1. TIDY YOUR FLOWER BEDS
Winter's inclement weather can leave flower beds littered with fallen leaves and debris, so take the time to tidy them up, popping the detritus on the compost heap. Then, turn your attention to any weeds which may have already sprouted. These can quickly take over garden beds, making it difficult for your plants to grow and thrive, says Paulo Filho. 'Use a hoe or hand cultivator to remove weeds by their roots, and add a layer of mulch to prevent new weed growth.'
Mallory Micetich, a Home Expert at Angi, also recommends pulling out plants that have died during winter, and planting some new spring-flowering plants in their place.
Once your borders are in order, tidy up your lawn, too. 'You can use a leaf blower to make the job easier and more efficient,' suggests Karina Toner, Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning.
2. SPRUCE UP YOUR HARDSCAPING
'Your backyard deck or patio is a place where you can relax and enjoy the great outdoors, so it's important to keep it in top condition,' says Paulo. Start by sweeping away dirt and debris, then give it a good wash to get it looking as good as new.
'Power washing your patio or deck is a highly effective way to remove built-up dirt and grime,' says Karina. Not only will this make it look better, but removing all that slippery grime and algae will also make it safer to use.
3. CUT BACK OVERGROWN SHRUBS
'One of the most important spring cleaning jobs to do in your backyard is pruning and trimming your trees and shrubs,' says Paulo. 'Not only will this improve the appearance of your backyard, but it will also promote healthy growth and prevent any potential hazards from overgrown branches.
4. REFRESH YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE
'Cleaning outdoor furniture such as chairs, benches and tables can help to improve the look of your backyard,' says Justin Carpenter, General Manager at Modern Maids. This may involve wiping away dirt and dust with a damp cloth or using a garden hose or even a pressure washer on a very gentle setting (although proceed with caution with the latter, as it can damage some surfaces).
5. GET ORGANIZED
Spring is the season of new beginnings – so what better time to declutter your backyard? Start by clearing out any accumulated trash or anything that's broken beyond repair, and then give what's left a good sort-out.
'Consider investing in backyard storage solutions such as a storage shed, garden box, or outdoor cabinet to keep your items organized and protected,' Karina adds.