What Is a Spring Cleanup in Landscaping? A Guide to Getting Your Yard Ready for the Season
Spring in Nebraska is a bit like a surprise party—you never quite know what you’re gonna get. One day, it’s sunny and 65, and the next, you’re scraping frost off your windshield. But once those warm days start stacking up, it’s time to give your yard some love. That’s where a good spring cleanup comes in.
If you’re wondering, “What is a spring cleanup in landscaping, and do I really need one?” The short answer: It’s a deep clean for your lawn and landscape to wake everything up after winter. And yes, if you want a lush, healthy yard, you definitely need one.
Why Bother With a Spring Cleanup?
Let’s be real—Nebraska winters aren’t exactly gentle on lawns. Between the snow, wind, and random freeze-thaw cycles, your yard goes through a lot. A spring cleanup is a seasonal yard cleanup that helps undo winter’s mess and sets the stage for a thriving lawn and garden. Here’s why it’s essential:
Clears Out the Clutter – Leaves, twigs, and whatever else the wind blew in need to go.
Prevents Disease & Pests – Old, soggy debris is basically an open invitation for mold and critters.
Encourages Healthy Growth – Removing dead grass and aerating the soil helps your lawn breathe.
Boosts Curb Appeal – A tidy yard makes your whole home look better (and might make the neighbors jealous).
What’s Included in a Spring Cleanup?
A good spring cleanup isn’t just about raking up leaves (though, yes, there’s plenty of that). It’s a full refresh that gets your landscape looking sharp. Here’s what it typically involves:
1. Leaf & Debris Removal
Winter leaves behind a mess. Dead leaves, broken branches, and whatever your dog dragged in—it all needs to go. Clearing out debris keeps your lawn from suffocating under last season’s leftovers.
2. Lawn Dethatching & Aeration
If your grass looks patchy or matted down, thatch (a layer of dead grass and roots) could be the culprit. Dethatching helps clear that up, while aeration pokes small holes in the soil to let water, air, and nutrients reach the roots. This combo gives your lawn a fresh start.
3. Pruning & Trimming
Shrubs, bushes, and trees can get a little wild over the winter. Storms can and severe weather can put a lot of stress and strain on your trees, shrubs or bushes. Spring cleanup is the perfect time to address this with proper pruning, removing dead or damaged branches, and adding cabling and bracing where needed. Trimming them back helps encourage new growth and keeps them looking neat. Plus, cutting away dead or damaged branches keeps plants healthier.
4. Edging & Mulching
Clean edges around flower beds and walkways make a huge difference in how polished your yard looks. Adding a fresh layer of mulch not only looks great but also helps retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
5. Fertilizing & Weed Control
Think of fertilizer as breakfast for your lawn—it’s the boost of nutrients it needs to wake up and start growing strong. And early weed control is crucial unless you enjoy pulling dandelions all summer (spoiler: no one does).
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: What’s the Best Move?
You can handle a spring cleanup yourself—if you’ve got the time, energy, and tools. But let’s be honest, hauling leaves, aerating the lawn, and mulching flower beds isn’t exactly a lazy Sunday activity.
Here’s why hiring a professional landscaping company (like Priority Lawn and Landscape!) is a solid choice:
Saves You Time & Effort – Instead of spending your weekend raking and hauling, you could be… well, doing literally anything else.
Better Equipment, Better Results – Pros have the right tools to aerate, mulch, and clean up efficiently.
Expert Knowledge – Knowing exactly how much to prune, when to fertilize, and what type of mulch works best isn’t just guesswork.
It’s a Fresh Start – A professional spring cleanup gets your yard in peak condition, making it easier to maintain through summer.
When’s the Best Time to Do a Spring Cleanup?
Timing is everything. In Nebraska, it’s best to start once the ground has thawed and things are starting to green up—usually late March to early May, depending on how moody the weather decides to be. If you wait too long, weeds and pests get a head start, and nobody wants that.
Ready to Give Your Lawn a Fresh Start?
If your yard looks like winter had one too many and forgot to clean up after itself, it’s time for a spring cleanup. Whether you tackle it yourself or bring in the pros, getting your lawn and landscape in shape now sets the stage for a lush, green summer.
Need a hand? Priority Lawn and Landscape is here to help! We take the hassle out of spring cleanups so you can enjoy a beautiful, well-maintained yard without the backache. Give us a call or request a quote today!
Spring is coming, Lincoln. Let’s get those lawns looking their best!