Tip Tuesday: Spring Prep, Lawn Edition
We're all looking for things to do and ways to keep busy right now, so why not make the best of it and keep working on that Spring maintenance?
Yard
Things are turning green so make sure your grass has every chance to do the same. Rake the dead leaves, grass and other stuff out of your yard so it doesn't inhibit new growth. The raking will also loosen grass that got matted from rain and snow so it greens up more quickly. It's not quite warm enough to spread grass seed yet (Fall and late Spring are best for that) but aerating and/or dethatching can help ensure your soil is ready when it's time.
This is also a good time to spread a pre-emergent herbicide. It won't do anything to kill weeds that are already growing but will prevent weeds that haven't come up yet, so timing is everything. Make sure to educate yourself so it has the best chance at working properly.
Deck/patio
This one is pretty simple. Weed in and around your deck or patio, pressure wash the winter yuck away and do a thorough inspection. No one wants to ruin the first bon fire of the season with of the season by falling through a rotten deck board or tripping over part of the patio that shifted with the winter freeze.
If your deck or patio is screened in, clean the screens and check them for rips. They can't keep the bugs out if they've got big holes.
Outdoor furniture/grill
This probably goes without saying, but whether you left it outside or stored it in the garage or basement, your outdoor furniture could use a little freshening up. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to get it cleaned up and consider painting anything that's showing signs of rust. Not only will that help freshing up the look, but will help prevent rust from spreading.
Your grill will also need a good scrubbing. Check for cobwebs, propane leaks and anything else potentially hazardous, then get to cleaning.
Spring should be a time to get out and enjoy your home from the outside, and giving your lawn and outdoor space a good start to the Spring will help you enjoy it all Summer long.
Outside
Things are turning green so make sure your grass has every chance to do the same. Rake the dead leaves, grass and other stuff out of your yard so it doesn't inhibit new growth. The raking will also loosen grass that got matted from rain and snow so it greens up more quickly. It's not quite warm enough to spread grass seed yet (Fall and late Spring are best for that) but aerating and/or dethatching can help ensure your soil is ready when it's time.
This is also a good time to spread a pre-emergent herbicide. It won't do anything to kill weeds that are already growing but will prevent weeds that haven't come up yet, so timing is everything. Make sure to educate yourself so it has the best chance at working properly.
Deck/patio
This one is pretty simple. Weed in and around your deck or patio, pressure wash the winter yuck away and do a thorough inspection. No one wants to ruin the first bon fire of the season with of the season by falling through a rotten deck board or tripping over part of the patio that shifted with the winter freeze.
If your deck or patio is screened in, clean the screens and check them for rips. They can't keep the bugs out if they've got big holes.
Outdoor furniture/grill
This probably goes without saying, but whether you left it outside or stored it in the garage or basement, your outdoor furniture could use a little freshening up. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to get it cleaned up and consider painting anything that's showing signs of rust. Not only will that help freshing up the look, but will help prevent rust from spreading.
Your grill will also need a good scrubbing. Check for cobwebs, propane leaks and anything else potentially hazardous, then get to cleaning.
Spring should be a time to get out and enjoy your home from the outside, and giving your lawn and outdoor space a good start to the Spring will help you enjoy it all Summer long.
Outside
- Edge around planting beds
- Prune shrubs and roses before new shoots are over ½ inch long
- Insert stakes for plants that will grow tall as the season unfolds
- Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges
- Clip perennial stems with scissors or hand pruners
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