Spring is right around the corner, meaning it’s time to tidy up the yard and bring it back to its former glory! Wondering where to start? Read on for our ideas to make your yard sensational for spring.

POST-WINTER TIDY

You may not feel excited when you think about it, but tidying your property after the winter is crucial for it to thrive in the spring. Start by tidying the yard of branches and debris that may have accumulated. These not only make your yard look messy but can also cause problems when it comes time to mow the lawn. It’s also a good idea to sweep off the deck so that when bare feet are inevitably on it later in the year, no one gets injured.

Now that the yard and the deck are clean, it’s time to pull out any deck furniture from winter storage. Depending on how you stored your furniture, it may be a little dirty. Use a hose or spot clean it with a rag if it isn’t looking too bad. This way, you’ll be prepared to sit outside when the first nice day comes your way.

The final step in your post-winter tidy is to clean the outside of the house. The amount of dirt is often dependent on the design and location of your home. If you have a pressure washer, you can use it on your outside walls if made of siding to remove any dirt buildup. Be cautious when using it on brick or stone walls as too much pressure can cause damage. If you can safely reach them, clear any leaves and debris from your eavestrough to minimize water leaks and the risk of build-up against your foundation. We also suggest taking a bucket of water and a cloth and cleaning the outsides of your windows. These can get pretty grimey over the winter.

SPRING GARDENING

Depending on where you live, it may be time to start getting the gardens and flower beds ready for planting. The first step is to check your gardening tools to see what might need replacing this year. If you’re new to gardening, do a little research to see what tools you require for the kind of gardening you’re interested in. By this time, most stores should be stocking their spring products, including lots of options for the latest and greatest gardening gadgets!

The next step in your spring gardening prep is to make a plan of your gardens and plants for the year. Planning what you want your flower beds to look like or what veggies you want to plant in your garden can help you make the most of it, saving you from buying plants that will just go to waste and allowing you to make the most of your space. Make a list of your ideas or draw a quick sketch, it’s up to you!

If the weather is nice enough, you can begin fertilizing and mulching your garden beds. This will give you a good base for any perennial plants that may sprout later or any annuals that you’re going to plant soon. Pick the right fertilizer depending on what you’re looking to grow. The mulch is up to you as it comes in several varieties. Mulch can improve water drainage, protect plants, and provide a clean and tidy appearance.

LAWN CARE

The 3 aspects of preparing your property for the spring include your home, your gardens, and your lawn. Lawn care is relatively simple to do but can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your home. Once it’s warm enough, start by raking your lawn. This lifts up last season’s dead grass and kick starts the growing of the new grass. Just be sure you’re ready to mow as when the grass starts growing, it really starts growing! If you have an aerator, you can also choose to aerate your lawn, which allows oxygen into the soil to help with growth.

It’s a good idea to check your lawnmower early on. Ensure it’s running the way it should to prepare for that first mow of the year. A pro tip is to also check your lawnmower when you’re putting it away for the year. This way, it’s more likely to be good when you pull it out in the spring. If you notice some problems with your mower and need a new one, many stores run end-of-season sales that you can take advantage of.

The final bit of love you can give your lawn is by putting seed down. This is often done a bit later in the spring, after the lawn has been raked and given some time to breathe. There are many different options when it comes to lawn seed. Do a little research before purchasing to find the seed that makes sense for your lawn. While it takes some time, seeding your lawn can make a huge difference in the growth of your grass and can help bare patches or thinner spots fill in.