The Mid-Michigan Spring Property Checklist (2026 Edition)

Winter Did a Number on Your Property

Michigan winters are brutal. Snow loads, ice storms, freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, and months of dormancy leave your property needing serious attention come spring.

The homeowners who stay ahead of spring maintenance? Their properties thrive all summer. The ones who wait? They play catch-up while problems compound.

This checklist covers everything - trees, lawn, beds, hardscape, and safety - organized by priority and zone. Work through it systematically, and your property will be ready for the growing season.

Zone 1: Trees and Woody Plants

Priority: HIGH - Winter damage creates immediate safety hazards

Inspect All Trees for Storm Damage

• Look for hanging, cracked, or broken branches in the canopy
• Check for splits in trunks from ice/wind load
• Look for uprooted or leaning trees (soil heaving at base)
• Check evergreens for winter burn (browning)
• Document any damage with photos

When to call a pro: Any branch over 2 inches diameter that's cracked, any tree that's leaning, any hanging "widowmaker" branches. Learn more about warning signs your tree could fall.

Assess Tree Health

• Look for signs of disease or pest activity
• Check for fungal growth at base (indicates root rot)
• Note any trees that didn't leaf out properly
• Look for extensive deadwood in upper canopy

Why it matters: Winter-stressed trees are more susceptible to disease. Early intervention can save a tree; late action usually means removal. Learn symptoms of a dying tree to catch problems early.

Schedule Pruning

• Identify trees needing structural pruning
• Mark crossing/rubbing branches
• Note clearance issues (branches near roof, power lines, walks)
• Schedule NOW - late winter/early spring is prime pruning season

Best pruning window: February through March for most trees. April gets busy fast. See our complete guide on when to trim trees in Michigan.

Check for New Growth Issues

• Are trees leafing out on schedule? (Mid-to-late April for most)
• Any areas of the canopy failing to leaf out?
• Are leaf sizes normal for the species?

Red flag: A mature tree that leafs out 2+ weeks later than neighbors of the same species may have root problems.

Zone 2: Stumps and Problem Areas

Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH - Stumps left over winter have been rotting

Inspect Old Stumps

• Check for softening or mushroom growth (fungal activity)
• Look for termite activity - sawdust piles, tunnels
• Note any new shoots growing from stumps (regeneration)
• Check if soil around stumps is sinking

The hidden danger: Stumps left all winter have had months to rot. By spring, they're actively attracting termites and fungal diseases. Read why that stump isn't harmless.

Address New Stumps

• If you cut trees last fall, plan stump grinding now
• Schedule before termite season peaks (May-July)
• Consider grinding before lawn care season starts

Why spring grinding makes sense:

• Ground is workable but not too soft
• Before termite activity increases
• Prepares area for grass/landscaping
• Prevents regrowth before summer

Zone 3: Lawn and Turf

Priority: MEDIUM - Foundation for summer enjoyment

Assess Winter Damage

• Look for vole/mouse tunnels (raised grass paths)
• Check for salt damage along walks and driveway
• Note areas of winter kill (browned turf that doesn't green up)
• Look for snow mold (gray/pink patches in shady areas)

Soil and Thatch Management

• Test soil pH (ideal for Michigan lawns: 6.0-7.0)
• Check thatch layer thickness (over ½ inch needs dethatching)
• Note compacted areas (hard to push screwdriver into ground)
• Plan aeration for high-traffic areas

Spring Lawn Care Schedule

• Early April: First mow once grass reaches 3 inches
• Mid-April: Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control
• Late April: First fertilizer application (slow-release)
• May: Begin regular mowing schedule (never remove more than ⅓ of blade)

Mid-Michigan specific: Our clay-heavy soils compact easily. Annual aeration helps.

Zone 4: Beds, Gardens, and Landscaping

Priority: MEDIUM - Curb appeal and plant health

Clean and Prep Beds

• Remove fallen leaves and debris from beds
• Cut back perennials and ornamental grasses
• Pull winter weeds before they seed
• Edge beds for clean lines
• Apply fresh mulch (2-3 inch depth, not against plant stems)

Assess Shrubs and Bushes

• Look for winter dieback (dead stems)
• Check for animal damage (rabbit/deer chewing)
• Prune dead or crossing branches
• Fertilize flowering shrubs after they bloom (not before)

Plan for New Plantings

• Identify bare spots that need new plants
• Consider native Michigan species (lower maintenance)
• Plan placement to avoid future tree conflicts
• Check that new trees/shrubs won't interfere with utilities

Tree spacing rule: Plant new trees at least 20 feet from foundations, 10 feet from driveways/walks.

