Why Spring Cleanup Matters More in BC

After five to six months of rain, wind, and leaf debris, properties across the Lower Mainland need serious attention come March. BC's wet winters do not just make things dirty — they create conditions for rot, moss, drainage blockages, and pest damage that compound if left unchecked. A thorough spring cleanup is not cosmetic. It is preventive maintenance that protects your property from expensive repairs later in the year.

This checklist covers everything a Lower Mainland homeowner should address between mid-March and the end of April, when the rain tapers off and the growing season begins.

Gutters and Downspouts

Start at the top. Your gutters have been collecting debris since October — leaves, fir needles, moss from the roof, and decomposing organic material that turns into a dense, water-blocking sludge.

Clear all gutters by hand or with a gutter scoop. Check for standing water that indicates low spots or improper slope.
Flush downspouts with a hose to confirm water flows freely to the drain. A slow-draining downspout is often clogged at the elbow joint.
Inspect for damage — look for sagging sections, loose brackets, and joints that have separated over winter. Fascia rot behind the gutter is common in BC and gets worse every season it goes unaddressed.
Check where downspouts discharge — water should flow away from your foundation, not pool next to it. Extend downspouts at least 4-6 feet from the house if they currently drain at the base of the wall.

Roof and Exterior Surfaces

BC's winter rain season leaves moss, algae, and debris on every exterior surface. Address it now before spring growth accelerates the problem.

Inspect the roof for moss buildup, lifted shingles, and debris accumulation in valleys. Moss holds moisture against roofing material and shortens its lifespan significantly.
Schedule pressure washing for driveways, walkways, patios, and siding. Winter moss and algae are softest and easiest to remove in early spring before they dry and harden in summer.
Check siding for damage — look for cracks, peeling paint, and dark stains that indicate moisture penetration behind the cladding.
Inspect decks and fences — BC's constant moisture causes wood to swell and contract, loosening fasteners and accelerating rot. Tighten loose boards and note any sections that need staining or replacement.

Lawn and Turf

Your lawn has been dormant or semi-dormant since November. Spring is when you set it up for a healthy growing season.

Rake dead material — remove matted leaves, thatch buildup, and debris that smothers grass and blocks sunlight. A vigorous rake in early spring is one of the simplest things you can do for lawn health.
Check for chafer beetle damage — spongy turf that lifts like carpet, often with raccoon or crow digging, indicates grub damage underneath. This is widespread in New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver.
Apply slow-release fertilizer in early April once soil temperatures reach 10 degrees Celsius consistently. Do not fertilize too early — grass cannot absorb nutrients while still dormant.
First mow when grass reaches 7-8 cm. Set the mower to 6-7 cm (not scalping height). Removing more than one-third of the blade stresses the plant.
Treat moss with iron sulfate (ferrous sulfate) if moss has spread into lawn areas. Apply in March before the moss produces spores. Note that killing moss without addressing the underlying cause (compaction, shade, low pH) means it will return by fall.

Garden Beds and Planting Areas

Remove winter mulch and debris from beds. Pull any weeds that established over winter while the soil is still soft and damp.
Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials — remove dead tops to make way for new growth. Most BC perennials can be cut back in mid-March.
Prune summer-flowering shrubs (hydrangeas, roses, butterfly bush) before new growth begins. Do not prune spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, rhododendrons, lilacs) until after they bloom.
Edge beds to re-establish clean lines between lawn and planting areas. A sharp edge prevents grass from creeping into beds.
Apply fresh mulch — 5-8 cm of bark mulch or compost suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and feeds the soil as it decomposes. Pull mulch 5 cm away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.
Divide overcrowded perennials — hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses benefit from division every 3-4 years. Spring is the ideal time in BC.

Hardscaping and Structures

Inspect retaining walls for shifting, leaning, or drainage issues. Winter moisture can saturate the soil behind walls, increasing hydrostatic pressure. A retaining wall that has moved even slightly needs professional assessment before the problem worsens.
Check patio and walkway pavers for settling, heaving, or displaced joint sand. Reset any units that have shifted and replenish polymeric sand in joints to prevent weed growth.
Inspect fences for leaning posts, loose boards, and rot at the base. Posts set in concrete can still shift if drainage around the footing is poor — common in BC's saturated winter soils.
Test outdoor lighting — check all landscape and pathway lights. Replace burned-out bulbs and clean lenses that have been clouded by moisture and debris.

Drainage and Grading

This is the item most homeowners skip, and it is the most consequential in BC's climate.

Walk the perimeter of your home during or immediately after rain. Watch where water flows. It should move away from the foundation on all sides.
Check window wells for accumulated debris and standing water. Clear them and confirm drains at the bottom are functioning.
Inspect sump pump if your home has one. Test it by pouring water into the pit. Replace the battery backup annually.
Look for new erosion — winter storms can redirect water flow, creating new channels or undermining landscaping. Address erosion before it damages foundations or retaining structures.

Get Your Property Spring-Ready

A thorough spring cleanup takes a full weekend for most homeowners — or a single visit from a professional crew. At RainCity Cut & Clean, we offer comprehensive spring property cleanups across the Lower Mainland, covering everything on this checklist: gutter clearing, pressure washing, lawn preparation, bed cleanup, and hardscape inspection. We serve homeowners from Langley to North Vancouver and every city in between. Contact us for a free estimate and start the season with a clean, protected property.