Spring Cleanup Checklist: Landscaping & Patio

Spring has officially kicked off here in Dallas-Fort Worth, and it’s the perfect time to get your landscape and patio in check.

With the temperatures warming up, and no more worries about winter frost, you can start prepping your landscape and patio easily.

We’ve assembled a spring checklist that will make cleaning up your landscape and patio a breeze.

1. Tidy up debris and leaves

When it comes to spring cleanup, you may not always know where to begin. Start things off straight and simple with a quick tidy-up around your landscape and patio.

Pick up or gently rake any unwanted leaves or debris that may have been left over from the winter so that nothing prevents your fresh landscape from thriving this season.

Clearing debris and leaves, take the opportunity to inspect your landscape and patio for any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracked pavers, loose stones, or damaged structures that may require repair. Addressing these issues early on can prevent further deterioration and save you time and expenses in the long run.

Furthermore, as you tidy up, consider organizing outdoor furniture, cleaning surfaces, and rejuvenating the appearance of your patio. Remove dirt and grime from tables, chairs, and cushions, and consider adding fresh accents like colorful cushions or potted plants to enhance the ambiance.

By starting your spring cleanup with a thorough tidy-up, you create a clean and inviting canvas for the rest of your outdoor projects. It sets the stage for a beautiful and well-maintained landscape, ensuring that you can fully enjoy the warmer months ahead.

2. Prune trees and shrubs

What are some of your goals for your landscape this spring? Pruning can help tackle your landscape cleanup and also help you maintain the well-being of your plants.

Carefully pruning any dead or overgrown branches and stems can help jumpstart the new growth for some of your plants and improve the overall appearance of your landscape. Although simple, this step will make a big difference!

Beyond the immediate benefits, pruning also allows you to shape and guide the growth of your plants, creating a more harmonious and intentional landscape design. By selectively removing branches, you can encourage desirable characteristics like fuller foliage, better flower production, or a more compact form.

If you’re unsure about how to approach the pruning process or have concerns about specific plants, consider consulting with a professional arborist or horticulturist. Their expertise can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your pruning efforts align with the unique needs of your landscape.

Overall, by making pruning a priority in your spring landscape maintenance routine, you’ll be taking proactive steps toward achieving your landscape goals while promoting the health and longevity of your plants.

3. Aerate lawn

As you’re inspecting your landscape, you may notice that there are some areas on your lawn that could use some more TLC.

Aerating is a great way to allow those impacted areas of your landscape to obtain the nutrients, water, and oxygen that it needs to grow. This can either be done by yourself or professionally to help you get the luscious spring season.

Aerating your lawn involves creating small holes in the soil to improve its overall health and promote proper growth. This process allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone, enhancing the vitality of your grass. By loosening compacted soil, aerating helps to break up hard surfaces and alleviate issues such as water runoff and poor nutrient absorption. Additionally, it stimulates root development and encourages the growth of new, healthier grass blades. Whether you choose to aerate your lawn manually with a hand tool or use a motorized aerator, this simple step can have a significant impact on the overall health and beauty of your lawn.

4. Fertilize lawn

In order to maintain a successful and healthy lawn, fertilizing is key! It can protect your lawn from weeds, pests, and moss, and give it the nutrients that it needs to survive.

Sometimes choosing the right fertilizer can be a bit intimidating. A soil test can be a useful resource that will help check the pH of the soil to help you determine what soil you need. Once you get the results from your soil test, you can make the best decision for fertilizer.

Fertilizing your lawn provides essential nutrients that may be lacking in your soil, promoting vigorous growth and vibrant green color. The three main nutrients found in fertilizers are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often referred to as NPK. The specific ratio of these nutrients in a fertilizer can vary depending on your lawn’s needs, as determined by the soil test. Nitrogen promotes healthy leaf and stems growth, phosphorus supports strong root development, and potassium aids in overall plant health and stress tolerance. Applying fertilizer at the recommended rate and following the instructions will help you achieve optimal results and contribute to a lush, resilient lawn.

5. Clean your patio furniture

Now, on to the patio. After a few passed seasons, your patio could probably use a bit of refreshing. This is the perfect time to give your patio furniture a good clean from any dirt or grime that has accumulated over the past few months. Just a quick wash and air drying should be enough to revive your furniture and give your patio a fresh look.

Cleaning your patio furniture not only enhances its appearance but also helps prolong its lifespan. Start by removing any loose debris or leaves from the furniture using a broom or brush. Then, depending on the material, use a mild soap or cleaning solution mixed with water to wipe down the surfaces. For metal or plastic furniture, you can scrub with a soft brush or sponge to remove stubborn stains. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the furniture to air dry completely before using or storing it. Regular maintenance and cleaning will keep your patio furniture looking its best and ready for outdoor enjoyment.

6. Inspect your patio or deck for repairs

It’s not always easy to spot any flaws in your patio or deck, but when you do, it can be the very thing that improves your entire outdoor experience for the spring season and beyond.

As you’re prepping your landscape and patio for the new season, inspect things such as your patio or deck for any loose railings, surface cracks, chips and crevices, and anything else that seems out of place. Depending on how minor or severe the repairs are, you can decide whether you want to hire a professional contractor to help repair any damages.

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Spring is best enjoyed outdoors! As you’re prepping your landscape and patio and find that you’re in need of any repairs, know that the contractors at The Good Contractors List is here to help.

For the best landscaping contractors in the Dallas Fort Worth area to tackle all things related to your lawn’s upkeep, take a look at the ones near you, here. And for all of your patio needs and repairs, the contractors here are talented, and knowledgeable, and will address your needs in a timely, efficient, and affordable manner.