Let’s first face the truth. Winter loves to trash your lawn by leaving debris, dying grass, and just overall sadness in your yard. Do not let winter win. Set aside your plans for badass DIY projects and focus on reviving your yard back to its summer greatness by starting spring cleanup early. The best time to start cleanup is after the last frost and when temperatures steadily stay above freezing. March is the typical month to begin.
Refuse the Refuse
Put on some heavy work gloves and get hauling. To prevent any damage to your lawnmower, all that refuse has to go! Inspect your lawn and plant beds and remove the following:
- Dead grass, leaves, and pinecones
- Stray tree branches, sticks, and twigs
- Litter and animal feces
To make your job easier, use an air blower. If you want a killer workout, use a rake. If you do not want neighborhood pets or stray animals to defecate on your front lawn, apply animal repellent.
Feed Your Lawn and Kill the Weeds
During early spring, apply fertilizer to feed your grass and pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass. About six to eight weeks after your first application, add fertilizer and pre-emergent again, along with a weed killer. Some lawn care brands offer combinations of weed killer and pre-emergent that can save you time and money.
Mow Frequently for More Lawn
If you want a thick carpet of grass, mow your lawn about every five days during the first month and a half of spring. If you allow your grass to grow high between each cut, the grassroots become stunted, preventing proper growth. A balding lawn is not something to be envied. Focus on your goal. Be the lawn king and put your lawnmower to work regularly.
Don’t Be a Scrooge With Your Finishing Touches
At this point, your lawn should be on the up and up. Now is the time to focus on the finer things. Edge your plant beds, trim off dead branches, and refresh your mulched areas. Failing to remove or trim dead branches can increase the chance of fallen branches. No one wants a chunk of tree to damage their barbecue grill. Opt for hardwood bark mulch rather than dyed ground wood chips. Hardwood bark lasts longer so you don’t have to replenish your mulch as often.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Spring Cleanup
You can be ready for a backyard barbecue at any time with a clean, sharper-looking yard. After your early spring cleanup, sit back, relax, and enjoy the envious stares of your neighbors as they drive by your lush lawn. For more tips on how to become even more awesome, reach out to the Rugged Standard team today!