It's time to spring forward! After a long winter, lawns and landscaping need some TLC to get them in shape for spring. While a harsh season might have left your plants in rough shape, dedicating a day in the yard to clean-up and planting prep is all you need. Here we’ve compiled four easy DIY tricks you can do to spruce up your lawn after winter (FAST!).
RAKE + PRUNE - To prepare for the growing season, you’ll want to start off by raking and removing dead leaves, branches or any other storm debris from your grass and planting beds. If you have flower beds, you can rake them and lay down mulch to prepare for planting. Trim back any trees or shrubs that need pruning, making sure to carefully remove any branches damaged from snow or storms which can split further.
MOLD REMOVAL - Be on the lookout for brown matted-down, dead-looking patches in your lawn after the snow melts. It's most likely snow mold. Snow mold, a type of fungus and turf disease that damages or kills grass after snow melts.
It can grow from a result of damp organic material such as moss and rotting leaves and really wreck havoc on your lawn if you don’t address it right away. And remember, no matter how brown your lawn seems, with spring on its way and a little work on your part, you’ll have beautiful green landscaping in no time!
FIX UNEVEN GROUND - Flooding caused by storms and melting snow may have shifted the ground of your lawn and landscaping. Take stock of your yard and note any major inconsistencies - Low spots can cause poor drainage and high spots can get scalped by a lawn mower.
Not to mention any recreational activity you do on your lawn will be affected by uneven ground. Uneven ground is also poor growing conditions for grass, flowers, shrubs or any kind of garden. To fix, take your shovel and cut away areas that are raised and use the dirt to fill in any area that is too low. With even ground, you’re almost ready to seed and plant!
SEED + PLANT - Before choosing seed and shrubs for your lawn, determine which varieties will work best in your climate region as well as sunlight and water runoff received in your property. You can plant by hand, or use any mechanical spreader you have for seed. Flower beds and shrubs should be planted by hand. Make sure you water your seed and plants and pay extra attention to them after planting when they are most vulnerable.
When you combine landscaping with maintaining your driveway year round the front of your home will have increased curb appeal and you will enjoy spending time in your outdoor space more than ever before.
Spring cleaning your entire home? Check out our other posts on refinishing wood after winter and tips to maintaining your driveway all year round.
