As winter fades and spring arrives in Gilbert, it’s time to wake up your yard and get it ready for the growing season ahead. A thorough spring cleanup sets the stage for a healthy, vibrant garden all year long. This handy checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to refresh your low-water desert landscape.
Prune and Trim
Start by pruning back any frost-damaged branches on trees and shrubs. Look for brown, crispy leaves and stems that didn’t survive the winter chill. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut just above a healthy bud or branch junction.
Next, tidy up ornamental grasses by cutting back dead foliage to a few inches above the ground. This encourages fresh new growth and keeps your grass clumps looking neat. Avoid pruning your flowering perennials until after they bloom to enjoy the spring show.
Shape any overgrown shrubs or groundcovers to maintain their size and encourage fuller, more compact growth. Refer to our guide on spring yard tips for the Southeast Valley for pruning specifics on popular desert plants.
Clean Up Debris
Rake up fallen leaves, spent blooms, and other organic debris that accumulated over winter. This helps prevent disease issues and makes room for new growth. Bag up the waste for disposal or add it to your compost pile if it’s free of pests and disease.
Pull any early spring weeds that popped up before they can spread and take over. Dig out the roots to prevent regrowth, and consider using landscape fabric in problem areas to block future weeds.
Brush off desert cobwebs and dust from cacti, agaves, and other succulents. Wear gloves and use a soft bristle brush to avoid damaging the plants. This improves their appearance and allows them to photosynthesize more efficiently.
Adjust Irrigation
Check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs, or damaged emitters. Replace any faulty parts and clear out obstructions. Adjust your watering schedule to account for longer, warmer days and active plant growth.
Deep water your trees and large shrubs as needed to support their spring growth spurt. Desert-adapted plants like mesquite and palo verde benefit from periodic deep irrigation. Let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
If you have spring-blooming perennials or wildflowers, give them a boost with extra irrigation while they’re actively flowering and setting seed. Check out our tips for adjusting irrigation during the spring wildflower bloom.
Plan and Plant
Once your yard is spruced up, it’s time to plan for the growing season ahead. Assess any bare spots or lackluster areas that could use some new plants. Research low-water perennials that bloom in May to add color and interest.
Refresh your container plantings with a fresh potting mix and seasonal annuals for a pop of instant color. Good spring options for Gilbert include petunias, calibrachoa, lobelia, and alyssum.
Plant any new trees, shrubs, or perennials before the intense summer heat arrives. Dig planting holes twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil. Water deeply and mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Tidy Hardscapes
Finally, give your hardscaping some TLC. Sweep flagstone patios and walkways to remove dirt and debris. Use a pressure washer on a low setting to deep clean pavers or concrete surfaces. Be careful not to dislodge sand between paver joints.
Check stucco walls and raised beds for any cracks or damage from winter freezes. Make repairs as needed to prevent further deterioration. Touch up paint on fences, pergolas, or ramadas for a fresh look.
Wipe down outdoor furniture and décor to remove cobwebs and dust. Replace worn cushions or accent pillows for a quick style update. Set out your favorite spring décor to celebrate the season!
With this spring cleaning checklist, your Gilbert yard will be refreshed and ready for a beautiful growing season. Savor the mild weather and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
