Spring is a great time to give your backyard some much-needed attention. When this season rolls around, the cooler weather moves on, the days start to get lighter and brighter, and everything outdoors feels ready for a refresh.
A clean and tidy garden space sets you up nicely for a good few months of barbecues, long afternoons outside, and quality moments with family and friends. Moreover, doing a spring clean represents a sense of renewal and a fresh start that symbolizes the transition from the dormancy of winter to the new growth of spring.
However, when it comes to spring cleaning your backyard, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if yours is quite large. But don’t worry, we are here to help. Here are some tips to make the process easier for you.
Why Spring Is a Great Time to Refresh Your Backyard
Spring brings renewed energy to your garden. It is a time when plants start growing again, flowers come back, and lawns respond well to a little extra care. Additionally, the warmer days make outdoor jobs feel a little bit more manageable, and you can make small maintenance updates that can have a big impact on its overall presentation.
Many homeowners use the onset of spring as their trigger to shape up their backyard. It is a simple way to prepare for outdoor gatherings and family time and can set the tone for the rest of the months ahead.
Here is how to do it:
1. Start With a Simple Backyard Declutter
The best place to start your spring clean is to clear out items you no longer need. This includes everything from old toys and broken pots to unused tools and outdoor furniture that has seen better days.
By removing them from your backyard, you create a lot more space. This will provide you with room to add new features, such as a pergola, seating area, or garden shed, and make garden maintenance a lot easier.
If you have larger items that need to be removed, you can always call on a local rubbish removal service. You can find one here.
2. Give Your Outdoor Surfaces a Deep Clean
Once the clutter is gone, you can focus on cleaning your backyard space to make it look fresher and more presentable. A good place to start is with the surfaces you use the most. This might include pavers, decking, pergolas, verandahs, fences, and patio areas.
Use a high-pressure cleaner to lift dirt and algae from walkways and timber. It might also be helpful to employ a mild soap solution to remove surface grime from pergola posts and outdoor structures. This is also a good time to check for marks, peeling paint, or areas that may need light maintenance work.
If you have a verandah or enclosed space, it is always a good idea to wipe down screens, windows, and balustrades to keep them all clear.
3. Refresh Your Garden Beds and Lawn
Spring is the ideal season to refresh your garden beds and lawn. Maintaining a tidy garden creates a strong foundation for enjoying good outdoor living.
Some simple tasks to focus on include:
- Removing weeds.
- Trimming shrubs.
- Adding mulch.
- Topping up soil in garden beds.
- Re-edging the lawn.
You might also want to put down mulch. This will improve the look of the entire yard and protect plant roots as temperatures rise. It also works well to hold moisture and keeps weeds down. Many homeowners even use this time to add new plants to create some seasonal color. Or to fill gaps from winter die-back.
If your lawn could benefit from a mow, feed, and a light rake, then it is worth taking the time to do so. These steps will go a long way toward reviving growth and giving your backyard a clean, even look.
4. Check Your Pergola and Outdoor Structures for Maintenance
Outdoor structures can take a battering from the elements in the colder months of the year. So, it is worth giving them the once-over to see if they need to be repaired.
Check them over for loose bolts, faded paint, cracked timber, or build-up around the posts. If your pergola is made of timber, it may even need a fresh coat of stain. Alternatively, if it is made of steel or aluminium, it could benefit from a rinse to remove dust and leaf matter.
Many homeowners use spring cleaning as a time to consider upgrades. This may include enclosing your verandah, creating an expanded outdoor dining space, or providing better shade for the warmer months.
5. Create a More Functional Outdoor Living Space
Performing a spring clean opens the door to new ways of using your backyard. For example, you may want an outdoor dining area, a quiet place to relax, or a safe, tidy area for the kids. Simply by rearranging furniture, adding storage, or creating zones, you can get more out of your space.
It is also worth investing in storage boxes to keep your cushions, toys, and tools tidy. Installing outdoor screens can also add a greater sense of privacy near your fence or window.
Overall, a well-planned layout improves the flow of your yard and encourages you to spend more time outdoors. Indeed, many families also look to backyard renovation inspiration online or on TV shows like Better Homes and Gardens to help choose new ideas that suit their lifestyle or block size.
6. Add Simple Styling Touches for a Fresh Look
Clever styling can turn your backyard from nice to “WOW”. Adding small touches like plants, pots, cushions, and outdoor décor can inject serious personality into it. You can also choose seasonal colours to brighten your space, or use natural tones for a calm, simple effect.
Stringing up fairy lights, lanterns, or solar lights may improve the ambience at night, while outdoor rugs help to define seating areas and make patios feel cosy. Even just adding a few new plants can instantly bring life to your pergola or verandah.
Lastly, consider updating your outdoor dining furniture. Doing this can help you enjoy your outdoor living space even more during the warmer months.
