The Ultimate Guide to Spring Landscaping Clean-Ups
Why Spring Clean-Ups Matter More Than You Think
Spring in Lexington isn’t just the season of blooming dogwoods and Derby celebrations — it’s also the unofficial starting line for your landscape’s entire year.
After months of harsh weather, even the healthiest lawns and gardens show signs of wear. If you skip a proper clean-up now, you’ll fight an uphill battle against weeds, pests, disease, and drought all summer long.
And trust us, no one wants to be scrambling to fix brown grass and neglected flowerbeds once Keeneland’s summer races or Memorial Day barbecues roll around.
Whether you’re sprucing up a backyard near Southland Drive or revitalizing a front yard in Beaumont Reserve, a thoughtful spring clean-up sets the tone for a thriving outdoor season.
The Core Elements of a True Spring Landscape Clean-Up
A great spring clean-up isn’t about speed — it’s about attention to detail.
Here’s what Lexington homeowners should focus on:
Debris Removal
Wind, ice, and winter storms leave behind broken branches, matted leaves, and yard clutter. Removing this debris early prevents fungal diseases and allows your lawn and gardens to breathe again.
Lawn First Aid
Early raking removes dead grass and thatch buildup. If your lawn feels spongy or patchy, consider overseeding thin areas or scheduling a turfcare inspection with a local expert.
Garden Bed Rejuvenation
Clean out dead annuals, prune back perennials, and reshape your garden beds. Early spring is the perfect time to redefine edges, making beds look crisp and clean before new growth fills in.
Mulching for Moisture and Weed Control
A fresh layer of mulch not only adds a polished look — it stabilizes soil temperatures, conserves moisture, and smothers weeds before they emerge. Aim for about 2-3 inches of mulch, taking care not to pile it against plant stems or tree trunks.
Pruning and Deadheading
Selective pruning shapes shrubs and trees for healthy spring growth. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. UK Cooperative Extension offers great guidelines on what and when to prune for Kentucky’s climate.
Early Weed Management
If you notice chickweed, henbit, or wild violets popping up, act fast. Hand-pulling young weeds is easier in soft spring soil, and it keeps invasive species from getting a foothold before summer.
Lexington Timing Tips: When to Start Your Spring Clean-Up
In Central Kentucky, March through early April is your prime window for spring clean-ups — before grass growth explodes and temperatures soar.
Ideally, tackle clean-up tasks once daytime temperatures consistently hit the 50s, but before trees fully leaf out.
Here’s a rough guide:
March: Start debris removal, light raking, early pruning.
Late March–Early April: Redefine beds, mulch, overseed if needed.
Mid-April: Apply pre-emergent herbicides if battling crabgrass.
If you’re near water-prone areas like Tates Creek or Chilesburg, pay extra attention to drainage and runoff during your clean-up — heavy spring rains can cause major erosion problems if beds aren’t prepared.
Quick Tip:
Don't forget to assess your irrigation system during your spring clean-up walk-through. Spotting broken sprinkler heads or clogged lines early can save you a major headache later. Need help? Green Solutions Landcare's irrigation startup services are built for Lexington properties.
Want a clean-up checklist built just for your property? Contact Green Solutions Landcare today.
We’re Lexington’s trusted landscape recovery specialists — ready to help your lawn and garden launch into spring stronger than ever.