Why Spring Cleanup Matters

Most NJ lawns come out of winter in genuinely rough shape — and most homeowners don't realize how much of the early-season struggle is preventable. A layer of wet matted leaves under the snow blocks light and traps moisture against the grass blades, creating perfect conditions for snow mold (the gray-white fungus you sometimes see in early March). Dead thatch from the previous fall blocks new growth from getting through. Perennials that didn't get cut back in fall are now decomposing all over your beds. Beds are full of winter debris that prevents fresh mulch from working properly.

Mowing over all of that without a real cleanup just spreads the mess instead of fixing it. A proper spring cleanup before the first mow is the difference between a lawn that thrives in May and one that's still struggling in July. The work isn't dramatic — it's just thorough. Every leaf cleared, every bed exposed, every dead stem cut back, every compacted area loosened up. Done right, the visual transformation is immediate and the season-long benefit is enormous.

What's Included

Full Leaf & Debris RemovalEverything that collected over winter — leaves, branches, trash, the works. Blown out of beds and lawn, bagged or piled, and hauled off-site.

Dead Growth Cut-BackPerennials, ornamental grasses, and dead stems from last season trimmed down to clean starting points. Hostas, daylilies, peonies, ornamental grasses — all handled.

Light DethatchingMatted grass loosened up so water, light, and air can reach the new growth underneath. Power-rake on heavily-thatched lawns, hand work on lighter cases.

Bed Cleanup & ExposureLast year's mulch raked back, debris removed, edges exposed and re-cut. Beds ready for fresh mulch if you want it added.

First-Mow PrepLawn checked for anything that would damage mower blades — rocks, dog toys, frozen-ground heaves. We make the first cut safe.

Gutter-Adjacent PickupAnything that fell out of gutters in winter (leaves, sticks, shingle grit) cleared from beds and lawn edges. Common issue our gutter crew sees all the time.

Foundation & Walkway ClearLeaves and debris cleared away from foundations, walkways, patios, and entry paths. Full property sweep.

Property-Wide InspectionWe note any damage, drainage issues, or pest activity we spot during the cleanup. You get an honest summary so you can plan next steps.

Our Process

Spring cleanup is typically a half-day visit for most Central NJ properties. We arrive in the morning and walk the property with you (or solo if you're not home) to identify priority areas, anything you want preserved, and anything you've noticed over winter that needs attention. The crew then divides up — one running blowers on the lawn surface, another working bed cleanup and perennial cut-back, a third on debris collection and haul-out. Total time: usually 2-4 hours depending on property size and tree coverage. Heavy-canopy properties take longer; mostly-clear lots wrap quickly. When we leave, the property looks ready for the first mow and the growing season.

Pricing & What to Expect

Spring cleanup pricing depends on property size, tree coverage, and accumulated debris. Most quarter-acre lots run $200-$350; half-acre lots typically $350-$550; larger or heavily-treed properties price by walk-through. The single best move is booking by mid-March. Our spring cleanup schedule fills fast — by April we're already booking 2-3 weeks out, and by late April some clients have to wait into May. Existing Gutter Bandits customers get priority scheduling and bundle pricing if combined with weekly mowing for the season.

Ready to Book?

Spring cleanup is a one-time visit, usually scheduled late March through April depending on weather and your property's specific timing. Properties with heavy oak coverage might need it later because oak leaves drop late and continue through early spring. Most properties benefit from being on our recurring schedule for spring cleanup, weekly mowing through the season, and fall cleanup at the end. Book all three in one call and you're set for the whole year. Free estimates across Central NJ — Freehold, Manalapan, Marlboro, Monroe, East Brunswick, Old Bridge, Jackson, Howell, and surrounding towns.