With the arrival of Spring, it’s time to turn one’s attention to getting out yards in shape outdoors, so they can be landscaped and beautified. Here are some helpful steps:
Prepare Garden Tools
- Sharpen and clean your tools so they’re ready for use. Oiled and sharpened tools make garden maintenance easier.
Remove Debris
- Rake leaves and dead grass: Clear out fallen leaves, branches, and any dead grass from your lawn and garden beds.
- Remove dead plants: Cut back perennials that weren’t pruned in the fall and remove dead annuals.
Prune and Trim
- Prune shrubs and trees: Trim away dead, diseased, or damaged branches. For flowering shrubs, wait until they bloom before pruning.
- Cut back ornamental grasses: If you left them up for winter interest, now’s the time to trim them down.
Prepare Flower Beds
- Weed thoroughly: Pull weeds by the root to prevent them from growing back.
- Edge garden beds: Redefine the edges of your flower beds for a cleaner look.
- Amend soil: Add compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil before planting.
Lawn Care
- Aerate the lawn: This improves soil drainage and allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
- Reseed bare patches: Overseed any thin areas to ensure your lawn grows in thick and healthy.
- Fertilize: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth during the spring.
Clean and Prepare Hardscaping
Mulching
- Apply a fresh layer of mulch to flower beds and around trees to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch up against the trunk, as this can trap moisture and lead to problems.
Plan for New Plants
- Decide where you want to add new flowers, shrubs, or vegetables. Early spring is the perfect time to plant cool-season vegetables like lettuce or peas.
