Our beloved spring is here. More hours of daylight and pleasant temperatures invite us outside to enjoy the caressing rays of sunshine. Nature is bursting back to life, and with the flowers blooming so does our mood. It's a perfect time to gather your loved ones and have a barbecue in your backyard. But before that, you need to prepare it for the summer. Getting your yard back in shape after a harsh winter can seem challenging. Here are some useful tips and projects that you can do now to make your yard gorgeous in the summer to come.
Do Some Spring Yard Clean Up
The first thing you should check off your cleanup list is to get rid of fallen branches, leaves, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter. Roll up your sleeves and get a pair of heavy work gloves. Start by removing the fallen branches and cutting down the rotten ones. They can be dangerous especially during the summer storms.
The next step is removing the litter. Pay extra attention to safety when doing this because the task may involve removing broken glass or other sharp objects.
Now that you've cleaned your yard and piled up the rubbish, you need to get rid of it. The best way to do this is to rent a dumpster. After they drop off your dumpster rental at your address, all you need to do is load your junk and they will take it away. It just doesn't get better than that, does it?
Rake It 'Til You Make It
Let's move on to lawn care. Raking is an important part of your spring cleaning work. Aside from removing the leaves, it helps the disposing of thatch. It's the layer between the grass and soil which consists of stems, stolons, and roots that haven't decomposed yet. It prevents your grass root system from getting air, water, and much-needed nutrients. It can also make mowing your lawn that much more difficult.
While raking, it's very likely that you'll come across a large number of pine cones. If you're a DIY lover, you can use them for craft projects. Pinterest is stacked with ideas for projects like these. If not, then you can just add them to that pile of rubbish waiting to be disposed of.
Refurbish Your Outdoor Space
Summer is coming and it brings out the need to spend more time outdoors. In order to fully enjoy your outdoor recreation, you need to equip your yard with the right furniture. Aside from being attractive, you will want it to be comfortable and durable as well.
Having this in mind, there is no better material than plastic. The major advantage it has over wood is that it can stand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, extreme temperatures, and even snow.
The variety of options to explore is great. Do the research and find some online plastic wholesale that will provide you with tailored eco-friendly plastic and deliver it to your door. This will make your projects a breeze. Whether you're putting together a summer kitchen or a gazebo, your yard will get a fresh new loo that will last.
Prep And Plant Your Flower Beds
Although the calendars say it's spring, there still may be a few colder days lurking behind the corner. This time of the year is the best for planting trees and perennials in flower beds. However, its success depends largely on climate and local conditions. Hardy perennials are more resistant, but if you plan on planting tender ones, you may want to wait for the colder days to pass. Roses usually don't go dormant since they're grown in warm climates. However, they too need some TLC. Give them some good pruning as soon as the lead buds begin to plump up.
Test Your Soil
Winter may leave your soil battling problems like compaction and thatch. What's more, it can also be suffering from PH imbalance. By sending a soil sample to a local soil testing lab will ensure you have a nice and healthy basis for your further gardening projects.
On the other hand, if you have nice and rich soil, all it needs is good fertilization. Whether you choose organic or synthetic fertilizers, your plants will definitely enjoy proper feeding in the spring.
Mow Your Lawn As Often As You Can
Don't let your grass grow wild. You should keep its height under 3 inches. However, during the summer, it is advisable to leave it half an inch longer so it can provide the shade and moisture to the soil. It's important to keep in mind that it's not only the task itself that matters but the timing and proper technique as well.
Here are some tips that you should pay attention to when mowing:
- Avoid mowing wet grass
- Change your mowing patterns regularly
- Keep the mower blades sharp and balanced
- Mow the grass areas in shade higher
- Leave the grass clippings after mowing
Finishing Touches
Mulching and edging are the perfect way to finish up your spring yard cleaning. There are two basic types of mulch - organic and inorganic. Natural mulches include things like hardwood chips, grass clippings, and crushed leaves. Synthetic ones, on the other hand, include pebbles, plastic, or rubber mats.
There are many benefits of adding mulch to your soil, no matter which type you choose. It will retain moisture to the soil, help with weed control, and contribute to soil health. Edging may seem unnecessary, but it will make a big difference in the overall appeal of your garden. It will make your garden look polished and beautiful.
Now is the time to put in some effort and prepare your yard. Let these tips inspire you to make your garden a place where your family will enjoy spending time together and making new memories. As the famous quote from Game of Thrones emphasizes: "Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well." Make them count.
Author Biography
Ron is a hobby designer and a DIY enthusiast and above all, a very blessed father of two. Besides that, he has a strong passion for writing. If he is not working, he enjoys being outside with his family. Hiking, bike riding, and barbecuing are always a thing for him. In the evening, he likes to watch documentaries or build something with his kids in their Lego corner.
