# Ultimate Spring Yard Clean Up Checklist

- **Published:** 15 March 2023
- **Type:** Blog
- **Tags:** Lawn & garden

With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start prepping your [lawn and gardens](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/jobs/lawn-garden.md) for the warmer months ahead! I’m sure you’ve heard about spring cleaning the inside of your home but what about the outside? You may also be asking yourself what are the key things to consider in cleaning the yard? Some of these things may include: cleaning up surface debris, pruning shrubs, removing weeds, caring for your lawn, trimming edges, removing winter mulch, washing outdoor furniture and water blasting (to name a few!).

Although there is a bit of work to be done, sorting out your yard in preparation for summer doesn’t have to be a daunting chore. Hirepool has a wide range of landscaping tools to help bring your garden ideas and landscaping ideas to life! Plus, by hiring equipment rather than purchasing it outright, you can [stick to your budget when landscaping your garden](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/setting-a-budget-for-landscaping-your-garden.md).

## Why it’s good to clean your yard in spring

The chilly winter months can really take a toll on your outdoor area. It is easy to neglect gardening work in the frostier seasons, as the harsh chill in the air is enough to put anyone off! When spring rolls around, you might find that excess weeds have sprouted, trees have become overgrown and your lawn has taken a turn for the worse.

[Spring in New Z](https://www.newzealand.com/ca/feature/discover-spring-in-new-zealand/#:~:text=Spring%20weather%20in%20New%20Zealand,spans%20September%2C%20October%20and%20November)ealand offers a gentler climate which is perfect for getting stuck into some gardening work. It is also an idyllic time of year for entertaining outdoors. Make your guests go “wow” when they get a tour of your patio and garden area.

Not only does a garden look aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be beneficial for overall garden health. Dead plant life can harbour diseases and fungus spores that can put your lawn at risk. Not only can it affect your lawn growth but it can also attract pests - which is a whole other issue!

## What you’ll need to clean up your garden

Firstly, take a look at what gardening equipment you have gathering dust in your shed and take stock of the tools you may need to hire. The next question is, [what equipment do you need](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/what-equipment-do-you-need-for-outdoor-maintenance.md)? Here are some of our top equipment recommendations to get you started on your ultimate spring yard clean up.

- **Hedge Trimmer**: Trim your unruly shrubs and hedges that have gotten out of hand over the winter. Choose from Hirepool’s wide range of [battery-powered hedge trimmers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/hedge-trimmers/418a-hedge-trimmer-battery.md?addToCart), [petrol hedge trimmers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/hedge-trimmers/418b-hedge-trimmer-petrol.md?addToCart) and [telescopic hedge trimmers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/hedge-trimmers/418f-hedge-trimmer-telescopic-battery.md?addToCart) and get the job done right.

* **Chainsaw**: Prune trees, trim trees or cut them down entirely for more yard space. Using a [chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/chainsaws-pruning-saws.md) isn’t as hard as you might think… and with Hirepool, you can be sure that the quality will be top of the line. Don’t forget your safety gear - [chainsaw chaps](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety/safety-gear/692g-chainsaw-chaps.md) are a must.

+ **Lawnmower**: If you’ve let your lawn get a little out of control, it is time to get the [lawnmower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-mowers/422a-lawn-mower.md?addToCart) up and running. You won’t believe the difference a freshly mown lawn will make to the overall appearance of your yard!

- **Pruning Saw**: A battery-powered [pruning saw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/chainsaws-pruning-saws/526b-chain-saw-pruner-batt-4.md?addToCart) is lightweight and easy to use, with no cords in sight! It is ideal for use during spring, as it allows you to trim back your greenery to allow for new growth.

* **Scarifier**: Give your lawn a new lease on life with a [scarifier](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-scarifiers-dethatchers-aerators/414b-lawn-scarifier-dethatcher.md?addToCart) from Hirepool. This handy tool cuts through the soil and banishes dead moss and grass cuttings that may have been left to sit throughout winter. This will aerate the soil and allow rain moisture to drain for healthier grass.

+ **Weedeater**: Trim and cut your grass edges like a pro with a [weedeater](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/weedeaters-scrubcutters.md) from Hirepool. Choose from either a petrol or battery-operated model and add the final touch to your freshly mown lawn!

- **Leaf Blower**: If your lawn is littered with leaves, grass clippings or other debris, a [leaf blower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/leaf-blowers.md?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaF_5R_-ioQmYXXJSeIZQ9-DbmfrfQYP7aQMG2v_6OETd0m0-lVR6MBoCTrYQAvD_BwE) is the fastest way to deal with it. Use the leaf blower to gather yard waste into a small pile and dispose of it in one fell swoop.

