By Scott Abner
When the weather starts warming up, it’s the perfect time to get the yard looking its best. A well-kept yard makes spending time outside way more enjoyable. Getting ready for summer doesn’t have to be hard or take all day. With a few simple steps and a little planning, anyone can have a clean, green yard ready for relaxing or playing. Here’s how to get started.
Start by Cleaning Up
Winter and early spring can leave behind fallen branches, dead leaves, and debris scattered across the yard. Start by walking around and picking up anything that doesn’t belong. Rake up any leftover leaves to give grass and plants space to grow. Be careful not to pull up any new grass that’s just starting to grow.
Weeds also begin to pop up in spring. Pulling them while they’re small makes it easier to keep them under control. It’s much better to take care of weeds early before they spread all over the yard.
Mow and Edge the Lawn
Once the yard is cleared up, it’s time to give the grass a trim. Mowing regularly keeps the lawn looking neat and healthy. It’s important to use a mower with sharp blades. Dull blades can rip the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which makes the lawn look uneven and can harm the grass.
Many people prefer something simple and easy to use for this job. A Worx electric lawn mower is often a smart choice because it gets the job done without the noise and mess of a gas mower.
After mowing, edging the borders of the lawn can really make a difference. It gives the yard a sharp, finished look by trimming around walkways, garden beds, and fences.
Watering the Right Way
Grass and plants need water to stay healthy. As the temperatures go up, watering becomes more important. Early morning is the best time to water because it gives the soil a chance to soak it up before the heat of the day dries it out. Watering at night can leave the grass wet for too long, which can lead to problems with mold or disease.
It’s also better to water deeply a few times a week instead of giving the lawn a quick spray every day. This helps the roots grow stronger and reach deeper into the soil.
Feed the Lawn and Plants
Just like people need food, grass and plants need nutrients to grow. Spring is a good time to add fertilizer to the lawn. There are many different types, so check the package and use the right one for the type of grass or plants in the yard.
Adding mulch around plants and flower beds can also help. Mulch keeps the soil cool and holds moisture longer, which means less watering is needed. It also keeps weeds from growing as much.
Watch for Bare or Thin Spots
As grass grows in the warmer months, it’s a good idea to check for any bare or thin areas in the lawn. These spots can happen after winter damage, heavy foot traffic, or pet activity. If any are found, lightly loosen the soil, sprinkle grass seed over the area, and keep it moist until new grass fills in. Taking care of thin patches early helps the lawn grow in evenly and prevents weeds from taking over these open spaces.
Check for Pests and Problems
Warmer weather brings more than just green grass. Bugs and pests start to show up too. Some bugs are helpful, but others can damage grass and plants. If there are areas of the lawn that look brown or thin, take a closer look to see if pests could be the reason.
There are safe ways to treat most problems, but the sooner they are spotted, the easier they are to fix. Sometimes even small animals can dig in the yard, so check for any unusual holes or damage.
Prepare Outdoor Spaces
Summer isn’t just about having a great lawn. It’s also about having a space to hang out and enjoy it. Get outdoor furniture cleaned and set up. Wash off patios, decks, and any outdoor surfaces to remove dirt and dust that built up over winter.
Planting some colorful flowers or adding planters with bright blooms can make the space even more fun and welcoming. Consider low-maintenance plants if keeping up with gardening isn’t the goal.
Keep Up With Regular Care
The easiest way to have a great yard all summer is to stick with a regular routine. Mowing once a week, checking for weeds or pests, and watering as needed keeps the lawn healthy without letting small problems turn into big ones.
Keeping tools organized and handy also makes yard work go faster. It’s surprising how much smoother things go when everything is ready to use.
