Spring clean-up is one of the most important yard chores you can do this year.

What does a spring clean-up consist of?

First, remove all twigs, branches, and debris from the lawn areas. Let the lawn thrive! Eliminate any hazards that may have accumulated such as gravel and sand. One rock from a lawnmower through a window can pay for the spring clean-up in most instances.

A good thick grass lawn does not grow well through thick leaves and sand. Therefore, remove these items as soon as the snow melts. Repair the plow-damaged areas with winter kill soon after the snow melts. That way, grass can grow and weeds do not overtake the area. It can also become muddy if vegetation does not grow soon.

Remove all leaves, pine needles, and debris from any drainage ditches, swales, and culverts to prevent water from damming up and causing erosion problems. Remove all decomposing leaves, pine needles, and debris from decks, patios, and walkways before they stain these surfaces. Trim any damaged trees, shrubs, and plants to help minimize disease.

Repair those potholes in the driveway to help maintain your vehicle’s front end. Remove sand and grit from driveways and walkways to minimize tracking of these materials into vehicles, garages, and buildings. Sand and grit are hard on most flooring.

Edge any flowerbeds. Weed and resurface with mulch for a thriving garden that requires less water and weeding. Therefore, it is much more cosmetically appealing and easier to maintain. Replace any dead plants and shrubs that did not make it through the winter to keep the yard looking the best it can.