A thorough backyard spring cleaning checklist to ensure you have a beautiful summer-ready backyard.
Spring is finally here! While I love the flowers popping up, the green grass, signs of life, the warmer weather…all things spring! I do dread all of the work that comes with early spring.
Old man winter always does a number on our outdoor spaces. Leaving us with, what seems like, a never ending list of things to do.
To make that list a little less overwhelming and something that can actually be tackled, I’m sharing my outdoor spring cleaning checklist. I don’t know about you, but I like to check things off, as I go and feel like I”m making some progress.
So, let’s get it done, so we can enjoy summer and not have to play catch up.
A Thorough Backyard Spring Cleaning Checklist
This comprehensive guide to spring cleaning will cover:
- Deck & patio
- Siding
- Gutters and downspouts
- Landscape and gardens
- Exterior of home
- Kids’ playset area
My latest video…
Deck and Patio Spring Cleanup
Welcome spring with a backyard that invites both sunshine and relaxation! Here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting your deck and patio spring-ready. Let’s dive in.
Want to download the checklist? Here’s the link.
Sweep it clean–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Clear away leaves, twigs, and dirt. This simple start makes a big difference and helps you see what needs to be done.
Power wash wonders
Once the deck and patio are thoroughly swept, now is the perfect time to bring out the power washer. Power wash your:
- Rugs
- Concrete
- Deck boards
Every year I think, ok this is the year. The year I’m going to have to throw out my outdoor rug and replace it with a new one…
But then I attack it with the pressure washer and wow! I am always amazed at how clean it gets. Like brand new clean! And oh, so satisfying too! Can you even believe this is the same rug?
Power washing is probably my favorite part of outdoor cleaning for this reason. It always blows my mind how concrete can go from grungy to crystal clean and deck boards too…
Pro-Tip: Be sure to use the low-pressure tip for deck boards. Too much pressure can ruin your boards.
Deck board check-up
After pressure washing your deck, you may see boards that are in need of replacement. Now is the best time to take an assessment of this and plan on when you want to swap out these deck boards for new ones.
I had to do this with a few of my boards last year. It proved to be an easy task.
Clean outdoor furniture
Bring out your patio furniture. If it was covered, uncover it. If it was stored, place it back in its spot for the summer months.
Now is a great time to give it a good cleaning…
- Wash it down.
- Clean the cushions.
- Replace any outdoor cushions that are worn out or have lost their firmness.
Take note of other things that are worn out too. Are you in need of a new umbrella? New outdoor storage bins to house all of the cushions on rainy days? Make note and plan on replacing these items, if need be.
For the birds
Don’t forget to refresh your bird feeders and baths.
For a full list of indoor spring cleaning…Check out this post
Siding Assessment–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Spring cleaning days are a good time to walk around your home and do an assessment of your siding.
Are there any areas that are showing signs of mildew? Time to bring the pressure washer back out and wash these areas down.
It’s a good idea to get ahead of this growing pest before it turns into a much bigger project.
If you have cedar siding, use a tiny paint brush to touch up any spots that has lost its paint.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Spring showers are coming, so let’s get those gutters and downspouts ready!
Clean out the clutter
Leaves and twigs love to hang out in your gutters. Grab a ladder, and scoop that stuff out. A clear gutter means no water damage to your home.
Flush them out
After scooping, use a hose to flush the gutters and downspouts. This helps you see if there are any leaks or blocks.
Fix the leaks
Notice a leak? Now is the perfect time to seal them up. A little fix can save you big problems later.
Check the flow–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Make sure downspouts are doing their job. Water should flow away from your house, not into it. If it’s not flowing right, adjust the downspouts.
Add gutter guards
I could literally thank the previous owners for adding gutter guards when they built our home. It is a time saver!
While debris does still seep in there on occasion, the screens on all of our gutters pretty much crosses this task off our list for us….without us having to lift a finger. If you don’t have them, I can’t recommend them enough!
Landscape and Garden: Bring Your Outdoor Space to Life
Spring means green! Let’s get your garden and landscape looking its best.
Pull weeds
Weeds are garden crashers. Pull them out of all of your flower beds to give your plants room to breathe. It’s best to get on top of them now rather than later, when they’re out of control.
