Spring is here and yard clean-up begins. Every yard needs a little tune-up and at times, the thought is overwhelming and where to begin! Tips and tricks to get you started:
- Start with a plan – Before you begin cleaning up your yard, make a rough plan of what needs to be done. Make a list, tackling one at a time.
- Clear out debris – Clearing out any debris or dead plants is your natural next step.
- The best way to do this is by using a rake or leaf blower to gather the leaves, twigs or branches that have accumulated over the winter. If you have large amounts of debris to get rid of, rent a dumpster bag for pick up.
- Prune and trim – Spring is the perfect time to trim your shrubs, hedges, and trees. Use clippers or shears to cut back any overgrown branches, and remove any dead or diseased wood. Trimming your plants will encourage healthy new growth during the growing season.
- Aerate your lawn – Aerating your lawn can help to promote better drainage, oxygenation, and nutrient absorption. You can rent an aerator from a local hardware store, or hire a professional landscaper to do the job.
- Fertilize and seed – After you’ve cleared out the debris and aerated your lawn, it’s time to fertilize and seed. Add a slow-release fertilizer (natural products are available) to your lawn and spread grass seed in areas that need it. Make sure to water your lawn thoroughly after planting to promote germination.
- Clean your gutters – Winter snow and ice can clog your gutters, preventing water from flowing properly. Clean out your gutters to make sure the water flows away from your house correctly.
By following these tips, you can make the spring yard clean-up in Wisconsin more manageable and set yourself up for a beautiful and healthy lawn all summer long. Soon it will be time to plant!
