"Seasonal cleanup" means different things to different contractors, which is exactly why it is worth putting on paper before work starts.
Commonly included
- Removing leaves, fallen limbs, and accumulated debris from beds and lawn areas.
- Cutting back perennials and ornamental grasses at the appropriate time.
- Edging and redefining bed lines.
- Light pruning of shrubs within reach from the ground.
- Clearing debris from accessible gutters and downspout outlets when that is agreed in the scope.
- Hauling away the resulting material.
Commonly excluded unless specified
- Tree work requiring climbing, rigging, or aerial equipment.
- Mulch, topsoil, or plant material, which are usually priced as materials plus installation.
- Irrigation start-up, blow-out, or repair.
- Grading, drainage work, or hardscape repair.
- Removing stumps, root balls, or construction debris.
Spring versus fall
Spring cleanup prepares beds for the growing season: clearing winter debris, cutting back what was left standing over winter, edging, and preparing surfaces before mulch goes down.
Fall cleanup is about what winter will do to the property: leaf removal so turf is not smothered, cutting back what should not overwinter standing, and clearing drainage paths before freeze-thaw season.
Confirming the scope
Ask for the included tasks listed explicitly, the exclusions listed explicitly, whether debris haul-away is included, and how additional work gets approved once the crew is on site. A cleanup scope that fits on one page and names the actual tasks is worth more than a one-line description.