Zone 5: Hardscape and Structures

Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH - Safety and maintenance issues

Walkways and Driveways

• Check for cracks or heaving from freeze-thaw cycles
• Look for settling or drainage issues
• Repair cracks before they expand
• Power wash to remove salt residue
• Reseal if needed

Common Mid-Michigan issue: Root systems lifting walks. If you see sections heaving, check nearby trees - their roots are likely the cause.

Fences and Retaining Walls

• Check for leaning or loose posts
• Look for rot in wood fences
• Inspect retaining walls for bowing or cracking
• Clear drainage areas behind walls

Gutters and Downspouts

• Clean gutters of leaves and debris
• Check for winter damage (ice dam stress)
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from foundation
• Extend downspouts if needed (6+ feet from house)

Why this matters: Spring rains in Michigan are heavy. Proper drainage prevents foundation issues and basement flooding.

Sprinkler Systems

• Inspect for broken heads from snowplows/heaving
• Check for leaks at connection points
• Adjust heads for proper coverage
• Set schedule for Michigan climate (deep, infrequent watering)

Zone 6: Safety and Security

Priority: HIGH - Don't overlook these

Outdoor Lighting

• Test all exterior lights
• Replace bulbs where needed
• Check motion sensors
• Consider path lighting for safety

Fire Pit and Grill Areas

• Inspect for winter damage
• Clear overhanging branches (fire hazard)
• Check gas connections for leaks
• Ensure proper clearance from structures

Drainage and Grading

• Walk property during/after rain - where does water pool?
• Check that ground slopes away from foundation (6 inches in 10 feet)
• Look for erosion around downspouts or on slopes
• Clear French drains or dry creek beds

Critical in Mid-Michigan: Our heavy clay soils hold water. Poor drainage kills lawns and threatens foundations.

Zone 7: The "Don't Forget" List

Priority: LOW but Important

Outdoor Furniture and Decor

• Clean and inspect patio furniture
• Check outdoor rugs and cushions for mildew
• Power wash decks and patios
• Stain/seal wood decks if needed

Tools and Equipment

• Service lawnmower (blade sharpening, oil change, air filter)
• Check trimmers and chainsaws
• Replace or sharpen tools
• Organize storage area

Wildlife Considerations

• Check for bird nests in inappropriate locations (vents, gutters)
• Look for signs of groundhog/woodchuck burrows (under sheds, decks)
• Consider deer protection for new plantings
• Clean bird feeders and baths

Your Spring Maintenance Timeline

Week 1 (Early April):

• Tree inspection and damage assessment
• Emergency tree work if needed
• Schedule stump grinding
• Lawn assessment

Week 2-3 (Mid-April):

• First lawn mowing
• Pre-emergent application
• Tree pruning scheduled
• Hardscape inspection

Week 4 (Late April):

• Bed cleanup and mulching
• Shrub pruning
• Fertilizer application
• Gutter cleaning

May:

• Regular mowing begins
• New plantings installed
• Irrigation startup
• Ongoing maintenance schedule established

When to Call Professionals vs. DIY

DIY-Friendly Tasks:

• Basic leaf and debris cleanup
• Light pruning of small shrubs
• First lawn mow
• Mulch application
• Gutter cleaning (if comfortable on ladder)

Call a Professional:

• Tree work - Anything requiring a chainsaw at height
• Stump grinding - Requires specialized equipment
• Heavy pruning - Structural tree pruning
• Property cleanup - Storm debris, heavy brush
• Drainage issues - Requires assessment and potentially grading

Our spring services:

• Tree trimming and pruning
• Stump grinding
• Property and storm cleanup
• Brush clearing and overgrowth removal
• Complete spring cleanup packages

The One Thing You Can't Skip

If you do nothing else this spring, inspect your trees.

Winter in Mid-Michigan is hard on trees. Ice loads crack branches. Freeze-thaw cycles stress roots. Heavy snow causes structural failures.

A damaged tree isn't just an eyesore - it's a liability. It can fail without warning, causing thousands in damage, injury, or worse.

Spend 30 minutes this weekend walking your property. Look up. Look for broken hangers, split trunks, leaning trees. Document what you see. If anything concerns you, call us.

BEFORE

AFTER

Download the Printable Checklist

Want the one-page PDF version? Get the printable checklist you can:

• Print and check off as you complete items
• Share with your spouse or property manager
• Reference year after year
• Keep in your garage or shed

Ready to Tackle Spring Maintenance?

Need help with any of these items? We provide complete spring property services in Onondaga, Lansing, Mason, Holt, Okemos, Williamston, Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, and all of Mid-Michigan.

• Tree trimming and pruning
• Stump grinding
• Property cleanup and storm debris removal
• Brush clearing and overgrowth removal
• Spring lawn prep and maintenance

Call (517) 202-3840 for a free spring assessment. We'll walk your property, identify priorities, and give you an honest recommendation - whether you hire us or handle it yourself.

Let's get your property ready for summer.