Yard Maintenance Tasks for Spring

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, the arrival of spring signals a fresh start—not just inside your home, but also outside. You may already be creating a spring cleaning checklist for your home’s interior, from dusting off the ceiling fans to wiping down the baseboards. But have you given thought to the important yard maintenance tasks that are essential for a beautiful and functional outdoor space? Once summer arrives, you’ll likely want to make the most of your yard—BBQs with the neighbors, family-friendly backyard activities, al fresco dinner parties, etc. To get your home’s exterior ready for a busy and fun-filled season, it’s important to take care of some key maintenance tasks this spring.

By investing time and effort now in maintaining your yard, you’ll set yourself up for an enjoyable, lower-maintenance summer ahead. Below are some suggestions to help you get started:

Double check your tools 

Before diving into any yard maintenance tasks, it’s essential to ensure that all your tools and equipment are in proper working order. Imagine trying to mow your lawn with a broken mower or attempting to water your garden with a malfunctioning sprinkler system—that sounds like an easy way to frustrate yourself and prolong your to-do list.

Take the time to thoroughly inspect each piece of equipment. Test your sprinkler system to ensure all the heads are working properly, free from clogs, and positioned to provide even coverage. Check your lawn mower for any parts that may need replacing or sharpening—blades that aren’t sharp can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which weakens the grass and makes your lawn look uneven. Finally, take a look at your rake, shears, and other gardening tools to confirm they aren’t rusted or damaged.

You’ll also want to inventory any tools you might be lacking. Do you have a garden hose long enough to reach all corners of your lawn? Are you missing a good pair of pruning shears for trimming shrubs and trees? Having the right equipment on hand will make your yard maintenance tasks go much more smoothly, so it’s worth taking the time upfront.

Clean yard litter

A simple yet effective way to start your yard maintenance process is by cleaning up any debris. Your yard can easily accumulate leaves, twigs, dead branches, and other litter over the winter months. Begin by using a leaf blower to clear away dry leaves and small debris from your lawn and paved areas. If you have trees on your property, remove any fallen branches or limbs that could cause damage or become a tripping hazard. Additionally, take the time to gather any trash or litter you may find. Items like plastic wrappers, cans, and bottles not only detract from the aesthetic of your yard, but they can also harm the environment if left unchecked.

Once you’ve gathered dry leaves, twigs, and grass clippings, consider repurposing these materials for a compost pile. Composting can be an eco-friendly way to reduce waste while also improving the quality of your soil. A healthy compost heap is made up of “green” materials (such as fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds), “brown” materials (like twigs, shredded cardboard, and dry leaves), water, and air. If done correctly, a compost heap could reduce the need for chemical fertilizers in your yard and help nourish your plants throughout the year.

Rejuvenate the lawn 

Once any litter is taken care of, it’s time to give your lawn some TLC. Before getting that mower out, you’ll want to rake your lawn thoroughly. In the winter, particularly in areas that receive snow, grass can become flattened, matted, and soggy, which makes it difficult for water and air to reach the roots. Raking helps loosen matted grass and pull up dead blades, roots, and leaves.

After you rake, you may also want to aerate the lawn. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil in order to loosen compaction and improve water infiltration, oxygen flow, and nutrient absorption. There are various methods for aeration, including core aeration, liquid aeration, and spike aeration, but the most effective strategy depends on the size and unique needs of your yard.

Fertilizing is another useful step in yard maintenance. Chemical or organic fertilizers can supply your grass and plants with the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy. The type you’ll want to use depends on the area you live in and what’s in your yard. You may also be able to use that compost pile we mentioned earlier as an addition to improve plant health and soil structure. This article from The Spruce succinctly explains the differences between fertilizers and compost.

Nurture the garden 

For homeowners with a dedicated garden space in their yard, spring is the perfect time to refresh and tidy up your beds or planters before the growing season is in full swing. Over the winter, weeds may take root and plant debris may accumulate, so begin by pulling any remaining weeds and clearing away dead foliage. This helps reduce competition for nutrients and space, allowing your plants to thrive.

Next, nourish your soil by adding compost or other plant food. Address any issues with your hardscaping—such as trellises, stepping stones, or raised beds—and clean out empty pots and planters. If the weather warms up for the season, you might be able to remove covers from delicate plants, but be prepared to re-cover them if the frost returns.

Once your garden is tidied and prepped, bring some new life and color into your yard by planting flowers or starting new seeds! Need some spring garden inspiration? We have a Pinterest board full of advice for creating the perfect backyard oasis.

Prep the patio

If you have a covered patio or deck in your backyard, there are a few key things you can do to clean and prepare that space for summer entertaining! Sweep, scrub, and/or power wash the flooring to remove debris and grime that has built up over the winter months. Patio furniture should also be cleaned and wiped down—consider removing any machine-washable covers and throwing them in the laundry to eliminate dirt and tougher stains.

Have outdoor lighting? Don’t forget to check the bulbs and fixtures, tightening any loose bulbs and replacing ones that have burned out. Also, if you’re a fan of backyard BBQs, it’s wise to inspect and clean your grill in the spring. You don’t want to discover any unexpected issues when you’re preparing to cook up dinner for your guests!

Additional tasks and tips

Depending on your home, you may need to address other yard maintenance tasks in addition to the ones mentioned above. These may include repairing or repainting fences, trimming and pruning trees and shrubs, reseeding patches of your lawn, and more. You’ll also want to mow and water your lawn as needed, following the best practices for your particular region and grass type. Some grasses require more frequent watering and mowing than others, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with your lawn’s specific needs.

As you begin your to-do list, also keep these suggestions in mind:

• To avoid getting overwhelmed, break down your yard maintenance tasks into manageable chunks. A single Saturday is probably not enough time to work on the entire backyard!
• If a particular chore feels too big, difficult, or time-consuming, consider hiring a professional. Experts can effectively and efficiently tackle specific tasks, saving you time, energy, and headaches in the long run.
• Dress for the job. Avoid nasty sunburns or scratches from thorny plants by protecting yourself with gardening gloves, long sleeves, sunscreen, and a hat when working outside. 
• Even after you’ve taken care of the initial tasks, be sure to stick to a regular yardwork routine throughout the rest of the season and the year. Staying on top of outdoor chores may help lessen the workload later on and prevent the need for major cleaning or repairs.

Why does spring yard maintenance matter?

Your yard is an extension of your home, so it’s important to care for it as you’d care for the rooms inside! One of the numerous benefits of owning a home is the potential of having versatile outdoor spaces that can be used for entertaining, relaxing, decorating, gardening, and so much more. When you have a clean, well-maintained yard that reflects your personal style and fits your household’s needs, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard game day or simply enjoying the peace and quiet from your patio, the condition of your yard can have a significant impact on how you experience your home. Taking care of key tasks in the spring can help set the stage for a fun-filled summer!