Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!

Quick answer: To clean the backyard, remove debris, mow and edge the lawn, prune trees and shrubs, wash hard surfaces, clean outdoor furniture, refresh garden beds, and inspect the yard for needed repairs.

A clean backyard gives you space to relax, host, and enjoy being outdoors. Regular maintenance also helps prevent bigger issues like pests, damaged plants, and surface staining. 

As a trusted home-cleaning partner for more than 70 years, COIT is here to guide you through a thorough backyard clean up that keeps your outdoor space safe and ready for use.

Below is a detailed, homeowner-friendly process for your backyard clean up, backed by COIT’s expert care and industry best practices.

Before You Start

Before you start cleaning, check your yard for:

• Sharp debris (glass, metal, nails)
• Poison ivy or thorny plants
• Signs of pests (wasp nests, rodents, ant hills)
• Loose boards, broken pavers, or unstable furniture
• Standing water or soggy areas
• Items to donate, toss, recycle, or compost

We also recommend sorting your debris into trash, yard waste, compost, and donations. This makes the rest of the clean up smoother and helps you avoid re-doing steps.

1. Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you start, gather all the tools and supplies you’ll need. Having everything ready saves time and helps you move through your clean up in order.

• Tools to have on hand:
  • Rake
  • Broom
  • Garbage and yard waste bags
  • Garden gloves
  • Pruning shears or loppers
  • Pressure washer
  • Leaf blower
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Hose with a spray nozzle
  • Cleaning solutions (preferably eco-friendly)
  • Mulch
  • Compost bin or yard waste bin

COIT Tip: If you ever pressure wash your patio or deck and the stains won’t budge, our technicians use commercial-grade equipment that reaches deeper than DIY units.

2. Clear Debris and Clutter

Start with the fastest wins. The first step in cleaning your backyard is to clear out any debris and clutter, includingfallen leaves, branches, and any other unwanted items.

Remove:

• Fallen branches
• Leaves and twigs
• Trash or items left over from winter
• Toys, tools, pet items, and anything out of place
  
   

Use a rake or blower to gather loose material, then bag it. If you find diseased plants or moldy debris, toss those items instead of composting them to avoid spreading issues.

3. Clean Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces show dirt quickly, and cleaning them early helps you see the full progress of your backyard clean up.

Patios, decks, walkways:

• Sweep first to remove loose dirt
• Rinse with a hose
• Use a pressure washer to remove grime, mildew, and stains
• Apply a deck or concrete-safe cleaner on problem spots
• Scrub with a stiff brush where needed
• Pull weeds growing between pavers or cracks

For wood decks, keep the pressure washer nozzle moving to avoid surface damage.

If any stains remain, COIT’s outdoor cleaning services use professional equipment and cleaning agents that revive surfaces that DIY tools can’t reach.

4. Lawn Care

A neat lawn makes the biggest visual difference during a backyard clean up.

• Mow and Edge:
  • Cut grass to the right height for your grass type
  • Edge along walkways, flower beds, patios, and fences for crisp lines
• Aerate for healthier soil:
  • Use a manual aerator or rental machine
  • Aeration improves water flow, reduces soil compaction, and helps new growth
• Remove weeds:
  • Pull weeds by hand
  • Use a weed removal tool for deep roots
  • Spot-treat persistent areas with an organic weed killer

5. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrowth shadows the yard, grows into walkways, and affects plant health, so pruning is an important part of every backyard clean up.

• Prune:
  • Dead, damaged, or crossing branches
  • Shrubs blocking pathways or creating clutter
  • Plants touching fences or structures

Cut branches at a 45-degree angle to encourage healthy growth.

COIT Tip: Don’t prune blooming shrubs in early spring if they flower on last year’s wood—this can remove the season’s blooms.

6. Refresh Garden Beds

Freshening up your garden beds can make a big difference in the overall look of your backyard. Add new mulch, trim any overgrown plants, and consider adding some colorful flowers for a vibrant touch.

• Steps to refresh:
• Pull weeds
• Remove dead plants and old annuals
• Loosen compacted soil
• Add fresh compost for nutrients
• Spread 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds

Choose hardy, low-maintenance perennials that suit your climate for long-lasting color.

7. Clean Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures

Furniture collects pollen, dirt, food grease, and mildew, so a quick cleaning keeps everything fresh.

• Clean Furniture:
  • Wash with mild soap and water
  • Use material-safe cleaners for wood, metal, or plastic
  • Scrub cushions with a fabric-safe cleaner, then rinse well
  • Let everything dry completely before using
• Grills and Fire Pits:
  • Scrub grill grates
  • Empty ash from the fire pit
  • Wipe surfaces with degreaser

8. Clean and Inspect Outdoor Structures 

Many backyards include more than lawn and garden beds, so don’t skip the structures that frame the space.

• Inspect and clean
  • Sheds
  • Fences and gates
  • Pergolas
  • Railings
  • Play structures
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Planters and pots

Remove spider webs, dirt buildup, and loose paint, and tighten screws and replace worn-out parts.

9. Inspect and Repair

A backyard clean up is the best time to address small issues before they grow.

Check for:

• Broken pavers
• Loose fence boards
• Cracked planters
• Rusty or unstable furniture
• Drainage issues
• Damaged sprinklers

10. Eco-Friendly Backyard Clean Up Tips

Incorporating eco-friendly practices in your backyard cleaning routine is good for the environment and can save you money.

• Using Organic Cleaners:
  • Opt for organic and non-toxic cleaning solutions for your outdoor surfaces.
• Water Conservation:
  • Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants.
  • Use drip irrigation systems to reduce water waste.
• Attracting Beneficial Insects:
  • Plant flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Avoid using chemical pesticides.

11. Seasonal Backyard Clean Up Tips 

Each season brings different tasks and challenges. Here are some tips to keep your backyard clean year-round:

Spring

Spring is the time to remove winter debris and dead plants from your garden beds. Aerate the lawn to improve soil health and add fresh mulch to garden beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Spring is also a good time to prune trees and shrubs before new growth starts.

Summer

During the summer months, keep the lawn mowed and watered regularly. Clean outdoor furniture and check for any damage that may have occurred over the winter or spring. Summer is also a great time to enjoy your backyard, so make sure it’s ready for barbecues and gatherings.

Fall 

In the fall, rake leaves and compost them to add nutrients back into your garden. Prepare plants for winter by trimming them and adding a layer of mulch to protect their roots. Fall is also a good time to clean and store outdoor furniture and tools.

Winter 

During winter, store outdoor furniture and tools to protect them from the elements. Inspect your backyard for any winter damage and plan for spring repairs. Winter is also a good time to plan your garden for the next year, considering what worked well and what didn’t.

 Backyard Clean Up Checklist

Use this list to confirm everything is done:

• Trash and debris removed
• Hard surfaces washed
• Lawn trimmed, edged, and weeded
• Trees and shrubs pruned
• Garden beds refreshed
• Furniture cleaned
• Grill and fire pit cleaned
• Fences and structures inspected
• Repairs completed
• Seasonal maintenance done
• Eco-friendly steps added where possible

Professional Patio and Outdoor Cleaning 

Some outdoor surfaces need more than routine cleaning. If your patio, deck, stonework, or exterior surfaces have deep stains, mildew, or grime that won't lift, COIT’s team uses commercial-grade tools to restore them safely and thoroughly.

We’ve helped homeowners maintain clean, healthy outdoor spaces for decades. Whether you need a one-time refresh or a full deep clean before a gathering, our technicians ensure your backyard looks its best.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning and enjoy a backyard that’s ready for anything.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!