Every spring, the same thing happens in backyards all over Delmarva. The weather warms up, the last of the leaves and the occasional snow melt away, and dog owners step outside to discover just how much their pups left behind over the winter.
If that's you, you're not alone, and it's completely normal. Here's why winter is so hard on yards, what to watch out for when things thaw, and how to get your yard ready for the season when everyone wants to be outside again.
Why waste piles up in winter
Even dog owners who are diligent in summer tend to fall behind in winter. It's not hard to see why:
- Short days. It's dark before many people get home from work, so the yard doesn't get looked at.
- Cold and wet weather. Nobody wants to spend extra time outside in freezing rain.
- Leaves and snow. Fall leaves and the occasional Delmarva snowfall cover waste and make it hard to see.
- Frozen waste. In a cold snap, waste freezes to the ground and doesn't break down at all. It just waits.
The result is that weeks or months of waste can collect in the yard by the time spring arrives.
What the thaw uncovers
When the ground thaws and the leaves blow away, a few things happen at once.
The smell comes back
Frozen waste doesn't smell much. As it warms up, it does. A yard that seemed fine in January can be unpleasant by March.
Spring rain carries it off
Spring is often wet on the Eastern Shore. Rain falling on a winter's worth of waste carries bacteria and nutrients toward ditches, storm drains and local waterways. We explain more in our post on how dog waste affects the Chesapeake Bay.
The lawn takes a hit
Waste that sits on grass for weeks smothers the turf underneath and leaves dead or discolored spots right as your lawn is trying to green up. (And no, it doesn't act as fertilizer. See is dog poop fertilizer?)
Kids and pets head back outside
The first warm weekend, everyone wants to play in the yard. That's the worst time to discover what's hiding in the grass.
Tackle it early
The best time to do a spring cleanup is as soon as the ground is mostly clear and before the lawn starts its first big growth spurt. Waiting until the grass is tall makes waste harder to find, and mowing over it is something nobody wants to experience.
How to do a spring cleanup yourself
- Work in a grid. Walk the yard in slow, overlapping rows instead of wandering. It's the only way to be sure you didn't miss a section.
- Check the edges. Fence lines, corners, under decks, along the house and behind shrubs are favorite spots.
- Rake leaves first if needed. A light rake reveals what's underneath.
- Use a proper scooper and sturdy bags. Older waste can be soft or crumbly once it thaws.
- Double-bag and trash it. Don't compost it, and never put it in a storm drain.
- Wash your hands and tools. Dog waste can carry bacteria and parasites. Our post on parasites and bacteria in dog waste explains why.
- Plan the next step. After the big cleanup, a regular schedule keeps it from building up again.
Questions people ask in spring
How long does a spring cleanup take?
It depends on the size of the yard, how many dogs you have and how long it's been. A yard with a full winter of buildup takes much longer than a normal weekly visit, which is why first cleanups are often priced separately when you're not signing up for recurring service.
Should I rake first or pick up first?
Pick up first whenever you can. Raking or mowing over waste spreads it around. If heavy leaves are hiding everything, a light rake to uncover the ground followed by a careful pickup is the way to go.
My lawn has dead spots. Will it recover?
Often, yes. Once waste is removed, many spots fill back in on their own. Larger bare patches may need reseeding. Spring and early fall are good times to seed on Delmarva.
Is it worth staying on a schedule through next winter?
If you never want to face a spring cleanup again, yes. That's the main reason people choose year-round service.
Don't forget the rest of the property
Spring is also a good time to check the spots that are easy to forget: dog runs, kennel areas, the strip along the driveway, and any side yards the dogs use in winter because they're closer to the door. Check gates and fences, too, since winter weather can loosen latches. A secure gate matters more than ever once everyone starts spending time outside again.
Or let us handle it
Spring is a great time to call in help. We'll clean the whole yard, front, back and sides, double-bag the waste and leave it in your trash can. If you sign up for recurring service, that first cleanup is free.
And here's the thing most people don't realize: we service yards year-round. If you'd rather never face a spring "surprise" again, regular service through the winter keeps the yard clean all season long. We explain how that works in year-round dog waste removal.
Spring cleanup across Delmarva
Spring arrives a little earlier on the lower Shore than up near the canal, but every part of the peninsula deals with the same winter buildup. We help homeowners from Middletown and Dover to Chestertown, Easton and Salisbury. Coverage depends on our routes, so check your zip code to see if we serve your street.
Get an instant quote and get the yard ready for spring.
