How to Get Your Yard Ready for Spring

There is nothing like the first inkling of Spring when the trees start budding leaves, grass grows back, and gardens bloom. The end of winter signals a season to spend more time outdoors, which means we dedicate a good portion of that time getting our yards ready. To ensure a well-maintained landscape this Spring, we have put together a few tips to add to your Spring Cleaning List. This checklist will walk you through basic lawn care and yard maintenance to guarantee a beautiful backyard oasis.

Prep and Remove Debris

As the snow begins to melt and the ground begins to soften, it’s time to tidy up your space and remove any lingering debris left over from the winter. It’s important to rake up twigs, leaves, and debris at the start of the season for two reasons. Layers of debris will buildup, and if not removed, will block water from penetrating the grass. You also want to make sure you are clearing the space so that nothing gets stuck in the lawn mower.

 Lawn Mower Maintenance

This brings us to our second item on the Spring Maintenance Checklist. After months in storage, it’s recommended to check your lawn mower for all necessary maintenance. This includes making sure the blade is sharp, the oil is full, and the machine is running smoothly.

Begin mowing your lawn early. Letting your grass get too long may stunt the growth, which will cause the grass to have problems growing back, however cutting too frequently may lead to weeds. A good rule of thumb is to begin in the Spring and shoot for a schedule of every five to six days. This schedule may change as the season progresses.

Create a Healthy Lawn

Like any plant, grass needs air, sunlight, and water to grow. If the soil becomes too thick and compact, this may affect your lawn's long-term appearance. Aerating your lawn will reduce thatch, the layer of compact soil, by removing small sections of soil to allow water and air to penetrate the ground.

 Almost any yard will benefit from aeration, however, yards with more foot traffic, whether from humans, pets, or vehicles, are the most necessary contenders. You have the option of three different types of aeration devices: spike aerators, slicing aerators, and core aerators. Whether you are doing this on your own or hiring a professional, there are different options to choose from. 

Order a good mulch

Laying mulch in your garden is a great way to reduce maintenance. While it won’t completely eliminate them, mulch will reduce the growth of weeds. It is recommended to choose a type of mulch made up of larger chunks because it will decompose more slowly.  

However, you want to keep in mind the area you are working with. For a hilly area, choose a mulch that contains a variety of sizes so avoid losing it in the rain. For sunny areas, it’s important to remember that dark mulches will absorb the sun’s rays and radiate heat on your plants.

A well-manicured yard is the perfect way to increase curb appeal, whether you are selling your house or not. Clearing the yard of winter debris and getting the landscape ready for Spring is a perfect way to give your home a little upgrade.