8 Essential Spring Yard Tasks to Prep for a Beautiful Summer
Summer’s tough on your yard. Between the blazing sun, backyard hangouts, and the wear and tear of everyday life, your lawn and garden beds have a lot to keep up with. A little preparation now goes a long way toward keeping things green, healthy, and ready for all the action.
This checklist covers eight smart spring tasks that help your outdoor space handle the heat—and look good doing it. If you’re aiming for strong grass, clean edges, and a yard that holds up through the season, these are the moves to make. And if you’d rather not spend your weekends doing it all yourself, that’s what we’re here for.
Let’s break down what your yard actually needs—and why it’s worth getting started now.
1. Dethatch to Let Your Lawn Breathe
Dead grass and debris can build up where your mower can’t reach, forming a layer of thatch that blocks water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots. If it’s not dealt with early, that layer turns into a barrier—keeping your lawn from thriving once summer heat rolls in.
Cool-season grasses common in our area—like Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Tall Fescue—respond well to spring dethatching while they’re actively growing. Clearing out that buildup gives them the space to grow thicker, stronger, and more resilient.
Our lawn care team handles dethatching with care, so your grass gets the fresh start it needs.
2. Refresh Mulch to Keep Beds Cool and Weed-Free
Mulch does a lot more than make garden beds look tidy. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep weeds from moving in. When the sun starts bearing down later in the season, freshly mulched beds hold up better—and your plants will thank you for it.
For best results, mulch should be applied about 2–3 inches deep. Any more, and it can trap moisture and suffocate roots. Any less, and it won’t do much good.
We apply mulch the right way, using materials that protect your beds and tie your landscape together.
3. Check Irrigation Systems Before the Heat Hits
It’s easy to forget about your irrigation system—until dry spots or puddles start showing up. A few quick fixes in spring can prevent headaches down the line. Leaky valves, misaligned heads, or inconsistent zones can all lead to overwatering, underwatering, or wasted water.
Getting ahead of those issues now helps your lawn and garden stay evenly watered as things heat up. It also supports grass treatment for summer, keeping cool-season turf healthier when it matters most.
We inspect and adjust irrigation systems to keep everything running efficiently and evenly.
4. Cut Grass the Right Way, Right from the Start
First mow of the season? It matters. Cool-season grasses prefer a gradual approach—wait until they’re about 50% taller than your target height before cutting. Mowing too soon or too short stresses the lawn and makes it more vulnerable to summer damage.
A sharp blade gives you a clean cut (not a rip), and consistent mowing at the right height can even reduce your fertilizer needs over time.
We help set the right mowing schedule and keep blades sharp, so your lawn stays in top shape.
5. Feed the Lawn with the Right Fertilizer
Your lawn’s root system needs fuel heading into summer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports healthy growth and color without pushing weak, shallow roots that burn out later.
Cool-season lawns in our area benefit most from fertilizers that support long-term strength—especially when paired with good mowing, watering, and soil health.
We tailor fertilization plans to match your lawn’s needs, your soil, and the season ahead.
6. Stay Ahead of Weeds Before They Take Over
Spring weeds like crabgrass and dandelions don’t wait for an invitation. If you don’t catch them early, they spread fast and choke out the grass you want to keep. And once they’re in, they’re a lot harder to get rid of.
Pre-emergent treatments in spring make a huge difference, stopping weeds before they sprout. A little effort now keeps your lawn cleaner, greener, and way easier to manage in the summer.
We include weed control as part of our spring lawn care programs—so you’re not spending all season playing catch-up.
7. Rebuild Beds and Refresh Plantings
Winter can leave landscape beds looking flat, faded, or forgotten. Spring is your window to clear out what’s not working, add compost or soil where needed, and bring in seasonal plants that thrive in zone 6 conditions.
Fresh color in beds and borders instantly boosts your home’s curb appeal—and it makes your outdoor space feel finished and inviting again.
We help homeowners choose and install the right plants for vibrant, low-stress garden beds that hold up all season.
8. Add Hardscaping for Comfort and Structure
If you want to spend more time outside this summer, now’s the time to think about how your space works. Patios, walkways, fire pits, and other hardscape features give your yard function, flow, and long-term value.
Paired with healthy grass and fresh planting, these upgrades make your yard easier to enjoy—and easier to maintain.
We plan and build hardscape elements that match your goals, your style, and the way you actually use your yard.
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Bring Out the Best in Your Yard with Degree Lawn & Landscape
When summer hits, your yard needs to be ready to handle the heat, the foot traffic, and the fun. These eight spring tasks are your foundation—giving your landscape the strength and structure it needs to look great and hold up through the season.
Our team at Degree Lawn & Landscape is here to help you get it done. Whether you need a one-time spring clean-up or ongoing support all year long, we bring local expertise, trusted care, and the kind of results that last.
Book your spring clean-up today or get in touch with us to get started.
