Spring Backyard Cleaning isn’t just for the inside of your home.
The summer months are all about spending time outdoors with BBQs, pool parties, and game days. After the cold months are over, there is much to be done in your garden to help it recover from winter.
Get your backyard ready for summer by making the most of the warmer weather and getting stuck in!
Backyard Cleaning up at once can seem overwhelming, so take things one step at a time by following these five tips below:
Remove Dead Plants
Before you can remove dead plants after winter, you must first identify which ones are dead and which are just dormant. Dormant plants will recover with the correct care.
Remove dead stems, branches, and foliage.
Check for pests and diseases and snip off dead leaves with pruning shears or scissors. You can also gently pinch them and they should come off if they are dead.
Dead plants have brittle and brown stems – those can be removed. Scratch the bark of woody stems to check for green underneath, that means the plant is still alive.
Remove Burlap
If you covered your shrubs and bushes with burlap before winter, now is the perfect time to remove them.
Winters are getting harsher, so damage can still occur.
Carefully investigate each plant for damage and prune the damaged branches off. That encourages new growth in the damaged areas and gives you the perfect environment for outdoor family activities.
Clear Winter Debris
As the weather warms, now is the perfect time to clear the winter debris from your backyard.
Your chainsaw is an essential tool for keeping your garden tidy and ensuring your trees and plants are ready to thrive in summer. Prune your trees by cutting off dead branches or ones showing signs of decay.
Use a chainsaw sharpener to ensure your chainsaw is in optimal condition for this task. It is the most efficient tool for cutting large branches into manageable pieces for removal or for summer bonfires in the backyard.
Clean Gutters
Before attempting to clean your gutters after winter, prioritize safety by getting a spotter and using a stable ladder.
Start by putting on gloves and removing large debris by hand. If using your hands is not for you, use a scoop. Once they have been cleared, flush them and downspouts with a hose or pressure washer.
If you are using a pressure washer, exercise caution to avoid damage.
Once cleaned, inspect for damage and leaks and arrange for any necessary repairs.
Maintain Garden Beds
Winter tends to leave garden and flower beds looking tired and one of the steps when trying to revive them is to first assess the damage.
Take a slow walk around your backyard to see how winter has treated it. Look for snow mold, which are pink or fuzzy white patches on your lawn, and compacted soil spots.
For flower and garden beds, soil quality is everything. It determines how well your lawn and plants will grow, so get a soil test kit or send a sample to a local landscaping service to check nutrient levels and pH balance.
To End
This entire backyard cleaning work will be worth it when you get to spend time in a nicer yard for the sunny months to come, so stop procrastinating and get it done!
