Spring’s here, and your garden’s been through it. Winter likely left behind a mess—dead leaves, broken branches, and maybe a few regrets (we’ve all ignored the yard a little too long). But no need to feel overwhelmed. With a simple checklist and a little effort, you can bring your outdoor space back to life without turning it into a weekend-long saga. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.

DIY Spring Garden Cleanup Checklist:

1. Start With a Sweep

Before discussing details, walk your yard and pick up any big debris—sticks, trash, or anything winter blew in. This quick once-over will help you see what you’re dealing with.

2. Rake Up the Leftovers

Even if you raked in the fall, the odds are good there’s still a layer of old leaves or dead grass hanging around. Clear it out to help new growth push through and keep pests from settling in.

3. Prune the Right Way

Check trees and shrubs for broken or dead branches and trim them off. Leave anything that looks sick or risky (like near power lines) to a pro. Otherwise, tidy cuts go a long way toward improving things.

4. Cut Back Perennials

Last year’s flowers had their moment. Now it’s time to snip them down to a few inches above the soil so they can grow back strong. Don’t cut anything that’s already budding—just trim the old, brown stalks.

5. Weed Early, Weed Easy

Now’s the best time to pull weeds while the soil’s soft and the roots come up easier. Get ahead of them before they take over.

6. Refresh Garden Beds

Edge the borders, turn the soil, and mix in compost or fresh topsoil if needed. It sets the stage for planting and gives your beds a crisp, clean look.

7. Clean Your Tools

Before you plant anything, give your tools a quick clean and sharpen. Dirty or dull tools spread disease and make everything harder than it needs to be.

8. Mulch It Over

Once beds are cleaned and soil is prepped, lay down a layer of mulch. It locks in moisture, keeps weeds down, and makes everything look finished.

You don’t need to go full landscape designer to get your yard in shape—just a solid plan and a bit of elbow grease. Tackle your cleanup one step at a time, and before you know it, your garden will be ready for spring planting, outdoor dinners, or just soaking up a little sun. Nature did the hard part; now it’s your turn to make it shine.