The approaching spring season appears in Calgary yet this year winter continues to hold onto its intense grip longer than expected. The waiting period for spring garden cleanup remains uncertain since temperatures commonly stay below 10°C through April until mid-month, if the weather stays the way it is, this should be April 16th to 24th at the Earliest. You Generally want to wait for 7 days of consistent Temperatures above 10 degrees Celcius.1 The following information covers essential details for garden cleanup scheduling and pollinator protection and garden maintenance throughout this spring period.
Spring vs. Fall
The decision to clean gardens remains in dispute between fall and spring seasons. Gardeners maintain distinct approaches regarding autumn cleanup since some want to minimize early spring work by cleaning up and prevent lawn diseases, but others want to preserve plant debris to protect the soil and create winter habitats for insects and small animals. Residents in Calgary need to perform spring cleanup procedures which include removing dead plants along with renewing mulch while getting their garden beds ready for emerging growth. Starting cleanup work before the right time can result in problems when considering the weather conditions this season.2
Should I Clean up My Garden Early?
With Calgary’s cold snaps extending into April, it’s important to wait until temperatures remain consistently above 10°C before starting your cleanup. Here’s why:
- Protect Plant Roots – The removal of mulch and plant debris before late spring poses the risk of damaging plant roots when late frosts occur unexpectedly.
- Avoid Soil Compaction – Working in wet, thawing soil can lead to compaction, making it harder for plants to establish strong roots.
- Help Beneficial Insects – Many pollinators and beneficial insects overwinter in plant stems and leaf litter. Disturbing them too soon can reduce their population in your garden.
If you’re eager to get started, consider doing light cleanup such as cutting back perennials and raking leaves off pathways, while leaving main garden beds undisturbed until mid-to-late April.
Protecting Pollinators at Spring Cleanup Time
Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are essential for a healthy garden. Many species rely on garden debris for shelter throughout the winter. To protect them:3
- Wait until consistent warmth – Don’t remove leaves and plant stems until temperatures remain warm for at least a week.
- Leave some plant material – Keep a section of your garden undisturbed to provide habitat for emerging pollinators.
- Create pollinator-friendly spaces – Consider planting native flowers that bloom early to provide food sources as pollinators wake up.
By delaying garden cleanup slightly, you can help ensure a thriving population of pollinators in Calgary’s gardens this spring.
Waiting for the proper moment to clean your garden takes on increased significance in this extended spring season of Calgary. Your plants along with beneficial insects will stay safe and your garden will achieve better results if you delay clean-up operations until persistent warm weather arrives. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I do a spring cleanup in Calgary?
Spring cleanup requires gardeners to take away dead plants while reviving mulch and creating opening spaces in the ground and preparing plant areas for upcoming vegetation. The best time to start clearing snow in Calgary is when temperatures remain above 10°C consistently since this prevents harm to plants as well as disturbs pollinators.
For a step-by-step guide on how to clean up your yard properly, check out our detailed article: How to Clean Up Your Yard for Spring in Calgary 2025.
How much does spring cleanup cost in Calgary?
Spring cleanup prices vary based on the level of service you choose. Here’s a breakdown of our current discounted rates:
- Basic Spring Cleanup – $125 (Regular: $139)
- Premium Spring Cleanup – $179 (Regular: $199)
- Ultimate Spring Cleanup – $233 (Regular: $259)
Each package includes a first grass cut and trim, leaf, twig & debris cleanup, lawn core aeration, and power raking.
For more details or to request a free quote, visit: Spring Cleanup Calgary.
Citations
- Walliser, J. (2016, March 11). Spring garden clean up done RIGHT. Savvy Gardening. https://savvygardening.com/spring-garden-clean-done-right/
↩︎ - Rinehart, G. (n.d.). Lawn Care Best Management Practices. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://extension.umd.edu/extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2021-02/Lawn%20Basics.pdf
↩︎ - Delay Garden Cleanup to Benefit Overwintering Insects. (2023). Psu.edu. https://extension.psu.edu/delay-garden-cleanup-to-benefit-overwintering-insects
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