Fall vs. Spring Cleanups: What Does My Property Need?

Written By Mullen Bros Team
June 12, 2024 1:30 PM

As the seasons transition, property owners here in Westborough and the surrounding areas are faced with the task of preparing their outdoor spaces for the changes ahead. Both fall and spring cleanups play important roles in maintaining the health and appearance of your lawns and gardens, but understanding which tasks are needed during each season can be confusing. 

Here at Mullen Brothers Landscaping, we’re busy with cleanups during both seasons, but we often get customers asking us which is better for their property.

That’s why in today’s post, we'll help clear things up by looking into the differences between fall and spring cleanups. So, whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your property maintenance.


Fall Cleanups:

Here in the New England area, fall is beautiful, but as the transition to winter approaches, leaves accumulate, perennials die back, and debris builds up, creating potential hazards and compromising the overall appearance of your property. 

With a fall cleanup, you can prevent the accumulation of decaying organic matter like leaves and sticks, which can harbor pests and diseases. Tasks such as aerating the soil and applying fertilizer promote root growth and prepare the landscape for the dormant winter months, ensuring that it emerges vibrant and healthy in the spring. 

Fall cleanups can also improve your property safety, as clearing leaves and debris around drainage systems minimize the risk of slips, trips, and water damage during the colder months. 

Leaf blowing

What Homeowners Need to Know:

  • Fall cleanups hep prepare your lawn and garden for the harsh conditions of Massachusetts’ winters.
  • Tasks typically include leaf removal, trimming back perennials, aerating the soil, and applying fertilizer to promote root growth.
  • By addressing these tasks in the fall, your outdoor space will be prepared throughout the winter months.

For homeowners, these seasonal tasks, such as leaf removal, trimming back perennials, aerating the soil, and applying fertilizer, are important for preparing the lawn and garden for the challenges of winter. 

What Property Managers Need to Know:

  • Fall cleanups are crucial for commercial properties to maintain a professional appearance and prevent potential hazards.
  • In addition to leaf removal and trimming, managers should also focus on clearing drainage systems and inspecting for any damage that may need repair before winter sets in.
  • By proactively addressing these tasks in the fall, managers can minimize the risk of costly damage and ensure the safety and accessibility of the property during winter.

For property managers, recognizing the significance of fall cleanups is essential. These seasonal efforts go beyond aesthetics, as they are vital for upholding the professional appearance of commercial properties and mitigating potential hazards. 

By taking proactive measures during the fall, managers can significantly reduce the likelihood of costly damage and guarantee the safety and accessibility of the property throughout the winter season.


Spring Cleanups:

Spring cleanups help revitalize your outdoor space after the dormancy of winter. As the snow melts and temperatures rise, lawns and gardens awaken from their slumber. The melt also reveals any debris, dead foliage, and potential damage that’s accumulated over the winter months.

Spring cleanups address these issues by clearing away debris, dethatching the lawn, and pruning shrubs and trees, preparing the landscape for new growth and vibrant blooms. By tackling these tasks early in the spring, you can set the stage for healthy plant development, preventing weed problems, and a beautiful outdoor space throughout the season. 

Spring cleanups provide an opportunity to assess any winter damage, such as hardscape cracks or turf issues, allowing for timely repairs to maintain the property's aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Seeding your lawn

What Homeowners Need to Know:

  • Spring cleanups are about rejuvenating the lawn and garden after the winter months.
  • Tasks may include removing debris leftover from winter, dethatching the lawn, overseeding bare patches, and pruning shrubs and trees.
  • By tackling these tasks in the spring, you can set the stage for healthy growth and lush greenery throughout the summer.

From removing leftover debris to dethatching the lawn, overseeding bare patches, and pruning shrubs and trees, spring cleanups address a range of needs to promote optimal plant development. By proactively tackling these tasks early in the spring, you can create an ideal landscape for enjoyment throughout the season.

What Property Managers Need to Know:

  • Spring cleanups are an opportunity to address any damage or issues that may have arisen over the winter.
  • Managers should focus on repairing any hardscape damage, reestablishing turf areas, and refreshing mulch beds to enhance the property's curb appeal.
  • By conducting thorough spring cleanups, you can ensure that the property is primed for the busy summer season.

These seasonal efforts provide an opportunity to address any damage or issues that may have occurred during the winter months, ensuring that the property is in good condition for the busy summer season. Tasks such as repairing hardscape damage, reestablishing turf areas, and refreshing mulch beds not only enhance the property's curb appeal but also contribute to its overall safety and accessibility.

How to Determine Your Property's Needs

  1. Assess the current condition of your lawn and garden: Look for signs of damage, such bare patches in your lawn, dead or dying plants, and accumulated debris.
  2. Evaluate any specific challenges or issues unique to your property: Did you have a heavy leaf fall? Has your soil become impacted from the snow?
  3. Consult with landscaping professionals for personalized recommendations based on your property's requirements: Work with our friendly team to get a free estimate.

The Bottom Line on Seasonal Cleanups

Fall and spring cleanups each play crucial roles in maintaining the health, beauty, and functionality of outdoor spaces. But, which do you need to address for your home or property? 

If time and budget allows, the best option is to do both. Especially here in Massachusetts, winters can be brutal on your lawns and gardens. That’s why it’s so important to not only prepare with a fall cleanup, but also to give your lawn and garden a great head start by preparing it for the growing season with a spring cleanup. This balance ensures that your outdoor space thrives year-round.

Whether you need a spring cleanup, fall cleanup, or both - the team at Mullen Brothers Landscaping has you covered. Just reach out to book a free consultation and estimate. 

Mullen Bros Team

About the Author

Mullen Brothers Landscaping was co-founded by brothers Joel and Matt Mullen in 2022 with a simple mission: To help people connect with their piece of nature.