* **Safety Gear**: We are all for getting stuck in this spring but make sure to do it safely with the appropriate [safety gear](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety.md). Prevent your ears from getting blasted and don a pair of [earmuffs](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-ear-wear.md) when you whip out the mower. Or slap on some [chainsaw chaps](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety/safety-gear/692g-chainsaw-chaps.md) to keep your legs protected when chopping large trees.
* Water Blaster: Hirepool has an extensive range of [water blasters](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/water-blasters/water-blasters.md), which can be used for anything from cleaning your outdoor furniture to cleaning your patio.

Got your gear? Let’s get into it! Here’s your yard cleanup checklist.

## 1. Clean up surface rubbish

The first step when beginning your epic yard clean up is making sure you have a blank slate to work with. Don some gloves and get rid of any surface level waste, whether that be trash that’s blown over from the neighbours or fallen branches from trees. If you have a lot of leaves scattered across your grass, get your hands on a [leaf blower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/leaf-blowers.md) from Hirepool and sort it out in record time. A leaf blower allows you to easily blow and gather all debris into one manageable pile for hassle-free disposable. In this first stage of clean-up, it might be a good idea to go and gather some [garden inspiration](https://www.gardenstovisit.co.nz/) while you’ve got a fairly blank slate to work with.

## 2. Prune trees, shrubs and hedging

Give your shrubs the love they deserve (but didn’t receive during winter). Before getting stuck-in, it’s a good idea to research the trees and plant life you’re working with to make sure that pruning is the way to go. All plants will benefit from removing any winter damage or dead leaves so this is a good place to start. However when it comes to pruning other parts of the plant (especially if it is a flowering shrub), you should definitely brush up on your plant knowledge before hacking into it.

For smaller shrubs, hand shears should do the trick just fine. However, bigger shrubs and small tree branches will call for a [battery powered pruning saw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/526b-chain-saw-pruner-batt-4.md) from Hirepool. Not only is it more powerful, but the blades are extremely sharp and effective. If you have an overgrown tree that needs some TLC, you can’t look past hiring a [hedge trimmer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/hedge-trimmers.md?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaKPObIHKA8fHahDkVHxFl8NNXOVPoRLIkgLtuRa-rzFev_Z0BLc-2RoCc4kQAvD_BwE)! [Using a hedge trimmer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-use-a-hedge-trimmer.md) is pretty straightforward and gets the job done accurately and easily. This will not only transform the appearance of your garden, but it will also allow for healthier growth in upcoming months.

Top tip from Kalib at Wood, Lawn & Gardens: “Prune your hedges in early spring to regain shape, form and create the desired wall effect hedges give. My rule of thumb is never take more than a third off the plant, as this increases air flow and light intake.”

Once your pruning session has come to an end, you’ll be left with a bunch of discarded plant matter. Your first thought might be to throw it away, but we challenge you to put your green thumb to good use. What may seem like “trash” at first glance is actually a treasure for your compost!

The last thing we want to cover in the pruning department is the challenge of large fallen trees. Thick tree trunks will require a [petrol-powered chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527c-chainsaw-petrol-24-to-30-bar.md) with a larger blade and grunty power drive. You might not have this tool tucked away in your garden shed but don’t stress! We have a bunch of [chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/chainsaws-pruning-saws.md) options available for hire that will do the trick. If you’ve never used a chainsaw before, we recommend you take a look at our [chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/using-a-chainsaw-everything-you-should-know.md) blogs and videos for more information.

## 3. Get stuck into weeding

Warmer weather means more sunshine, flowers and (unfortunately) more weeds. Spring is the perfect time to get stuck into weeding, whether that be with your hands or using weed spray. By targeting weeds during their germination period, you won’t have to do as many treatment cycles further down the line - which is a major bonus! Once you have removed all weeds to the best of your ability, consider laying down some weed matting. Simply roll it out, cut it to size and peg it in place to prevent excessive weed growth later down the track. Using weed mat is another great way to reduce the amount of herbicide you’ll need to buy in the future. Don’t let pesky weeds ruin your overall landscape design.

[Source](https://unsplash.com/@honeypoppet)

## 4. Care for your lawn

One of the first things people will see when they look at your yard is your lawn. A large unhealthy lawn may look daunting at first, but this nifty [guide](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/lawn-care-101-everything-you-need-to-know-for-a-great-looking-lawn.md) from Hirepool breaks lawn care into achievable chunks.

During winter, your lawn may have built up a layer of thatch, which is essentially dead organic plant matter. This can result in weak grass growth that is unhealthy in colour. Thankfully, a [dethatcher](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-scarifiers-dethatchers-aerators/414b-lawn-scarifier-dethatcher.md) can easily loosen this detrimental layer of thatch with its sharp rotating vertical blades. Set the depth before starting the engine, making sure the cut isn’t too deep so it doesn’t cut the soil of your lawn. You can then engage the cut, start the motor, hold the handles and pull the clutch lever to get started. By detaching your lawn, you allow water, nutrients and air to reach the soil so your lawn can flourish. Once this step is complete, you can then tackle the task of mowing your lawn.

