Preparing Your Yard for a Shining Summer

It might feel like Spring just started, but Summer will be here before you know it! If you’re planning to get your yard and garden in the best shape to thrive this Summer, we’ve got the perfect starting point for you.

Here’s our guide to prepping your yard for this upcoming Summer season:

Start with a Spring Inspection

Grab some paper and a pen (or for the technologically advanced – your phone) and head outside. Walk through your mulch beds, front and back yards and take note of everything you’d like to get in order. Organize your notes, labeling by area. 

Be mindful of plants that are dead or damaged… items that needs to be cleaned up, cleaned out or rehabilitated. If you see any signs of wildlife hiding out, write it down and determine the proper way to handle the issue. 

Leave room between the items on your notepad to list out the tasks will need to do or items you will need to purchase for the bulk of your work.

Prep Your Tools

Check all your tools and make sure they are ready to rumble. Clean them if they need to be cleaned, replace, or repair them if needed. 

Schedule and Purchase

Make a realistic schedule for when you will complete certain tasks on your list. Consider the time you will need to purchase the items for completing the tasks at hand. If you have a lot on your plate, make a budget and prioritize what absolutely needs to be completed versus things that can be done later or next season.

Clean Out Garden Beds

Get your garden beds in order by removing any debris and branches that may have found their way in. Start weeding early in the Spring so that it is easier to maintain throughout the entire Summer. Prep all of the areas that you plan to mulch or re-soil, that way they are fully prepped once you are ready to lay down the dirt.

Lawn & Order

If you have a lawn to maintain, you’ve probably already started your Spring maintenance. If there are still any areas that need to be addressed, determine a good course of action. Whether you need to buy seed or fertilize… or potentially even resod areas of the lawn, you’ll want to start now before the weather gets warmer. This will give it time to settle in with the rest of your lawn.

Plant Party

Now it’s time for the real fun! Pick out which plants and flowers you are looking to either replace or add to your gardens. Consider trying something new and different than you have before – there are so many different options to choose from in the good old Garden State! Visit your local nursery and see what they have in mind this season. We recommend sticking to low-maintenance options if you’re looking to keep them around a while. Don’t neglect Fall and Winter friendly options, either… the four seasons tend to be one big happy family around these parts. 

Once you’ve planted your last bud and are happy with the finished product, you’re ready for one final sweep. Clean up any soil that’s out of place and put in the last finishing touches. Consider adding a few lawn ornaments or maybe even walkway lanterns. If you’ve already got your décor set, there’s no need to overdo it. (Unless that’s your style – which is totally cool by us!) 

And finally, soak in the pride of all your great work and prepare to enjoy the rest of your Spring and start to Summer. It tends to go by in a blink of an eye, so appreciate all your new blooms in the fresh air as best you can! We’d love to see your hard work – share your photos with us on social @zforzielinski and debut those beautiful landscapes to the world!