Spring Clean-Up Guide for Montana Yards

As the snow melts and Montana begins to thaw, your yard is ready for some post-winter TLC. Spring clean-up is more than just raking leaves—it’s about preparing your landscape to thrive through the growing season. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we help Billings-area homeowners make the most of this transition time with a thorough and strategic clean-up plan that sets your lawn and garden up for success.

1. Inspect for Winter Damage
Montana winters can be rough on plants and hardscapes. Start by walking your yard and checking for broken branches, salt damage, frost heaving, or cracked concrete. If you spot any issues with your irrigation system or drainage areas, address them early to avoid bigger problems later.

2. Remove Debris and Dead Growth
Winter leaves behind fallen twigs, matted leaves, and dead plant matter that can smother your grass and harbor pests. Clear debris from lawn areas, garden beds, and around trees. For perennials and ornamental grasses, cut back any dead stems that weren’t trimmed in fall to allow fresh growth.

3. Rake and De-Thatch Your Lawn
Even if you raked in the fall, a light spring raking helps remove lingering thatch and snow mold. For yards with dense buildup, de-thatching may be necessary. This allows your lawn to breathe, absorb nutrients, and green up more quickly in the weeks ahead.

4. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Late winter and early spring are ideal for pruning most trees and shrubs before new growth starts. Trim dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve shape and health. Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs until after they flower, so you don’t cut off this year’s buds.

5. Clean and Prep Beds
Once the soil has thawed, edge and clean out garden beds. Loosen compacted soil with a rake or cultivator, and add compost or organic matter to refresh nutrients lost over winter. Now is also a good time to divide perennials or transplant as needed while the weather is still cool.

6. Tune Up Your Irrigation System
Before turning your system on, check all sprinkler heads and drip lines for damage. Test for leaks, clogged nozzles, and broken valves. Horizon Landscape & Irrigation offers professional spring irrigation start-up services across Billings to ensure your system is operating efficiently from day one.

7. Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Spring is the best time to stop weeds before they start. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass and other unwanted growth from germinating. Be sure to follow timing recommendations based on soil temperature and product label directions.

8. Refresh Mulch
Top off mulch in beds to suppress weeds, maintain soil moisture, and protect tender roots. Stick with 2–3 inches of fresh mulch, and keep it a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.

9. Fertilize for a Healthy Start
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to your lawn and planting beds to encourage strong early growth. If your soil needs a boost, this is the time to give it the nutrients it needs after a long winter dormancy.

Ready to Jumpstart Your Yard?
Spring clean-up in Montana is your chance to give your landscape a strong foundation for the season ahead. Whether you need help with yard debris, pruning, or irrigation, Horizon Landscape & Irrigation is ready to assist.

Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule your spring clean-up service in Billings or the surrounding area. Let’s get your yard looking its best from the very start.