass the boost it needs for vigorous growth, but timing and application rates are crucial for success.

If you're dealing with persistent lawn issues like moss growth, persistent weeds, or thin areas that don't respond to overseeding, it might be time to consult with lawn care professionals who can diagnose and address underlying problems.

Prepare Garden Beds for Planting

Garden beds need special attention in spring to create the ideal environment for new plantings and existing perennials. Start by gently removing any remaining winter protection from tender plants, but keep materials nearby in case of late frost warnings.

Carefully cultivate the soil around existing plants, being mindful of emerging bulbs and perennial shoots. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. This is also an excellent time to divide overcrowded perennials, giving you new plants for other areas while improving the health of the parent plants.

Edge your garden beds to create clean lines and prevent grass encroachment. Well-defined edges make your entire landscape look more intentional and professional. Consider installing or refreshing permanent edging materials if you're tired of constant re-edging maintenance.

Inspect and Service Irrigation Systems

If you have an irrigation system, spring startup requires careful attention to prevent costly damage and ensure efficient operation. Begin by slowly turning water back on to the system, checking for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or damaged pipes that may have occurred during winter freezing.

Test each zone individually, adjusting spray patterns and coverage as needed. Clean clogged nozzles and replace any damaged components. This is also the perfect time to reprogram controllers for the changing season, adjusting run times and frequencies based on spring weather patterns and plant needs.



Even if you don't have an automatic system, check hoses, sprinklers, and other watering equipment for winter damage. Replace cracked hoses and broken connections before you need them for the growing season.

Plan for the Season Ahead

Spring cleanup isn't just about addressing winter's aftermath – it's also about preparing for the months ahead. Take time to plan your seasonal plantings, noting areas where you want to add color or fill gaps in your landscape design.

Create a maintenance schedule for the growing season, noting when different plants will need attention, when to apply fertilizers, and when to schedule professional services like deep watering or pest management treatments.



Consider any larger projects you want to tackle during the growing season, such as adding new garden beds, installing hardscaping, or updating your landscape design. Spring is the perfect time to start planning these projects, even if you won't execute them until later in the year.

When to Call the Professionals

While many spring cleanup tasks are well within the abilities of motivated homeowners, some situations call for professional expertise. Large tree pruning, especially near power lines or structures, should always be handled by certified arborists. Significant drainage problems, irrigation system repairs, and major landscape renovations are also best left to professionals.



At Vivid Landscape, we understand that your time is valuable, and we're here to help with any aspect of spring cleanup that feels overwhelming or beyond your comfort level. Whether you need a complete spring cleanup service or assistance with specific tasks, our experienced team can help your landscape reach its full potential.

Embrace the Season of Growth

Spring cleanup might seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it achievable and even enjoyable. There's something deeply satisfying about preparing your landscape for the growing season, knowing that your efforts now will result in months of beauty and enjoyment.

Remember that landscaping is a journey, not a destination. Each spring brings new opportunities to improve and refine your outdoor space. With proper preparation and care, your landscape will reward you with vibrant colors, healthy growth, and a beautiful environment for your family to enjoy throughout the growing season.



Ready to get started on your spring cleanup? Whether you're tackling the project yourself or looking for professional assistance, the team at Vivid Landscape is here to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams.