Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist: All the Essentials

Photo by Ben Ashby on Unsplash

After a lot of teasing from Mother Nature this year, it seems like spring is finally on its way!

For the next few months it'll be nothing but relaxing outside, playing with the kids, barbecuing, and parties with friends and family.

The only problem?

Your backyard is in desperate need of tidying up after this winter. There are leaves everywhere, the furniture is dirty, and your lawn has seen better days.

We have good news though. With a little planning, time, and effort you can whip your backyard into spring-ready shape in no time. And aside from making your yard look great, spring cleaning has a lot of mental health benefits, too.

To get this spring yard cleanup done, we'll be following 4 easy steps:

• Assess your yard or outdoor space

• Plan your (cleaning) attack

• Gather the supplies

• Tackle the chores

Assess Your Yard or Outdoor Space

Before diving right into cleaning, take a moment to assess your backyard or outdoor space. Walk around and take note of anything that needs attention. Is there anything that stands out and is really bothering you? Are you envisioning any upgrades or new features?

We are going to make note of these tasks in two different brainstorming sessions using the template below.

Download Spring Cleaning Template

But, if you want to get right down to business, we also have our full Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist for you to download. It’s chock-full of ideas for your yard transformation and ready to go.

Download Full Spring Cleaning Checklist

DDDDO Tasks

First, list the things that need to be taken care of immediately. This is the stuff you can’t stand looking at anymore. We're looking for anything that is:

• Damaged

• Dead

• Dirty

• has Debris buildup

• Overgrown

Jot these down on your blank checklist and put a star next to them.

Level-Up Tasks

Next, we will list all of little the changes and improvements you'd like done. This can include:

• seeding grass

• planting flowers or veggies

• adding mulch to your flower bed

• adding some patio furniture

These are the touches that will transform your yard and make it sing. Anything you think will add a little pizzazz to your outdoor space.

Plan Your (Cleaning) Attack

With your DDDDO and Level Up tasks listed, let's organize and prioritize. Here we will figure out which task prioritization method works best for you.

Do you like getting the hard stuff done first? Put whatever is toughest or you hate doing most as your number one to-do. It will feel good to get it out of the way and you won’t have to dread doing it anymore.

Would you rather ease into things? Start with the little things so you can check off some small wins right away. Checking off your to-do list is great motivation to keep going.

Either way, go through the sections and number them first to last. Or don’t be so stringent and just figure out the first few sections or items you’re going to tackle.

Gather the Supplies

With your plan in hand, it's time for the supplies. Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the essentials ready to go so you don't have to stop just when you're in the flow of things.

Here's a general checklist of items you may need:

Basic Outdoor Cleaning Supplies

• Brooms

• Rakes

• Shovels

• Gloves

• Trash bags

Cleaning Solutions

• All-purpose cleaner

• Degreaser (for outdoor surfaces like BBQ grills)

• Mildew remover (for decks, patios, and outdoor furniture)

Equipment

• Pressure washer (for deep cleaning surfaces)

• Lawn mower

• Leaf blower

• Hedge trimmer

• Pruning shears

• Garden hose

Protective Gear

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Safety goggles

• Work gloves

Additional Items

• Mulch

• Seeds or seedlings for planting

• Fertilizer

• Weed killer

Tackle the Chores

Now it's time to get it done. Don't feel overwhelmed! Take things slow and tackle your list one section at a time.

Put on your favorite podcast or playlist and start from the top. Feel confident knowing you laid out a clear plan for success. Take it one step at a time, focusing on completing each task as best you can.

Don't hesitate to ask for help if needed, and remember to take breaks to avoid feeling burned out. You don’t have to do it all in one day, either. Plan for a weekend, doing it over the course of a week or even the month. It’s your timetable, don’t stress over it.

And don’t forget to celebrate the small and big wins. Treat yourself when you hit milestones.

Backyard Spring Cleaning Checklist in Detail

Here’s our list of recommended cleanup tasks, fixes, ideas, and general maintenance. Add to, subtract from, and adjust the list as you see fit. Any progress is good progress when it comes to fixing up your yard and outdoor space so you can enjoy the rest of spring and summer.

