Seasonal Yard Maintenance Calendar (With DIY Costs vs. Paying a Pro)
Yard work can feel like a full-time job. Especially when you realize in May that you should’ve done something way back in March.
But with a simple seasonal calendar—and a sense of what’s worth doing yourself vs. outsourcing—you can stay ahead of the weeds (and the budget).
This guide gives you a practical breakdown of what to do, when to do it, and whether it’s worth calling someone or grabbing your rake.
🌱 Spring (March–May): Prep + Prevention
What to do:
Rake leftover leaves and debris
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Apply pre-emergent weed treatment
Edge garden beds + mulch
Test irrigation / sprinklers
Aerate + overseed (region-dependent)
DIY Time Estimate: 4–8 hours
DIY Cost: ~$75–$150
Outsource Cost: $300–$700
📌 Tip: Spring yard care is like compound interest—what you do now pays off all year.
☀️ Summer (June–August): Maintain + Protect
What to do:
Weekly mowing + edging
Water deeply, early in the morning
Spot-spray weeds
Sharpen mower blades
Inspect for pests (ants, grubs, fungus)
Trim shrubs and hedges
DIY Time Estimate: 1–2 hours/week
DIY Cost (seasonal): ~$50–$100
Outsource Cost: $40–$60/week = $500–$750/season
📌 Tip: Mulch and sharp mower blades = less watering and healthier grass.
🍁 Fall (September–November): Prep for Dormancy
What to do:
Final mow (cut it short before winter)
Dethatch + aerate
Overseed cool-season grasses
Rake leaves or mulch them in
Apply fall fertilizer
Cut back perennials
DIY Time Estimate: 6–10 hours
DIY Cost: ~$100–$200
Outsource Cost: $400–$800
📌 Tip: Fall care = spring results. Most pros agree this is the most important season for long-term lawn health.
❄️ Winter (December–February): Clean + Plan
What to do:
Trim dormant trees/shrubs
Clean tools + mower blades
Plan next year’s garden layout
Order seeds if planting in spring
Sharpen chainsaw (or learn how)
DIY Time Estimate: 1–3 hours/month
DIY Cost: ~$25–$75
Outsource Cost: $200–$500 (mostly tree trimming + winter prep)
📌 Tip: This is the best time to reset your yard systems—and maybe outsource that one tree you keep meaning to deal with.
🌎 Regional Chart: When to Aerate + Seed
RegionBest Time to AerateOverseed TimingWatering NotesNortheastFallLate summer to fall1–1.5" per week in morningSoutheastSpringLate springWatch for fungus in humidityMidwestFallEarly fallMulch mow in fall for leaf coverSouthwestSpringEarly springXeriscape or drought-friendly lawnPacific NWFallEarly fallWatch for moss + drainage issues
📌 Not sure what zone you’re in? Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Map for more precise timing.
💵 DIY vs. Pro Summary (Per Season)
SeasonDIY CostPro CostWorth DIY?Spring$75–$150$300–$700✅ If you enjoy being outsideSummer$50–$100$500–$750✅ Mow yourself, outsource trimFall$100–$200$400–$800✅ High ROI on DIY effortsWinter$25–$75$200–$500🤷 Call for tree trimming
📌 Tip: DIY saves you ~$300–$1,000 per year, depending on lawn size and tools owned.
🧠 Dad Hack: Set a “Yard Reset Weekend” Once Per Season
Block one weekend each quarter. Mow, mulch, edge, fix tools, plan next season.
Pair it with music, a drink, and a kid helper to make it feel less like a chore.
🖨️ Free Download: Seasonal Yard Maintenance Calendar + Cost Comparison
Includes:
Month-by-month task list
Regional aeration/overseeding chart
DIY vs. Pro cost breakdown
Checklist format (hang it in your garage)
[Download the calendar →]
❓ FAQs
What’s the most important thing to do every season?
Spring: aeration.
Summer: mowing and watering smart.
Fall: fertilize and overseed.
Winter: tool cleanup and planning.
What tools do I need to DIY this?
Basic lawn tools: mower, rake, spreader, hose. Check our [Dad Tool Guide] for a full list.
What if I only have a small yard?
Great—your time investment is lower, but the seasonal rhythm still applies.
🧪 What to Try This Month
Download the [Yard Calendar] and circle your regional tasks
Schedule your next “Yard Reset Weekend”
Price out what it would cost to outsource—and enjoy your savings
You don’t need to be the neighbor with the perfect lawn.
You just need to know what season it is and do the basics.
It’s yard work, not rocket science. And yes, you’ve got this.
