As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s time to prepare your yard for the growing season. Spring yard cleanup is the first step on your landscape’s annual care plan, but the question is: should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional?
Let’s start by considering what needs to be done each spring.
Spring Yard Cleanup Checklist
Remove Debris
Winter storms can leave behind branches, leaves, and other debris. When you clear this clutter, you’re helping your lawn get the sunlight, air, and nutrients it needs. Start by removing any leftover holiday decor, raking up leaves and twigs, removing fallen branches, and disposing of any dead plants or flowers.
Prune Trees & Shrubs
Trimming dead or damaged branches promotes healthy growth and prevents potential hazards. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to shape shrubs and remove overgrowth, but be mindful of spring-flowering plants. Pruning them too early can cut off the buds, so it’s best to wait until after they bloom.
Start Lawn Care
As the weather warms, your grass will come out of dormancy. Start by raking away dead grass and thatch to promote new growth. If you didn’t aerate compacted soil in the fall, do so now and follow up with fertilizer and pre-emergent weed control. If you see unwanted plants popping up already, you’ll need a post-emergent treatment instead.
Mulch Garden Beds
A fresh layer of mulch enhances your yard’s appearance, helps your soil retain moisture, and suppresses weeds. Begin by clearing out old mulch and debris. Spread two to three inches of fresh mulch around your plants, but be careful not to pile it against stems or tree trunks.
Edge Flower Beds & Walkways
Crisp edges create a polished look in your garden and keep grass from encroaching on your beds. Use an edging tool to define borders, then remove any weeds or stray grass. For a more permanent option, consider adding hardscape elements like stone edging.
Plant New Flowers & Shrubs
There’s no time like spring to add color and life to your yard with new plants. Choose plants suited to the Central Virginia climate and soil, and follow proper planting guidelines, including spacing, sun, and water needs. For a sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscape, consider native species like coreopsis, iris, American beautyberry, redbud, dogwood, and more.
Inspect Irrigation Systems
Make sure your sprinklers and drip lines are functioning properly before the summer heat arrives. Check for leaks, clogs, and broken parts. Adjust sprinkler heads for proper coverage and set a watering schedule based on what your plants need.
Begin New Projects
Once your landscape is cleaned up, you might feel inspired to start new garden improvement projects. Consider pressure washing hardscapes like patios and walkways. Wash patio furniture and set it up for use. Make sure your outdoor lighting is working correctly. You might even go big with a brand-new outdoor kitchen!
Should You DIY Your Spring Cleanup?
Now that you know what’s involved in a thorough spring cleanup, let’s weigh the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional team like Green Side Up.
Pros of DIY Spring Cleanups
- Cost savings: If you already own the tools and equipment for landscape care, you might save money by handling the work yourself.
- Flexibility: You can work on your own schedule and tackle tasks as time allows.
- Personal satisfaction: There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment in maintaining your own yard.
- Exercise: Yard work can double as a workout to help keep you active.
Cons of DIY Spring Cleanups
- Time-consuming: Yard work can take hours or even days, especially if you’re not experienced. Nothing eats up a weekend like yard work.
- Physical demands: Raking, digging, and lifting can be strenuous, particularly for larger properties.
- Limited expertise: Without professional knowledge, you risk improper pruning or planting, which can harm your plants and cost you more money in the long run by having to replace them.
- Tool investment: You may need to purchase or rent equipment like trimmers, aerators, pressure washers, or pruning shears.
Pros of Professional Landscape Care
- Expertise: Professional landscapers understand plant care, soil health, and the best techniques to help your yard thrive.
- Time-saving: A team of landscapers can complete tasks much faster than a homeowner working solo or in a pair.
- Access to tools and materials: Landscaping companies have specialized equipment and top-quality materials that often aren’t available at big box stores.
- Customized plans: Professionals can design and execute a plan that fits your unique yard rather than relying on more general internet knowledge.
- Ongoing maintenance: Many companies offer seasonal packages to keep your yard pristine year-round.
- Safety: Professionals handle potentially dangerous tasks such as tree trimming, hardscape installation, or heavy lifting.
Cons of Professional Landscape Care
- Cost: Hiring professionals is generally more expensive than a DIY approach.
- Scheduling: You’ll need to coordinate with the company’s availability.
- Less personal involvement: While convenient, you might miss the hands-on satisfaction of doing it yourself.
When Should You Hire a Pro?
Choosing between DIY and professional landscape services depends on your situation. DIY might be a good choice for you if:
- You enjoy yard work and have the time and energy to commit to it.
- Your yard is small or doesn’t require extensive care.
- You already own most of the necessary tools.
- You don’t mind putting in the effort so you can save some money.
On the other hand, hiring a landscaping company to handle your spring cleanups is a good idea if:
- You have a large property or complex landscaping features.
- You’re short on time or prefer to spend it on other activities.
- You’re not able to handle the physical demands of yard maintenance.
- Your yard needs specialized care, such as irrigation system repairs or tree pruning.
- You want a professional design or long-term maintenance plan.
- You need help bringing a vision for your outdoor space to life.
Let Green Side Up Handle the Hassle
At Green Side Up Landscaping, we take the hassle out of spring yard cleanups and landscaping. Our team of friendly experts is here to help yards thrive in Richmond, Williamsburg, Midlothian, Henrico, Glen Allen, and the surrounding area. From pruning and mulching to custom landscaping designs and ongoing maintenance, we’ve got the experience to help you grow the yard of your dreams. Contact us today to get started!