10 Tips to Prepare your Yard for Spring

It is that time of year again! Last year was our first spring as homeowners. It was scary. Who knew lawns needed watering, mowing, weeding, and soooo much care. No yard work is a major perk to renting, just saying!Don’t fear if you’ve leapt into homeownership and need some help readying your yard for spring then you are in the right place.

10 Spring Yard Prep Tips

1. Start with a plan: Most large undertakings like weddings, building a house and yard work take a plan. Do some looking around. Ask yourself some questions: Do you want a flower bed? Do you want a garden? Do you want to put in a sprinkler system? Would you like to do some major landscaping projects? Make a list!!! From your list form a plan of action. Separate it into categories: Big Projects, Ongoing Projects, Small Project, etc. Then take it a small step at a time. 
2. Clean up from winter: My yard gets zillions of pine needles (from my neighbors yards, ugh) from all the lovely Idaho wind we enjoy over the winter. It may take some time, but rake up any debris. Rake the lawn and get it rejuvenated and ready to grow. I like to think of it like exfoliation for your yard rather than your skin. It needs to be worked over some before it can begin to be beautified. 
3. Gather your supplies and tools: Evaluate your supplies from last year and head to the gardening section of your favorite store and get stocked up. Shovels, gloves, hoses, fertilizer, etc. Check your list from your plan for any needed tools and supplies.
4. Fertilize: Last year I thought fertilizing wasn’t a real deal breaker on prepping my yard. Boy was I wrong. Spend a little bit to get some fertilizer and use it. It will make a difference with your yard. Check around for varieties that are specific to your climate and weather. It would be best to fertilize more than just in the spring. Do it multiple times throughout the summer.
5. Create a watering schedule: This one is for the poor unfortunate souls who do not have sprinkler systems (like me), but is a great idea for flower beds or flower pots. I can’t tell you how many times I watered the same spot over and over because I had no schedule. Setting a schedule of what areas will be watered on which day make it easier to remember what has been watered and when. Check with your local nursery for information on watering in our climate.
6. Visit your local nursery: Local nurseries can be the most valuable resource you have this spring. They know your climate, soil and what grows where you live. You may want an orange tree in your backyard, but maybe if you aren’t living in a warm climate, it will not be the best idea. A trip to your local nursery may reveal that an apple tree would flourish in your yard. Don’t waste your time and money planting plants that will not grow in your climate. 
7. Plant: Get to planting annuals in the spring. Garden prep and planting can begin in the spring as well. Spring is a great time to plant grass in areas of the yard that are bare or dead.
8. Prune & Trim. Prune trees and bushes. This will help them grow back nicer, fuller and less unruly. You can prune and trim on your own by searching for ways to prune your specific plants or call a professional to come help you. Either way pruning and trimming gets your trees, shrubs and bushes to grown in nice.
9. Clean Out: Rid your yard of dead plants or trees. I have a small dead tree in my side yard. I plan on removing it this spring. Last year weeds clung to it and overgrew it. Getting rid of it will free up yard space and make it look that much more beautiful.
10. Make Repairs: Fix small things in your yard so that they don’t become large problems. If you have a fence post that is broken fix it now, before the problem spreads. If you need more stones or bark in your flower garden add it now. Just do it now!! There is no better time to start beautifying your yard than in the spring. Resolve now to keep it looking nice all year long.

What tips do you have for preparing your yard for spring?

I still could learn more and plan on sharing what I learn with you this year!!!

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