Winter leaves most yards looking tired. A good spring cleanup sets the tone for the whole season. Use this checklist once the ground has dried out, usually in March or early April here.
1. Clear debris
Rake up leftover leaves, pick up sticks and remove anything that blew in over the winter. Matted leaves smother grass and can leave dead patches if they sit too long.
2. Clean out the beds
Cut back dead perennials and ornamental grasses, pull early weeds and clear old mulch that has broken down. This is also a good time to redefine bed edges so the yard looks sharp.
3. Check the lawn
Walk the yard and look for bare spots, vole trails or areas that stayed wet. Lightly rake matted areas so new growth can come through. Mark spots that need seed.
4. Tune up your equipment
Sharpen mower blades, change the oil and check the sprinkler system for broken heads or leaks before you need it in the summer heat.
5. Plan your feeding and weed control
Early spring is the time for pre-emergent to stop crabgrass, followed by a feeding later in spring. Getting the timing right now saves a lot of weed pulling in July.
6. Start mowing on time
Begin mowing when the grass starts actively growing, and keep the first few cuts on the higher side. Consistent mowing from the start keeps the lawn thick and even.
Want it done for you?
Pablo's Lawn Service does spring cleanups across Milton-Freewater, Walla Walla and College Place, and can set you up with a regular mowing plan for the season. Call (509) 876-9883 for a free quote.