Spring is already here! This isn’t only evident in the latest Groundhog Day results but also in the vibrant blossom that colors the highways and streets. With the weather warming up and a moderate sun’s intensity, it’s an ideal time to start planning romantic date nights in Western NC, discovering some good cafes, or exploring some day trips in the area.
That said, let’s not forget about preparing the house for the new season. This means laying the proper foundation to help make your yard look stunning throughout spring and into summer.
Preparing Your Lawn for Spring — Start with these 5 Steps
- Clearing Debris
The first step in preparing your lawn for spring is cleaning it. Practically speaking, this means *picking up any debris left from the winter (trash, large sticks and branches, grass blades, clumps of dead leaves, dirt, etc.). Next, rake up the leaves and small twigs accumulated over the past winter.
This cleaning process is a crucial step, as clearing away those items will enable your grass to breathe fresh air for the upcoming season.
*Please note to wear gloves to avoid being hurt by sharp objects.
- Defining Lawn and Flower Beds Boundaries
Once the yard is clean, you can begin mapping out the contours of your lawn, flower beds, and any other landscape features you plan on incorporating into your yard, including dog-friendly landscaping elements.
Edging your lawn is the process by which you create small, narrow ditches in between the features of your yard and the grass itself. Edging creates a boundary between the two and prevents weeds and grass from crossing over into your flower beds. It also makes mowing your yard easier since it levels the area between the lawn and the mulch.
- Mulching & Fertilizing
Mulching your beds and other landscape features is another best practice of spring lawn care. This process helps retain the moisture in the soil, keeping it healthy and clean of growing weeds. Be aware there are a few ways to ensure the maximum efficiency of your mulch. Generally, one cubic yard of mulch will cover 100 square feet of yard up to about three inches. Organic mulch can be even healthier for your soil, and pine nuggets have longevity on flat surfaces since they take a while to decompose. On hilly terrain, choose a mulch that has a variety of nugget sizes to prevent them from easily washing away.
In addition, adding fertilizer ensures the soil remains, quite literally, a fertile ground for vibrant plant growth. However, it's crucial to test your soil first to determine if additional nutrients are needed and, if so, which ones. The timing of fertilization also varies based on your location and grass type, contrary to the common belief that all grasses should be fertilized in spring. Slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers are recommended, as they minimize environmental losses and enhance nutrient absorption. In some cases, incorporating organic materials can improve overall soil health. Also, don’t apply too much fertilizer at the beginning of the season. After the grass initially grows, it’s ok to use more fertilizer later in the season.
- Lawn Equipment Maintenance
All the hard work you put into your yard would be futile without the right equipment to care for it throughout the hot months. In fact, this is a vital step of proper spring lawn care, ensuring your yard is primed for a healthy and productive growing season.
After being stored or just turned off during the winter, it's crucial to test and tune up essential lawn care tools like your lawn mower, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, and irrigation system. Thoroughly inspect each piece of equipment for any damages that could compromise safety or functionality. Don't forget to change any oil, air filters, and/or spark plugs if necessary.
- Overseeding
When all is set and ready (soil-wise and equipment-wise), it’s time to make the grass on your side of the fence greener. Once you know which grass species best fits your backyard (based on the test results mentioned in step three), you can start overseeding. Specifically, overseeding refers to spreading new grass over an existing lawn with special attention to bare patches.
Make sure the seeds get lots of water. As you maintain your yard in the spring, allow the grass to grow without mowing it too short. Let it grow to at least two inches for the first few cuts of the spring.
Another Benefit of Spring Lawn Care
Investing in spring lawn care not only allows you to enjoy a healthy-looking and well-maintained outdoor space but can also significantly increase your home's value if you plan to sell. Spring is often considered the peak season for home buying, as the temperatures make house hunting more comfortable and contribute to the house's maximal curb appeal.
A meticulously groomed lawn and backyard, achieved through proper spring lawn care practices, can be a major selling point, making your home more attractive and valuable in the eyes of potential buyers.
For Selling Your Home >> 5 tips for preparing your home to sell in the spring.
Enjoying the Most Beautiful Season in Western North Carolina
As you check off items from your spring checklist for your backyard, you'll be rewarded with a stunning backyard that also symbolizes Western NC’s vibrant beauty. Whether you're a long-time resident or considering a move to Western North Carolina, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the area's breathtaking scenery and outdoor living opportunities.
At Vista Developers, we invite you to get in touch and explore our exceptional communities, where you can embrace the region's unmatched charm and quality of life throughout the most beautiful season and beyond.
