Spring in Rhode Island can be unpredictable. One week it's 60 degrees, the next you're scraping ice off the windshield. But when it comes to your yard, getting an early start on spring cleanup sets the tone for the whole growing season.
When Should You Start?
For most of Rhode Island, the sweet spot for spring cleanup is mid-March through early April. You want to wait until:
- The ground is no longer frozen
- Most of the snow has melted
- Temperatures are consistently above 40°F during the day
Starting too early on soggy ground can compact your soil and damage tender new growth. But waiting too long lets debris smother your lawn and encourages disease.
What Does Spring Cleanup Include?
A thorough spring cleanup in Rhode Island typically involves:
1. Clearing Winter Debris Rhode Island winters leave behind a mix of fallen branches, dead leaves, sand from plowing, and general debris. All of this needs to come off your lawn before new growth starts.
2. Raking and Dethatching A good raking removes the layer of dead grass (thatch) that builds up over winter. This lets air, water, and nutrients reach your lawn's roots. In Rhode Island, our freeze-thaw cycles can create a thick thatch layer that really needs attention.
3. Garden Bed Cleanup Cut back dead perennials, clear out old mulch and leaves, and prep beds for spring planting. Rhode Island's coastal and inland gardens each have their own timing — inland areas tend to warm up a bit later.
4. First Mow Once your grass hits about 3-4 inches, it's time for the first mow of the season. Don't cut it too short — a slightly higher cut protects against late frosts that Rhode Island is known for well into April.
Why Hire a Pro?
Spring cleanup is labor-intensive. Between raking, hauling debris, trimming, and getting beds ready, it can eat up an entire weekend. A professional crew can knock it out in a fraction of the time and make sure nothing gets missed.
At Four Seasons Lawn Care, we handle spring cleanup for homes and businesses across Rhode Island. We know the local conditions, we know the timing, and we do the heavy lifting so you don't have to.
Ready to schedule your spring cleanup? Call or text us at (401) 767-0067 for a free estimate.
