How to Get Your Yard Ready for Spring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

After months of cold, snow, and ice, your yard is probably looking a little worse for wear. But as the temperatures rise and the days get longer, now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get your lawn and landscaping back in shape. A little effort now will set you up for a lush, green lawn and a vibrant outdoor space all season long. Here’s what you need to do to get your yard ready for spring.

1. Start with a Cleanup
Winter leaves behind a mess—fallen branches, dead leaves, and all sorts of debris that can smother your grass and plants. Before you do anything else, take the time to clean things up.

• Rake up leaves and dead grass to let sunlight and air reach the soil.
• Remove broken branches and trim back damaged shrubs to promote healthy new growth.
• Check your patio, fence, and walkways for any winter damage and make necessary repairs.

A good cleanup gives your yard a fresh start and makes it easier to spot any areas that need extra attention.

2. Check the Condition of Your Lawn
Once the snow is gone, take a close look at your grass. Is it patchy? Thinning in spots? Compacted from all that winter snow? Identifying problem areas early will help you tackle them before they get worse.

• Look for bare spots that might need reseeding.
• Check for compacted soil, which prevents water and nutrients from reaching the roots.
• Watch for signs of snow mold or other lawn diseases that might need treatment.

If your lawn looks a little rough, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of time to bring it back to life.

3. Aerate and Overseed for a Stronger Lawn
If your lawn feels hard and compacted, aeration can help loosen up the soil and give your grass the oxygen, water, and nutrients it needs. This is especially important if you have a lot of foot traffic on your lawn.

• Aerate in early spring or fall to break up compacted soil and encourage root growth.
• Overseed patchy areas with a high-quality grass seed suited for Minnesota’s climate.
• Keep newly seeded areas well-watered to help the grass establish strong roots.

A little extra attention now will pay off later with a thicker, healthier lawn.

4. Refresh Your Flower Beds and Landscaping
Nothing says spring like a colorful, well-maintained landscape. Before you start planting, take a little time to prep your flower beds.

• Clear out dead plants and weeds to make room for fresh growth.
• Add a fresh layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune shrubs and perennials to encourage healthy new blooms.
• Plant early-blooming flowers like tulips and daffodils to add instant color.

Spring is also a great time to plan new landscaping projects, whether that means expanding your garden or adding a new walkway or patio.

5. Feed Your Lawn and Stop Weeds Before They Start
Spring is a critical time for fertilizing and weed control. Giving your lawn the right nutrients now will help it grow strong and lush through the summer.

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy grass growth.
• Use a pre-emergent herbicide to stop weeds like crabgrass before they even sprout.
• Spot-treat any existing weeds to prevent them from spreading.

The earlier you tackle weeds, the less of a headache they’ll be later in the season.

6. Inspect and Prep Your Irrigation System
If you have an irrigation system, don’t wait until the heat of summer to find out it’s not working properly. Now is the time to make sure everything is in good shape.

• Check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, and clogged nozzles.
• Adjust timers and settings for early-season watering needs.
• Test the system to make sure it’s working efficiently.

A well-maintained irrigation system will keep your lawn looking its best while conserving water.

7. Get Your Outdoor Living Spaces Ready
After months of cold weather, it’s time to get your patio, deck, and outdoor spaces ready for backyard barbecues and evening relaxation.

• Sweep and wash patios, decks, and walkways to remove dirt and grime.
• Inspect and clean outdoor furniture—replace cushions or damaged pieces as needed.
• Check outdoor lighting and fire pits to make sure everything is in working order.

A little prep work now means you’ll be ready to enjoy your outdoor space as soon as the warm weather arrives.

Conclusion

Spring is all about fresh starts, and that includes your yard. Taking these steps now will set you up for a lush, healthy lawn and a beautiful outdoor space all season long. If you need help with spring cleanup, aeration, or landscaping, RJ3 Property Maintenance is ready to get your yard back in shape.

Contact us today to schedule your spring services!