As the first weeks of spring approach it is time to prepare yard clean up for summer. Spring is the time when we throw off the long dark nights and chilly days of winter and prepare to welcome family and friends to our homes to celebrate the promise of another season spent out of doors in the fresh air. One of the favorite ways to really get the most out of those Spring days is to fire up the barbecue, make a potato salad, perhaps some corn on the cob and settle down to a day of fun and laughter in the yard. There can be very few things as gratifying as the smell of the fresh grass and the sounds of lively conversation with the smells of the barbecue wafting over that immaculate yard.
However, prior to calling those near and dear and inviting them over for a day of fun in the sun the homeowner is going to have to take a critical look at their yard – which may have suffered a little over the winter months. Once that evaluation is complete it is time to get stuck into that essential part of preparing for the lazy days of Spring and Summer – the yard cleanup.
If you want to make yard cleanup as efficient and painless as possible there are some simple hints and tips that can take the pain out of the process.
Here are some easy to follow yard clean up guidelines:
1. Start with the Basics.
It may not be the most fun in the world but you are going to have to clean up the debris that winter has deposited on the lawn and in your flower beds. Dead leaves, twigs and assorted other debris are the perfect breeding ground for pests. Do it as soon as possible before the pest problem gets out of control.
2. Beware the Branches.
Winter has a nasty habit of weakening branches in large trees. This is especially true in regions where heavy snow has fallen during the colder months. A tree branch may appear healthy – but actually be a disaster waiting to happen. Trim those branches way back in order to avoid trouble.
3. Remove those Leaves from Last Fall
Now that the frost is gone and its time to begin the yard clean up, now pull out the trusty leaf blower to remove old dried leaves and debris. In case its time for a new battery operated model, you might want to head over and check out this article Dewalt DCBL720P1 20V Max 5.0 Ah Lithium Ion XR Brushless Blower Review
4. Get to the Gutters.
Winter will almost inevitably leave the gutters full of dead leaves. Spring is the ideal time to deal with the problem. If you are living in a region that has summer rainfall then cleaning the gutters is an absolute must. Ignoring this task means risking damage to the home and a potentially expensive cleanup and repair exercise caused by water damage.
5. Lawn Care.
You want those who will be attending that first Spring barbecue to really enjoy themselves – so so you want the surroundings to look their best. This includes the lawn which may have suffered a little during the cold months of winter. Spring is the perfect time to take a long hard look at the yard and lawn. Perhaps apply some appropriate fertilizer in order to ensure that the yard lawn has a running start when it comes to looking great when summer rolls around.
6. Start Planting.
You’ve cleared the flowerbeds and now it might be time to sow and plant in order to make sure that when the first day of summer does arrive your beds are looking their best.
7. Hands on Deck.
If you have a deck overlooking the yard is a good bet that it’s where you will be entertaining in the warmer months.
After the chill nights and rains of winter (snow perhaps as well) it might be a good idea to strip and reseal the deck as well as take a good long hard look at any repair work that has to be done.
Yard clean up need not be an absolute pain. Get the right tools and cultivate the right attitude with some planning and you will be surprised at the results – and have a renewed sense of pride in your yard, as well as looking forward to that first barbecue in the sun.
You might also like this: Using a composter for your own fertilizer
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!