Published on Apr 1, 2022
One of the messiest times of the year for homeowners is the period when winter meets spring. Scattered leaves from the previous fall season emerge from under their cozy snow blanket, and suddenly, you are faced with hidden litter and various garbage that was blown around for the last several months.
Before you begin your annual spring yard clean-up, you will need one vital item: yard waste bags (and by one, we mean buy many of them). Yard waste bags make it simple to responsibly dispose of yard debris like branches and leaves. Most municipalities will schedule and pick up yard waste bags along with regular trash and recycling.
Once you’re prepared to dispose of yard waste, there are a few tools you may want to think about picking up. Depending on the type of foliage you have around your home, you may need multiple types of tools. If you have large hedges, you may want to pick up a hedge trimmer. If you are surrounded by trees, you might need to trim branches that have dried up during the winter. You will need pruning sheers and a pruning saw for this.
At times, road salt can make its way to grassy areas and can be very damaging. If you need to remove damaged turf, you’ll want to think about reseeding those areas or laying down new sod. Most of the time you will need rakes and shovels for this. Other common tactics for battling a damaged lawn include the use of overseed and fertilizer. Fertilizer should be used when temperatures are consistently warm.
There is no worse feeling than having a leaking hose or a power tool that won’t start. It’s a good idea to ensure that your faucets, hoses, and lawnmowers/trimmers are in working order before you begin spring yard maintenance. Open all hose bibs (which should be shut off to avoid any damage before freezing temperatures arrive) and think about sharpening your lawnmower blade.
Once the clean-up stage is complete, your next considerations are finishing touches. Do you want to replace or add mulch to your flower beds? Do any wooden structures need sanding or repainting? Are your outdoor vents screened off so that critters can’t build nests?
Sometimes you may find a power washer very useful when tending to your outdoor walkways that are covered in stains or algae. Power washers can be used to clean outdoor furniture but be careful to use a low-pressure tip when doing this to avoid damage.
Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of spring yard maintenance is ensuring that your downspouts are clear and draining properly. Water can damage your home’s foundation over time and should be directed away from your home.
Whether you’re an avid entertainer or someone who finds solitude in their yard, doing some hard work in early spring will have you ready to enjoy your yard during the warmer months.
Follow these yard maintenance tips to keep your LIV home in perfect condition and ready for the spring months ahead! To see all upcoming projects, visit LIV Communities.