Spring Cleanup Tips for Cape Cod Homeowners

Why Spring Cleanup Matters

Winter on Cape Cod is tough on your yard. Between the salt air, heavy winds, and frost, your lawn and beds take a beating from November through March. A thorough spring cleanup sets the foundation for a healthy, beautiful property all season long.

Start With a Walkthrough

Before you grab a rake, walk your entire property and take note of:

This gives you a clear picture of what needs attention before you start.

Clean Up Beds and Borders

Winter leaves beds looking tired and overgrown. Start by removing dead plant material, leftover leaves, and any weeds that got an early start. Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials that weren’t trimmed in the fall. Once beds are cleared, a fresh layer of mulch goes a long way — it suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and gives the whole property a clean, finished look.

Rake and Dethatch Your Lawn

Give your lawn a good raking to pull up matted grass and thatch that built up over winter. This is especially important on Cape Cod where humidity and salt air can cause thatch to accumulate faster than inland properties. Removing it lets air, water, and nutrients reach the roots.

Check for Winter Damage

Look for bare or thin patches in your lawn — these are common after a harsh winter. Early spring is the best time to overseed these areas before weeds move in and take over. If you had significant damage, a lawn assessment can help determine whether overseeding or a more complete lawn renovation is the right call.

Get Your Irrigation System Ready

If your irrigation system was winterized, spring is the time to start it back up. Check each zone for broken heads, leaks, or misaligned sprinklers. Catching issues early saves water and prevents dry spots from developing during the summer months.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Late winter and early spring — before new growth starts — is the ideal window for pruning most trees and shrubs. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth and improve the shape of the plant. For flowering shrubs, timing matters, so when in doubt ask a professional before cutting.

Don’t Rush Fertilization

It’s tempting to fertilize early, but applying too soon can do more harm than good. Wait until your lawn is actively growing — typically mid to late spring on the Cape — before putting down fertilizer. Applying it too early feeds the weeds more than the grass.

Let the Pros Handle the Heavy Lifting

Spring cleanup can be a big job, especially after a tough winter. At Sears Landscaping, we offer full spring cleanup services for residential and commercial properties across Cape Cod. From bed cleanup and mulching to lawn dethatching and irrigation startup, we take care of everything so you can enjoy your yard from day one.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your spring cleanup.