I like to check my garden beds weekly and pull any weeds. Once again, this just helps to stay on top of them. Because we all know, they can take over quickly.
Clean up–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Winter storms can leave a mess. Pick up sticks, fallen branches and debris to tidy up your space.
Trim time
Bushes, trees, and shrubs need a spring haircut. Trim them back for healthy new growth.
Mulch magic
Turn the mulch in your beds to refresh the look. Need more? It’s time to order new fresh mulch.
We order mulch every other year. On the off years, we turn it using a rake and a spade. This makes the old mulch look fresh and new again. And it allows the plants and soil to breathe, when the mulch isn’t all compacted.
Plant inventory
What’s missing in your garden? Take note of plants or flowers you need to add.
I like to add a lot of flower pots to my landscaping.
Some are filled with perennials, making less work and money spent each year. Others are replenished during my spring planting time every year with annuals.
Deadheading–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Remove dead leaves and flowers from plants. This helps new ones grow in their place. And of course, now is the time to remove dead plants too.
Planting season
Once you’re sure frost won’t return, plant annuals and perennials. They’ll add color and life to your garden.
Living in northern Indiana, just when you think the winter months are gone for good, a snowstorm whips up and says, oh, not so soon. I’ve learned to be patient and wait til at least mid-May to plant all of my flowers. It’s usually pretty safe by then.
Scoop the poop
My kids’ least favorite job is scooping poop. I mean really, is it anyone’s favorite? Haha.
But it has to be done. Especially after a long cold winter of minimal clean up. There’s nothing more unwelcoming than a backyard covered in dog poop. Yuck! Once it’s done, it’s a good idea to clean it up every 2-3 days at minimum.
Kid’s Playset Area: Safe and Fun
Don’t forget the playset. There’s a good chance it could use some attention too. Here are a series of tasks, you may want to consider…
Sandbox refresh–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Is the sandbox looking a little empty? Add some new sand to keep the castle building strong.
Damage check
Now is a good time of year to take a good look at the playset. Any damage? Fixing it now is crucial to keep playtime safe.
Bolt tightening
Over time bolts and screws can become loose. Tighten them up to make sure everything stays together.
Smooth it out
Rough surfaces? Sand them down. We don’t want any splinters interrupting playtime.
Sturdiness test
Give the playset a shake. Everything should feel sturdy and secure.
Update protective surfaces
Mulch under the playset? Make sure it’s thick enough to cushion any falls.
Keep it moving
Swings and slides should move smoothly. A little lubricant on moving parts can work wonders.
Exterior of Home
Time to give the outside of your home a spring facelift! Here’s how:
Light it up
Clean those outdoor light fixtures. If bulbs are out, replace them. Outdoor lighting is key for those relaxing late summer nights out on your patio.
Grill time
Wash down your grill and outdoor kitchen area. Checking to be sure everything works now, will save you from a disappointing dinner later.
Hose duty
Pull out the hoses and get them ready to go again. Make sure they haven’t sprung any leaks and are ready to water your garden, flowers, grass, etc.
Trim for a view–Backyard spring cleaning checklist
Nothing will date a home more than overgrown trees and shrubs blocking the windows. Cut them back or, if they’re taking over, remove them completely. It’s amazing how doing this simple, no-cost upkeep can really update a home.
In addition, the inside of your home will be brighter too. It’s a win-win, for sure!
Window and door wash
Windows and doors take a toll during the winter months. Now is a great time to thoroughly clean them. Inside and out.
It will do wonders for not only your curb appeal, but also your view to the outside.
I hope you found this backyard spring cleaning checklist to be helpful and easy to implement.
Designer Tip: When It Might Be Time to Bring in Help
If you’re working on your home and things still don’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Many of our clients start exactly where you are now. They’ve gathered ideas, saved inspiration photos, and maybe even purchased a few pieces, but the space still doesn’t feel cohesive. That’s often the moment when having a designer can make all the difference. We help homeowners create a clear plan so every decision works together. From layout and furniture placement to finishes and lighting, the goal is a space that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and complete.
If you’d like a little guidance with your space, you can learn more about our interior design services below.
Explore Interior Design Services
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Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!
Until next week,
Happy Designing, Friend!!
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7 Reasons Why Your Home Doesn’t Feel Cohesive and What to Do
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