Spring Yard Cleanup Checklist for Seattle Homeowners

By Mr. Lee – Your Neighborhood Yard Care Expert

Spring in Seattle means longer days, budding flowers, and… yards that have suffered through months of rain and wind. Use this step‑by‑step spring yard cleanup checklist to tackle debris removal, lawn care, pruning, and eco‑friendly disposal—so your landscape thrives in the Pacific Northwest.

1. Remove Winter Debris & Leaves

Seattle’s spring rains turn leaf piles into moldy mats fast. Clear them early:

• Rake or Blow

  • Remove leaves, pine needles, and broken twigs from lawns, flower beds, and hardscapes.
  • Tackle patios, walkways, and tight corners with a quiet cordless blower.

• Collect & Haul

  • Bag debris for curbside green‑waste pickup or compost drop‑off.
  • Use a tarp to drag large piles without tearing up your turf.

2. Prune & Shape Shrubs, Hedges & Perennials

Late winter storms leave unruly branches and spent blooms. Time to tidy up:

• Trim Deadwood

  • Cut away broken, crossing, or diseased branches on shrubs and small trees.

• Shape Hedges

  • Use electric or manual trimmers to restore boxwood, laurel, and yew to neat forms.

• Cut Back Perennials

  • Prune ornamental grasses and faded perennials to 4–6″ above soil.

Note: Delay pruning spring‑blooming shrubs (rhododendrons, lilacs) until after they flower.

3. Weed Control & Bed Preparation

Spring weeds can sprint ahead of your flowers. Stay on top:

• Hand‑Pull & Hoe

  • Remove dandelions and annuals while soil is workable.

• Soil Turnover

  • Loosen compacted bed soil with a garden fork or hoe.

• Mulch & Compost

  • Spread 2″–3″ of organic mulch or compost to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
  • Consider a biodegradable weed‑block fabric for extra protection.

4. Revive Your Lawn

A lush Seattle lawn starts now:

• Rake Thatch

  • Remove debris and dead grass to improve air and water penetration.

• Mow Smart

  • Set mower to 2.5″–3″; remove no more than one-third of blade height.

• Aerate & Overseed

  • Core‑aerate compacted areas; spread grass seed on bare spots.

• Fertilize

  • Apply a balanced, slow‑release spring fertilizer to encourage healthy green‑up.

5. Edge Borders & Clean Hardscapes

Crisp lines and clean surfaces polish your yard:

• Lawn Edging

  • Use a half‑moon edger or a powered edger along beds, sidewalks, and driveways.

• Power‑Wash Patios & Paths

  • Blast away moss and algae for safe, slip‑free surfaces.

• Blow & Sweep

  • Clear swept‑in dirt and debris from decks, steps, and more.

6. Tune Up Tools & Irrigation

Spring prep keeps your equipment and irrigation ready:

• Inspect Hoses & Sprinklers

  • Check for leaks, clogs, and proper coverage.

• Sharpen & Clean Tools

  • Sharpen pruner blades, clean mower decks, and oil moving parts.

• Test Timers & Valves

  • Ensure your drip or sprinkler system runs on schedule.

7. Plan Your Spring Projects

With your yard fresh and functional, consider upgrades:

• New Plantings

  • Add color with spring annuals or drought‑tolerant perennials.

• Irrigation Installation

  • Install drip lines for efficient garden watering.

• Hardscape Enhancements

  • Sketch in a patio, pathway, or retaining wall for summer entertaining.

Pro Tip: Create a calendar of monthly mini‑tasks—weed control in May, mulch top‑up in June—to maintain your yard all season.

Need Help or a Little Backup?

If your spring cleanup list feels endless, Mr. Lee’s Yard Clean‑Up Team is here for one‑time overhauls or recurring maintenance. From leaf removal to full debris haul‑away, we cover all Seattle neighborhoods.

Let’s make your Seattle yard bloom this spring—no stress, just great results!