Look, if you haven’t touched your yard yet this spring, there is still time to catch up. Winter dragged on, the weather’s been up and down, and life just keeps happening. But here we are in April—and now’s the time. This is your moment to get ahead of the weeds, dead patches, and all the junk that winter dumped on your lawn. And if you’re unsure where to begin, you’re in the right place.
This is the go-to list I share with neighbors, family, and clients who are tired of looking at a tired yard. Whether you’re doing it all yourself or calling in a crew like Willmarth Property Service, this checklist will help you cover everything your landscape needs to bounce back this spring.
And remember, if you haven’t done your spring cleanup yet, now’s the perfect time. You don’t have to feel behind—just motivated to get it done before things get out of hand. With this guide, you’ve got everything you need to hit the ground running.
Why Now (April) Is the Sweet Spot
Think of April as the window of opportunity. It’s not too cold, not too hot, and your lawn is just starting to wake up. Waiting too long means:
- Weeds get a head start
- Debris starts smothering new growth
- Pests start settling in
- Lawn treatments become less effective
So yeah, timing matters. Knock this out now, and your lawn will thank you with greener grass, fewer problems, and way more curb appeal.
April is also when many of the lawn care routines you set in motion begin to pay off. The soil temperature is ideal for feeding grass roots, and the mild weather gives plants a chance to settle in before summer heat strikes.
The Ultimate April Spring Cleanup Checklist
Print this out or save it if you’re looking for a checklist. This is everything you should do to kick off the season the right way:
1. Clear the Debris
Winter left behind leaves, branches, acorns, and mystery gunk. Clean it up.
- Rake out flowerbeds and lawn
- Pick up sticks and branches
- Blow or sweep out driveways, patios, and walkways
This helps sunlight reach your grass and prevents mold and lawn disease. Bonus: It instantly makes your yard look fresh.
2. Cut Back Dead Growth
Some perennials and ornamental grasses weren’t pruned in the fall. Now’s the time.
- Cut back brown stems and dried blooms
- Trim shrubs with dead branches
- Remove any mushy plants that didn’t survive the freeze
Bonus: This helps new growth come in stronger and cleaner.
3. Edge Your Beds and Walkways
Nothing cleans up a yard faster than fresh edges.
- Use a spade or edging tool around flower beds
- Redefine the line between lawn and driveway
- Touch up around trees and shrubs
It’s a small detail that greatly changes how your yard looks. This also makes mowing and trimming more efficient throughout the season.
4. Prune (But Not Too Much)
Pruning is about helping your plants grow stronger—not stressing them out.
- Cut dead or broken branches from shrubs and small trees
- Avoid heavy pruning on spring-flowering plants (wait until after they bloom)
- Snip back anything that’s overgrown and in the way
If you’re unsure what to prune now, let the professionals at Willmarth handle it. Over-pruning can reduce flowering or cause long-term damage.
5. Mulch It Right
Mulch isn’t just for looks—it locks in moisture, keeps weeds down, and regulates soil temps.
- Remove old, clumpy mulch if it’s more than 2 years old
- Apply 2–3 inches of fresh mulch in beds and around trees
- Keep mulch away from trunks because tree volcanoes look messy
Choose hardwood mulch for a natural look or dyed mulch for a color contrast. Fresh mulch also ties your landscape together and boosts curb appeal.
6. Dethatch (If Needed)
Has your lawn got a thick, spongy layer on it? That’s thatch—and it’s choking your grass.
- Use a dethatching rake or power dethatcher
- Only dethatch if your thatch is over ½ inch thick
- Follow up with a light rake and water
This gives your lawn room to breathe and grow. If you don’t dethatch when needed, you risk diseases and poor root development.
7. Test and Start Your Irrigation System
Don’t wait for a dry patch to discover your sprinklers aren’t working.
- Turn on your system and check each zone
- Look for broken heads or leaks
- Adjust spray patterns away from sidewalks and driveways
It’s also a good idea to clean or replace filters, especially after a long winter. A healthy irrigation system supports everything else you do.
8. Fertilize for a Healthy Start
Virginia lawns need a boost after winter. Get them the right nutrients.
- Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in April
- Apply when the lawn is dry, then water it in
- Avoid over-fertilizing—it burns your lawn and encourages weeds
Different grasses need different blends, so ask us if you’re unsure. Spring fertilization lays the groundwork for healthy growth all summer.
9. Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control
This is your weed insurance policy. Stop them before they show up.
- Apply a pre-emergent in early to mid-April
- Water it in after applying
- Don’t seed your lawn immediately after—this blocks all germination
Think crabgrass, clover, dandelions—this step saves you work later. Pre-emergents work best when soil temps reach 55°F for several days. Get professionals to do it for you because they know how to do it to make it effective.
10. Mow Smart (Not Short!)
Your first mow sets the tone for the season.
- Sharpen your mower blade before the first cut
- Set the blade high (about 3″) to avoid scalp damage
- Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clumping
You can always cut shorter later, but you can’t undo a scalped lawn. Taller grass also shades the soil, helping retain moisture and discourage weed growth.
What If You Don’t Have Time for All This?
Not everyone has hours to rake, edge, prune, fertilize, and mow.
That’s where we come in.
Willmarth Property Service takes this entire checklist off your plate. Our spring cleanup service includes:
- Yard debris removal
- Bed edging and cleanup
- Shrub trimming
- Mulching
- Lawn dethatching (if needed)
- Weed prevention
- It’s the first mow of the season
It’s a clean slate for your yard—and a fresh start for you.
You’re Not Too Late
If you’re reading this in mid or even late April and haven’t started yet, breathe. You’re not behind—you’re right on time to make a big difference. The key is just getting started.
Whether you tackle this list on your own or call us for backup, your yard will look better, grow stronger, and require less work all summer long.
Let’s Get It Done—Together
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Willmarth Property Service is here to make spring cleanup simple, thorough, and totally stress-free.
Visit WillmarthPropertyServices.com or give us a call to schedule your April spring clean-up and get your lawn on the right track for the rest of the year.