Spring is in the air, and for many people across the world that means it’s time for some “spring cleaning!” While airing out your home, mopping floors and dusting shelves is a great way to feel rejuvenated while you’re inside, it’s important to remember to spring clean your yard when you’re tidying up, too!
Spring means warmer temperatures, and summer is just around the corner. By cleaning up your yard now, you’ll be able to enjoy it for the next several months, whether that means planting a beautiful garden, getting ready for outdoor entertaining, or just creating a space where you can relax and unwind each day with a glass of iced tea to watch the sunset.
It sounds pretty good, right? It will be! But, it takes a little time and effort, first. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Keep these outdoor spring cleaning tips in mind as you tackle tidying up around your yard.
5 Simple Ways To Spring Clean Your Yard
Start to Spring Clean Your Yard with the Most Obvious
If it feels like there’s a lot to do outside, sometimes the easiest thing is to tackle the obvious messes first. Winter can leave behind quite a bit, from dog waste to litter, and debris from plants, or even leaves that you weren’t able to rake up in the fall before the first snow fell.
It’s important not to leave debris like leaves, sticks, etc., in your yard for too long. So, once the snow has melted be sure to pick them up and dispose of them properly. Leaving them on your grass can make it harder for fresh, new grass to come up in the spring, and it may leave your lawn looking patchy or discolored.
Once the bigger items are cleaned up, grab a rake and go over the yard with it. This will help you to clear away smaller things like pinecones and twigs and will give your lawn a healthy canvas to start with as it comes back to life this season.
When you start by cleaning up some of the bigger items in your yard, it can make the rest of the process seem less daunting. Don’t forget to wear safety gloves!
Take Care of Your Garden
If you’re an avid gardener or you’re really trying to have a green thumb, it’s important to clean up your beds before you do any planting this year.
Start by pulling out any dead annuals so you can replace them this your new picks for the season. Any other plants should be trimmed of dead leaves and stalks, to encourage new and healthy growth as the season progresses. You can even help them along by putting a bit of fertilizer or compost around them.
Compost can actually be a big help to your garden! Even by increasing organic material by 5%, the water-holding capacity of soil quadruples. When the soil around your garden can hold onto more water, it will distribute it more evenly throughout the garden and your plants will have a better chance of thriving.
Take Care of Your Tools
If you put away your landscaping tools for the winter without prepping them for spring first, now is the time to do it! If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors this season, working on your yard or garden, you have to have the right tools for the job. Some of the most common landscaping tools you should have on hand include:
- A lawnmower
- Hedge-trimmer
- Whippersnapper
- Garden tools (shovel, trowel, hoe)
All of your tools should be in proper working condition. It’s a good idea to get your lawnmower looked at each year to make sure the motor is running efficiently. You should also invest in getting the blades sharpened by a professional. It will keep your mower running smoothly and it will help to boost its longevity. Blades also need to be rust-free and without any cracks or other damage.
Any type of tool or equipment that requires gasoline or oil should be carefully inspected, and all fluids that were left in there over the winter should be replaced with new alternatives.
Install a Shed
There are so many benefits to having a backyard shed installed. First, a shed is a great place to store things specifically meant for your yard, so you don’t have to clutter up your garage or your home. It will help to cut down on clutter so you can still have all of the great landscaping tools you need without filling up your living space. You can also store hazardous material there, including different chemicals, paint, etc. Storing such things in a shed can help you to keep them away from kids and pets, so your whole family will be safer.
Sheds also add value and curbside appeal to your home. It’s an inexpensive way to make your home more desirable to potential buyers if you ever plan on selling.
Finally, a shed is much more than just a storage area. You can use it as a workshop for home projects or even a home office or play area. If you’re interested in a shed but don’t know where to start, contact reputable shed builders near you to get a better idea of how a shed would look in your yard, and how you might put it to good use.
Wash Your Walkways
Winter’s harsh conditions can wreak havoc on walkways, driveways, and patios. To get these areas back in pristine condition for the season, start by sweeping any loose stones or gravel back into place. In many cases, using a jet nozzle on a hose can get rid of dirt and debris, but you may need to invest in a power washer if you have a lot of dirt and grime that won’t seem to come off.
When you take a look at your yard for the first time this season, don’t let yourself feel so overwhelmed. The hardest part is getting started, but these tips can help you to make the outdoor spring cleaning process much easier.
Final Thoughts on How To Spring Clean Your Yard…
The preceding tips should allow you to spring clean your yard just in time for the new season. What have you done to start your yard cleanup on your homestead? Share your comments below.
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