Spring Garden Cleanup: 4 Essential Steps for a Vibrant Growing Season

UK spring arrives with a garden full of winter's debris — but also full of promise. Four focused weekends of work now set up six months of beauty. Here's the priority sequence.

1. Debris Removal — The Clean Slate

• Walk the entire property. Remove: dead annuals, fallen branches, blown-in trash, dog toys, last year's plant labels.
• Cut back dead perennial tops to crown (leave 2–3″ for insect habitat if possible).
• Rake lawn — remove thatch > ½″.
• Store ornaments, furniture, play equipment — reinstall after planting.

2. Soil Preparation — Feed the Foundation

• Turn beds (fork, not rototiller — preserves structure).
• Incorporate 2–3″ compost or well-rotted manure.
• Apply bark mulch (2–3″) after planting — conserves moisture, suppresses weeds.
• Soil test if > 3 years since last.

3. Pruning — Shape & Stimulate

• Spring bloomers (forsythia, lilac, weigela): Prune after flowering.
• Summer bloomers (hydrangea paniculata, butterfly bush, roses): Prune now — hard.
• Evergreens: Light shape only.
• Fruit trees: Dormant prune complete; now only remove suckers/watersprouts.
• Rule: clean, sharp tools; cut to bud/branch collar; no paint.

4. Hardscape Renewal — The Frame

• Power wash patios, paths, decks, walls — removes algae, slip hazard.
• Re-sand paver joints (kiln-dried) — stabilizes, prevents weeds.
• Deck stain/seal if water beads ≠ soaks.
• Inspect: Loose caps, cracked treads, leaning posts — fix now.

Pro Timeline

Weekend 1: Debris. Weekend 2: Soil. Weekend 3: Prune. Weekend 4: Hardscape. Planting starts Week 5.

Rukeri supplies: turf, aggregate, stone, bark, tools — delivered. Your garden's best season starts with this cleanup.