The sun is peaking out, the days are getting longer, and your grass is starting to grow -- spring is here and it is time to get the lawn in order. If you aren't sure where to start, the following guide can help you plan your spring cleanup.

Remove Winter Debris

Broken twigs, leftover leaf piles, and other debris can collect in the nooks and crannies around your lawn. Put on the gloves and grab a rake, it's time to get all of this debris cleaned up before it shades out grass growth and starts harboring pests. Make sure to pull out the leaves that collect beneath shrubs and in other hidden places as well, as these hidden piles often harbor insect pests that overwintered in the leaves.

Trim Perennials

It's common practice to leave certain dead stalks of perennials, such as ornamental grasses, in place to protect the plant crowns in winter. Once spring arrives, you need to trim this dead growth off to allow for the new growth to emerge unencumbered. Early spring is also a good time to finish any tree or shrub pruning chores that weren't completed in late winter.

Tend to Fences and Furniture

A long winter can be hard on fences and lawn items. Hose the dirt off your fences, patio furniture, and even lawn ornaments to freshen them up for spring. Wood fences should be repainted or stained to protect against rot if the old paint is wearing off. Some types of furniture, like teak, may also need to be oiled or painted. Treat cushions and textile items with a bleach solution if you spot any mildew stains.

Turn the Compost Pile

Your compost pile has been working away all winter, and now is the time to turn it before adding in all the debris and trimmings you have collected during spring cleanup. Turning ensures materials are properly incorporated into the pile so that they will break down as they should.

Rake, Aerate, and Fertilize

Once the above chores are done, move on to your lawn. Begin with a good dethatching. A dethatching rake pulls up the excess dead organic materials sitting on the soil, which allows for better moisture penetration later. Next, use a core aerator to further loosen the soil for healthy grass growth. Finally, apply a spring fertilizer to help bring the lawn out of dormancy and to ensure it starts the season healthy and lush.

Edge the Beds and Lawn

The last task is to pull out the edger and edge around the lawn to create a clean edge. Not only does this look nice, but it also helps prevent weeds from crossing over between lawn and paved areas or garden beds. You should also edge around flower and shrub beds to create a similar barrier and a clean look.

For more information about spring lawn cleanup, contact a landscaping professional near you.