Before you dive in headfirst into mowing, make sure you have the necessary [safety gear](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety.md) such as earmuffs and [safety goggles](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-glasses.md). In terms of which mower to hire, we recommend an electric lawn mower for smaller gardens and a more powerful [petrol mower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-mowers/422a-lawn-mower.md) for larger lawn areas. Mowing your grass isn’t a one-off task- [maintaining your lawn](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/tips-for-creating-and-maintaining-your-lawn.md) is extremely important to avoid it becoming a big task later on down the line.

## 5. Trim edges

Nothing is more satisfying than perfect garden edging with crisp lines! This is where a [weed eater](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/weedeaters-scrubcutters.md) is invaluable, as it can accurately manoeuvre around posts and fences that your lawn mower can’t. If you are new to lawn maintenance, we have an entire blog dedicated to the [best ways to cut lawns and edges.](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/best-way-to-cut-lawns-and-edges.md) Once you’ve finished, you’ll have one of the best-looking lawns in the neighbourhood.

Kalib from Wood, Lawn & Gardens weighs in with how he gets amazing results for his customers: “If you don’t have a blade edger or prefer to use the weed eater, flip your trimmer over and hold it at a 90 degree angle to create a sharp edge and define your lawn.

Do not remove your guard as it is there for safety and to keep your engine running smoothly. It can also be used as a guide for keeping the edge straight.

Practice your downtrimming with the blade at either a 90 degree angle or 45 degree angle from the grass side; it will create a slope but still defines the lawn. Practice walking forwards or backwards - it’s all about preference.”

## 6. Remove any winter mulch

Mulch is a must during the winter months, as it protects your garden and provides essential nutrients and protection from the elements. However, once it’s served its purpose during the colder months, it is time to get rid of it before it does more damage than good. Mulch is designed to protect against the threat of frost - but keeping mulch on once the threat has passed will prevent plants from growing effectively. To remove winter mulch, simply rake the mulch into a pile, scoop it up with a [shovel](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/landscaping-equipment-other/412a-round-mouth-shovel.md) and dump it into your compost.

## 7. Wash outdoor furniture

Once winter has passed, you might notice that your outdoor furniture has become damp and grimy. Just like you would with indoor furniture, it is a good idea to give your outdoor furniture a thorough wipe down with a damp cloth and cleaning solution. For quick, easy and efficient cleaning, particularly on concrete benches and sturdy furniture, use a [water blaster](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/water-blasters.md) to get rid of stubborn dirt and algae. If you have opted for fabric furniture, we recommend purchasing a fabric cleaner for best results.

[Source](https://unsplash.com/@collovhome)

## 8. Get water blasting

The winter weather can take a toll on your deck, patios and pathways - leaving behind a build-up of mud and grime. If you want to get this removed quickly and easily, a [water blaster](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/water-blasters.md) is your best friend. Not to mention, hiring from us is a lot cheaper than buying one outright. At Hirepool, you will find a wide selection of both [petrol water blasters](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/water-blasters/water-blasters/146k-water-blaster-dual-petrol-4000-psi.md?addToCart) and [electric water blasters](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/water-blasters/water-blasters/145b-water-blaster-electric-1450-psi.md?addToCart) to suit jobs big and small. This handy tool is nothing to be afraid of, as it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to use. Start with a low pressure and slowly work up to a higher pressure. Hold the nozzle at a slight angle and start further away, edging closer until it starts to clean effectively. Just make sure not to use it on a timber deck!

## Time for a spring clean?

If you can no longer look at your backyard with pride, it is time to roll up your sleeves and [make your backyard better](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/10-diy-ideas-for-a-better-back-yard.md). Spring is meant to be the best time for rejuvenating your garden area - just in time for new blooms. Hire garden tools from us to help clean up any rubbish, prune shrubs, remove weeds, attend to your lawn and make your outdoor furniture and patio shine. If you are looking for the fastest way to clean up your yard, we recommend using this guide to make a list of the equipment you need and choose from our wide selection at Hirepool. Don’t let your backyard take a backseat this spring!

## Equipment mentioned

- [Lawn Mower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-mowers/422a-lawn-mower.md)
- [Weedeater Battery](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/weedeaters-scrubcutters/424d-weedeater-battery.md)
- [Leaf Blower Hand Held](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/leaf-blowers/419b-leaf-blower-hand-held.md)

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/ultimate-spring-yard-clean-up-checklist