why a spring cleanup is essential for a thriving landscape

spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to wake up your landscape from its long winter nap. a proper spring cleanup is more than just making things look neat—it sets the stage for healthy growth, prevents disease, and gives your plants the best possible start for the growing season. if you want a lush, vibrant yard, taking the time to do it right is essential. here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what goes into a thorough spring cleanup and why each step matters.

cut back perennials

many perennials hold onto their dead growth through the winter, which can create a messy, overcrowded look. cutting them back allows fresh new growth to emerge without competition. it also helps prevent disease and pests that might be lurking in last year’s stems. for early bloomers like salvia or coneflowers, trimming down the dead material gives them the space they need to thrive.

blow out leaves and debris

leaves, twigs, and other debris tend to pile up over the colder months, especially in garden beds and corners of the lawn. left alone, they can suffocate new growth, attract pests, and contribute to mold or rot. clearing them out ensures your plants can breathe and get the sunlight they need.

cut back ornamental grasses

ornamental grasses like miscanthus and switchgrass provide winter interest, but come spring, they need a good trim. cutting them back to about 4-6 inches allows new blades to push through without struggling against old, dead growth. this not only keeps them looking tidy but also ensures strong, healthy regrowth.

install a spade edge on garden beds

a well-defined garden bed edge makes a world of difference in the overall appearance of your landscape. using a spade to create a crisp edge keeps grass from creeping in and gives your beds a polished, professional look. it also helps keep mulch in place and prevents erosion around the edges.

clean out the vegetable garden

if last year’s vegetable garden still has remnants of old plants, now is the time to clear them out. any leftover produce, dead stems, or forgotten weeds can harbor disease and pests that could affect this year’s crop. a fresh start ensures your soil is ready for planting and reduces the chances of fungal issues spreading.

add a fresh layer of shredded hardwood mulch

one of the most important steps in a spring cleanup is refreshing your mulch. we use natural shredded hardwood mulch—not dyed—because it breaks down over time, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients. mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, making it a powerhouse for plant health. plus, it gives garden beds a rich, finished look that instantly enhances curb appeal.

why a spring cleanup matters

beyond just aesthetics, a thorough spring cleanup is about setting up your landscape for success. when your yard is free of debris, your plants have room to grow, your soil gets enriched, and your garden beds stay tidy and well-defined. plus, when everything is in order early in the season, maintenance becomes easier throughout the rest of the year.

a tidy garden is a beautiful garden. if you’re ready to get your landscape looking its best this spring, let’s make it happen!