Year‑Round Seattle Yard Maintenance Checklist
Hey neighbors—Mr. Lee here! Keeping your Seattle yard thriving through rain, sun, wind, and frost takes a plan. Use this printable, season‑by‑season checklist to stay ahead of weeds, debris, and winter storm damage. Pin it on your fridge, grab your gloves, and let’s make yard care simple.
🌱 Spring (March–May)
- Debris & Leaf Removal: Rake winter leaves, clear small branches.
- Soil Prep & Aeration: Lightly aerate lawns; top‑dress beds with fresh compost.
- Pruning & Pre‑Emergent Weed Control: Trim dead branches; apply weed barrier.
- Mulch Application: Spread 2″–3″ of organic mulch around shrubs and beds.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
- Weeding & Pest Inspection: Pull weeds at roots; scout for aphids, slugs, fungus.
- Lawn Mowing & Edging: Maintain turf at 2.5″–3″ height; edge borders for clean lines.
- Hardscape Cleaning: Power‑blow patios and walkways; remove moss and algae.
- Irrigation Check: Inspect sprinklers for leaks, clogs, and coverage gaps.
- Supplemental Mulch Top‑Up: Add mulch to maintain moisture during dry spells.
🍂 Fall (September–November)
- Leaf Collection: Bag or compost fallen leaves before they mat down.
- Final Pruning & Plant Prep: Cut back perennials; stake young trees for winter.
- Soil Amendment: Spread organic fertilizer for root health.
- Bulb Planting: Plant tulips, daffodils, and crocuses for spring color.
- Irrigation Winterization: Drain hoses and sprinkler lines to prevent freeze damage.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- Storm Debris Cleanup: Remove fallen limbs and branches promptly.
- Tool & Equipment Care: Clean, sharpen, and store tools indoors.
- Planning & Design: Sketch next year’s garden beds or hardscape upgrades.
- Holiday Safety Prep: Clear entryways of ice and snow for safe access.
How to Use & Print
- Print This Page: Single‑sheet format—easy to pin up.
- Gather Your Tools: Gloves, rake, pruners, blower, aerator—have them within reach.
- Work by Season: Check off each box as you go, and you’ll stay on track.
- Celebrate Completion: Reward yourself after each seasonal round—ice cream in summer, hot cider in fall!
Pro‑Tips for Seattle Yards
- Weekly Mini‑Checks: Spend 10–15 minutes on one or two tasks to avoid major weekend projects.
- Compost Corner: Keep a bin for clippings and leaves—free mulch for your beds later.
- Rain‑Smart Scheduling: Plan heavy tasks around dry windows in our Pacific Northwest climate.
Ready to keep your yard looking its best all year? Bookmark this checklist and stick it on your fridge.
