Spring is the best time to clean and refresh your yard in the Rogue Valley. After months of winter dormancy, your lawn and garden beds need attention to grow strong as the weather warms.
Homeowners in Grants Pass, Medford, and throughout Southern Oregon can follow this 7-step guide to prepare their properties for a healthy, beautiful season ahead.
Step 1: Clear Winter Debris
Start by removing everything that accumulated over winter:
- Fallen branches and twigs
- Leftover leaves and leaf piles
- Dead plant material
- Any trash or debris blown into the yard
This clears the way for new growth and prevents mold or disease from developing under debris piles.
Step 2: Rake and Dethatch
Winter can leave behind a layer of dead grass (thatch) that blocks water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil.
- Rake thoroughly to lift matted grass
- Consider dethatching if the thatch layer is more than half an inch thick
- This helps your lawn "breathe" and absorb spring rain
Step 3: Clean Up Garden Beds
Garden beds need attention too:
- Remove dead annuals from last year
- Cut back perennials that died back over winter
- Pull early weeds before they establish
- Add fresh mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
A 2-3 inch layer of quality mulch makes a huge difference in bed health.
Step 4: Edge and Define Borders
Spring is the perfect time to re-establish clean edges:
- Edge along sidewalks, driveways, and patios
- Redefine borders between lawn and garden beds
- Consider installing permanent edging for easier maintenance
Crisp edges instantly make your whole property look more maintained.
Step 5: Assess Your Lawn's Condition
Take a close look at your grass:
- Bare spots: May need overseeding
- Compacted soil: May benefit from aeration
- Weeds: Address now before they spread
- Color: Yellowing may indicate nutrient deficiency
Spring is the ideal time for aeration and overseeding in the Rogue Valley.
Step 6: Check Irrigation Systems
Before the dry season hits:
- Turn on your irrigation system and check for leaks
- Inspect sprinkler heads for damage or misalignment
- Adjust coverage for any landscape changes
- Test your timer and update the schedule for spring
Catching problems now prevents bigger issues (and water waste) later.
Step 7: Plan Your Season
Think ahead about what you want to accomplish this year:
- New plantings or garden projects?
- Hardscape additions like patios or walkways?
- Regular maintenance schedule?
Getting a plan in place early helps you budget time and money.
Let Zehe Scapes Handle Your Spring Cleanup
Not everyone has time for a thorough spring cleanup — and that's okay. At Zehe Scapes, we offer complete spring cleanup services for Grants Pass, Medford, Rogue River, Cave Junction, and all of Southern Oregon.
We handle debris removal, bed cleanup, edging, and everything your property needs to start the season right.
Licensed (CCB #258789) | Insured | Owner-Operated by Blake Zehe