Spring in Denver is unpredictable. One week it's 65 degrees and sunny, the next you're dealing with a late-season snowstorm. For HOA boards and property managers, this creates a real challenge: when do you pull the trigger on spring cleanup?
The short answer: most Denver-area properties should plan for spring cleanup between mid-March and mid-April, depending on elevation and microclimate. But the real answer is more nuanced than a date on the calendar.
Why Timing Matters
Starting too early wastes money. If you send crews out in early March and a heavy snow hits the following week, you're paying for cleanup twice. Starting too late means your property looks neglected during the critical spring leasing season when prospective residents are touring.
The sweet spot is watching soil temperatures and weather patterns rather than picking an arbitrary date. When soil temps consistently hit 50 degrees and the 10-day forecast shows no major snow events, it's time to mobilize.
What Spring Cleanup Should Include
A thorough commercial spring cleanup in Denver should cover several key areas. First, debris removal — clearing leaves, branches, and winter detritus from beds, turf, and hardscapes. Second, bed edging and definition to re-establish clean lines after freeze-thaw cycles have softened edges. Third, a first mow at the appropriate height once turf has broken dormancy. Fourth, irrigation system startup, including a full audit for leaks and broken heads caused by winter freezing.
The Irrigation Factor
This is where many property managers miss an opportunity. Spring startup isn't just turning the system on — it's a chance to identify waste. After a Denver winter, expect broken heads, cracked pipes, and controller settings that no longer match your landscape's needs. A proper irrigation audit during spring cleanup can save thousands in water costs over the growing season.
Planning Ahead
The best approach is to have your landscape partner on a year-round contract that includes spring cleanup as part of the program. This ensures crews are scheduled, materials are staged, and your property transitions smoothly from winter to spring without gaps in service.
If you're an HOA board member or property manager in the Denver metro area looking to get ahead of spring, we recommend scheduling a site assessment in February or early March. This gives your landscape team time to evaluate winter damage, plan the cleanup scope, and coordinate with your budget cycle.