Spring offers so much to love, from warmer weather to blooming flowers. At the same time, the shift in seasons also brings new responsibilities, such as yard maintenance and outdoor cleaning. Are you wondering what do you need to do to get your garden in gear for the months ahead? If so, here’s a look at key tips for preparing your backyard to be an oasis you’ll enjoy.
Declutter the yard. In the winter months when you probably spend less time outdoors, it’s all too easy for debris to accumulate. So, to begin to refresh your yard for spring, start by clearing away anything that doesn’t belong: fallen brush, damaged furniture, leftover pet messes, etc. Note that natural yard waste makes good fodder for the compost pile.
Look to your lawn. Months of snow, slush and/or ice tend to take a toll on grassy spaces. If you notice any damaged patches, sprinkle some grass seed over the areas, along with a little fertilizer. As long as you keep the ground moist, it should sprout fresh grass seedlings to fill in those gaps and holes.
Clean the gutters. At the end of winter, your gutters likely hold plenty of leaves and other debris. Take time now to clean them out and get a fresh start for spring.
Trim trees, shrubs and plants. Take stock of your perennial plants. Are there dead tree branches to clip? Is anything encroaching on patios or walkways? What’s overgrown and needs a trim? Groom your trees, shrubs and plants for the season.
Clear the garden beds. To prepare for spring planting, clear away any dead foliage, leaves or weeds from your garden beds. Dig up perennial plants to regroup them as desired. Shovel out old mulch. Likewise, if you plan to expand your garden this year, use a tiller to break up the ground.
Clean outdoor furniture. Spray down outdoor chairs and tables with soap and water, scrub well and rinse. For any areas that have accumulated mildew, soak with a bleach/soap mixture and warm water, scrub away stains.
Fill cracks in concrete. If you have concrete patios, walkways or driveways, check for cracks. Filling them now is a great way to restore the quality of your surfaces, as well as to prevent weeds from poking through the openings.
Clean out the shed. Go through your garden or storage sheds to determine what, if anything, needs to be thrown away, donated or reorganized for the season. Investing in shelving, hangers, racks and other organization tools now will save you time and energy later.
Pressure-wash surfaces. All fences, decks and patios benefit from yearly cleaning. If it’s been a while since you’ve thoroughly washed these surfaces, spend an afternoon pressure-washing them.
Prep the grill. Last but not least, give your grill and its tools a good cleaning to get ready for months of outdoor dining and entertaining.
If you’re looking for a basic guide on how to prepare your yard for spring, the 10 steps above offer a great place to start. Other ideas include replacing bulbs in outdoor lighting, cleaning out trash cans, fertilizing the lawn and surveying your home’s exterior for any damage that needs repairs. Overall, you want to give your yard some much-needed attention after a dormant season; think of it as an investment in your future enjoyment!
Author bio:
Cornelio Heinrichs is a customer service representative and product specialist for Sweep-All, which is dedicated to helping customers with turf care management. Sweep-All provides solutions for fast and easy turf debris clean-up while reducing labor time and cost with a premium line of turf sweepers that also dethatch lawns. Heinrichs has three years of experience in the industry and focuses on customer satisfaction along with product expertise
Resources: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/advice/a19217/spring-clean-your-yard/
