Comprehensive seasonal cleanup to prepare and protect your property before and after winter.
Montreal properties need thorough attention at two critical transition points each year: spring opening and fall closing. Our spring cleanup typically begins in mid-April once the snow has melted and the ground has dried enough to walk on without compacting saturated soil. The spring service includes raking and removing winter debris, matted leaves, and dead grass; cutting back perennials left standing over winter; edging all bed lines; removing sand and gravel deposited by snowplows along lawn edges; inspecting gardens for frost heave that may have lifted plants or edging stones; and applying a fresh layer of cedar or hemlock mulch to garden beds. We also check for winter damage to shrubs and trees, pruning broken branches and reshaping storm-damaged plants. Fall cleanup focuses on leaf removal -- a critical task in Montreal where maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees drop heavy volumes of leaves that smother lawns and promote snow mold if left in place. We use commercial backpack blowers and vacuum systems to efficiently clear leaves from lawns, beds, and hard surfaces. The fall service also includes cutting back perennials, pulling annuals, wrapping vulnerable evergreens with burlap where needed, and a final low mow to prepare the lawn for winter dormancy. For properties with many trees, we may schedule two fall visits as leaves drop over several weeks from October into November. All debris is removed from the property and disposed of according to municipal composting guidelines.
Why this service
Spring opening and bed prep
Fall leaf and debris cleanup
Property-ready finish
FAQ for this service
When should spring cleanup be done in Montreal?
Spring cleanup should begin as soon as the snow melts and the ground firms up enough to walk on without sinking, typically mid to late April. Starting too early on waterlogged soil causes compaction that harms grass roots. We schedule visits based on conditions each year and work through our client list systematically as neighborhoods dry out.
Is fall leaf removal really necessary or can leaves be left on the lawn?
Leaving a heavy layer of leaves on the lawn over winter promotes snow mold fungus, smothers grass, and creates bare patches by spring. A thin layer of finely mulched leaves can benefit the soil, but thick intact leaves must be removed. We recommend a thorough fall cleanup before the first snowfall, ideally by mid-November in Montreal.
Should I wrap my cedars and evergreens for winter?
Burlap wrapping is recommended for evergreens in exposed locations where winter wind and road salt spray cause browning and desiccation. Cedars along driveways and near roads benefit the most. We use breathable burlap secured to stakes rather than wrapping tightly around the plant, which allows air circulation while blocking wind and salt. Established trees in sheltered locations generally do not need wrapping.