Lawn tip: Set your mower blades to a higher setting (around 3 inches) for deeper root growth and better drought tolerance in your lawn

General Lawn Care

• Remove weeds and dead grass spots

• Rake leaves

• Mow the lawn

• Aerate the soil

• Overseed bare spots

• Apply fertilizer

• Apply weed control

Supplies:

lawn mower, weed whacker, rake, leaf blower, leaf bags, lawn aerator, grass seed, fertilizer, weed control, weeding tool

For a more comprehensive guide on spring lawn care, check out our article Spring Lawn Care 101: Have a Better Lawn All Year Long

Grass tip: Test your soil pH before seeding. Most grasses prefer slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0

Grass Seeding

• Prepare soil for seeding

  • loosen soil and remove debris to create a suitable seedbed

• Select grass seed variety

  • for the Greater Philadelphia area, try tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass

• Seed bare or thin areas

  • spread grass seed evenly over bare spots or areas with thinning grass cover

• Apply a starter fertilizer

  • use a fertilizer specifically formulated for new grass seedlings to promote healthy growth

• Water seeded areas

  • keep newly seeded areas consistently moist until grass seedlings establish—typically 1-2 inches of water per week

• Cover seeded areas with straw or mulch

• Regularly inspect seeded areas for signs of germination and adjust watering schedule as needed

Supplies:

rake or soil cultivator, grass seed mix, seed spreader, fertilizer, hose, straw or mulch

Gardening tip: Use companion planting techniques to naturally deter pests. Lavender deters gnats, while basil and marigolds keep mosquitos away

Gardening

• Trim overgrown bushes

• Prune trees

• Plant seeds or garden-ready plants

• Fertilize plants

  • try a slow-release fertilizer to sustain plant growth throughout the season

• Add mulch to garden beds

  • use organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weed growth

• Divide and transplant perennials

Supplies:

gardening gloves, garden shovel, mulch, fertilizer, pruning shears

Pressure washing tip: Start with the lowest pressure setting when cleaning wood decks. For soft wood (spruce, cedar, pine) use 500–600 psi. For harder woods (ipe, oak) don’t go higher than 1,200 psi

Surface Cleaning

• Pressure wash surfaces (patio, deck, walkways)

• Clean outdoor furniture

• Wash exterior windows

• Scrub and clean outdoor grill

Supplies:

power washer or pressure washer, gentle cleaning solution, window cleaner, bucket, microfiber cloth or squeegee, sponge or soft-bristled scrubbing brush

Pavement tip: Use polymeric sand between pavement joints to prevent weed growth and pest infestations (such as ants)

Pathways and Driveways

• Repair cracks in pathways or driveways

• Apply sealant to driveway

Supplies:

concrete patching compound, trowel, driveway sealant, driveway squeegee or wide broom

Wood tip: Extend the life of wooden structures like fences and decks by applying a protective sealant or stain every 2-3 years

Outdoor Structures

• Inspect and repair fence

• Check and repair retaining walls

  • make sure you have proper drainage especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall

• Stain or paint outdoor structures that need it

• Clean and organize storage sheds

Supplies:

hammer or screwdriver, nails/screws, landscape adhesive, exterior paint or stain, paintbrush or sprayer

Lighting tip: Use an astronomical timer for your outdoor lights to automatically turn them on and off at sunrise and sunset

Outdoor Lighting

• Test outdoor lights

• Replace bulbs if necessary

  • opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on electricity costs

• Clean light fixtures

Supplies:

lightbulbs, soft cloth or sponge, all-purpose cleaner

Drainage tip: Plant water-hungry plants and shrubs near areas with drainage issues. Try spicebush, bee balm, globeflower, American cranberrybush, or other plants suggest by your local landscaper

Gutters and Drainage

• Clean gutters and downspouts

• Install gutter guards

  • these prevent clogging from leaves and debris, especially during the fall season

• Check and Repair Drainage Systems

  • ensure proper grading to prevent water accumulation and potential flooding

Supplies:

ladder, gutter scoop or garden shovel, screwdriver/drill, shovel or rake

Fire pit tip: Use a fire-resistant mat if you have your fire pit on a deck or wooden surface

Safety Checks

• Inspect and repair play equipment

  • make sure structures are sturdy and free from rust or sharp edges

• Check for tripping hazards

  • repair uneven pathways or surfaces to prevent accidents

• Check for fire safety

  • check fire pit, remove dry debris

Supplies:

wrench or socket set, paver sand or leveling compound, fire pit cover, fire extinguisher

Garden tool tip: Dip metal tools in a mixture of sand and a few tablespoons of mineral oil after each use to prevent rust and corrosion

General Maintenance

• Clean and sharpen gardening tools

• Check and replace broken or worn-out tools

  • dispose of damaged tools responsibly to prevent injuries

• Organize outdoor storage areas

Supplies:

file or sharpening stone, replacement parts or new tools, storage bins, labels, markers

Wrapping Up and Enjoying Your Backyard Transformation

With a little effort and strategic planning, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting backyard getaway this spring. By following these four steps - assessing your yard, planning your approach, gathering supplies, and tackling tasks with confidence - you'll be well on your way to a successful spring yard cleanup.

Remember, the key is to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. With each completed task, you'll be one step closer to enjoying a rejuvenated outdoor space that you can be proud of. Happy cleaning!

And if you need help with the big stuff, like landscaping and lawn care or installing hardscaping features, check out the Green Leaf Outdoor Services homepage for our list of services.