Thursday, March 31, 2016

Trim, Aerate, Power Rake - Oh My! Tips for Getting Your Yard Spring Ready

This time of year, we hear a lot about spring cleaning and getting the insides of our homes back in order after winter. Equally important is taking the time to prepare your home's exterior. Here are a few projects to ensure your yard is ready for spring and summer: 

Trim & Prune: All bushes and trees should be trimmed to remove overgrown areas.  Once the overgrowth is removed, it is time to prune to give the bush/tree a particular shape. Both steps help to ensure the bush/tree is receiving enough moisture and light and will have plenty of room to grow.  

Aerate: This is the process of removing small soil plugs/cores out of your lawn.  This is accomplished with a core aerator tool.  Many local yard care businesses perform aeration services this time of year or you can rent a core aerator for an afternoon at your local home improvement store and do it yourself. Aerating helps to increase water, nutrient, and oxygen movement into the soil.

Power Rake: If your lawn has thatch (a tight mat of stems and roots), then it should be power raked. If you noticed last summer that your lawn wasn't looking as green and lush, it may need this process. The one thing to consider with this process is that the soil needs to be dry - wet soil can cause more than what you intended to be pulled up. Much like aeration, local businesses perform this service or you can do it yourself and rent a power rake from your local home improvement store.

Till & Weed: All flower beds should be tilled and the early weeds removed. This will help promote healthy soil for all of your existing and new plantings. 

Fertilize: To help your grass grow healthy and strong all season long, it needs to be fed.  To ensure you are placing the right product on your lawn at the right time, consult with your local garden center. 

Add Mulch/Bark: Adding a new layer of mulch or bark is a quick way to freshen up any garden bed.

Clean Your Gutters: Time to pull out the ladder and bucket and clean out the leaves and debris in your gutters.  A child's sand shovel or a small garden shovel works well for this. Once you have cleared the debris, flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose - this will also help you spot any potential leaks that need to be repaired. 

Sweep Porches/Patios/Decks:  Before taking all of your outdoor furniture out of storage, take a few minutes to sweep off and clear any debris from your porch, patio, or deck.  If needed, use a hose or power washer to clean off built up dirt. 

Prepare & Set Up Outdoor Furniture: Remove covers from outdoor furniture and grills and wipe down each piece with a damp cloth. 

Wash Windows & Exterior Surfaces: Cleaning your windows adds a shine to your home and helps the sunlight better filter in.  Click here for a great article on cleaning your windows. Along with your windows, all exterior surfaces should be sprayed down. Depending on the type of exterior material, your garden hose may suffice or you may need to use a power washer.   

Accessory Touch-Ups: Take the time to wipe down all outdoor light fixtures and garden accessories (i.e. bird baths). Replace any outdoor bulbs that are burnt out (don't forget your small garden path lights).  Replace the worn "Welcome" mat and the front door wreath with something bright and cheery.  Make sure your home's numbers, both on the house and on your mailbox, are in good shape and are visible - replace or repair as needed.

By following these tips, not only have you made your yard ready for spring, but you have also added curb appeal! If spring has you feeling like it is time for a new home, give me a call and let me help you find or build your new home! 801-645-6735.


Photo Source: http://tinyurl.com/springyardcaretips
Tree trimming service on the other hand is done to remove overgrown bushes which prevents the shrub from receiving enough moisture and light. Tree pruning service involves removal or dead or loose or infected branches so that the shrub can flourish properly. It is also done to give a particular shape to the shrub for aesthetic purposes. -