Spring Cleanup Checklist for Your Yard

Spring in Utah means it's time to shake off winter and get your yard ready for the growing season. A thorough spring cleanup sets the foundation for a healthy, beautiful landscape all year long. Here's your complete checklist — everything from lawn prep to irrigation startup.

1. Clear Debris and Winter Damage

Utah winters leave behind branches, matted leaves, and general debris. Start with a clean slate:

• Rake up dead grass, leaves, and thatch that accumulated over winter
• Pick up fallen branches and twigs from trees and shrubs
• Remove any winter mulch or protective coverings from plant beds
• Check for and repair winter damage to fences, trellises, and hardscape

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Late winter to early spring is the ideal time to prune most trees and shrubs in Utah — before new growth emerges:

• Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches from trees
• Trim summer-flowering shrubs like rose of Sharon and butterfly bush
• Wait to prune spring bloomers (lilacs, forsythia) until after they flower
• Cut back ornamental grasses to 4-6 inches before new shoots appear

3. Lawn Prep and Repair

Your lawn needs some TLC after months under snow or frost:

• Lightly rake to remove thatch and dead grass — don't go too aggressive on wet soil
• Overseed bare or thin patches with a grass seed suited for Utah's climate
• Apply a slow-release spring fertilizer once soil temperatures reach 55°F
• Consider core aeration if your lawn sees heavy traffic or has clay soil
• Wait until the lawn is actively growing before the first mow of the season

4. Refresh Garden Beds and Mulch

Planting beds need attention too:

• Remove old mulch and check for weeds that took root over winter
• Turn and amend soil with compost or organic matter
• Edge beds cleanly to define the border between lawn and planting areas
• Apply 2-3 inches of fresh mulch — but keep it away from tree trunks and plant stems
• Divide and transplant perennials that have outgrown their space

5. Irrigation System Startup

This is the one that trips up a lot of homeowners. A proper sprinkler startup prevents costly repairs:

• Slowly open the main water valve to avoid water hammer that can crack pipes
• Inspect all sprinkler heads — clean or replace clogged nozzles
• Run each zone and check for leaks, geysers, or misaligned spray patterns
• Adjust heads so they spray the lawn, not the sidewalk or driveway
• Replace the controller backup battery if your system has one
• Test drip irrigation lines — emitters can get clogged over winter

6. Hardscape and Outdoor Living

• Power wash patios, walkways, and driveways to remove winter grime
• Inspect retaining walls for shifting or cracks from freeze-thaw cycles
• Clean and seal pavers if needed
• Check outdoor lighting fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs