Spring cleaning may have several origins. Some link spring cleaning the Persian New Year, a holiday that starts on the first of spring with celebrants cleaning, spending quality time with loved ones, and purchasing new clothes to commemorate the holiday. Others tie it to the Christian custom of cleaning the church altar before Good Friday. Whatever its origins may be, one thing can be certain: spring cleaning isn’t just for the interior of your home!
The exterior of your home–and particularly your landscaping and greenery–needs a little extra tender loving care (TLC) this time of year, too. Here are a few tips to prepare your landscaping for the temperate spring months ahead.
1. Inspect Plants For Signs Of Wear
Winter can take its toll on plants. The right landscaping can raise the value of your home by up to 12%! Half-dead plants and plants that are noticeably worse for wear do not constitute “the right landscaping.” Inspect shrubs and bushes for signs of decay or damage. Remove broken or unhealthy limbs. Most of these can be healthily and gainfully trimmed or pruned back, eliminating the need to sacrifice the entire plant.
Check trees for browning, decaying, or dead spots, and trim appropriately. Look out for any signs that trees or plants have been infested by invasive pests.
2. Deep Edge Gardens And Plant Beds
It is the optimal time of year to deep edge gardens, planters and plant beds, and mulched areas surrounding shrubs and trees. Gather landscaping supplies like a mechanical scraper or hand spade, and create a deep edge or distinct ridge between flower beds and plant beds and the rest of your landscaping. This serves a very specific purpose. By deep edging these areas, you prevent weeds and roots from infiltrating them. What’s more, these distinct edges make lawns more mower-friendly and decrease damage to shrubs, flowers, and plants when mowing.
Because this process protects your plants from weeds and damage, it is important to do it properly. Contact local landscaping professionals with any questions or concerns you may have.
3. Declutter: Remove Debris And Weeds
Debris, like weeds, dead limbs branches, and dead leaves, builds up over the winter. While removing debris makes your yard look better, it serves other purposes, too. Dead leaves and plant material left to rot will do just that, attracting mold, mildew, and pests to your landscaping.
4. Make Determinations About Perennials
What is the difference between annuals and perennials? Annuals are pretty straightforward. In most cases, these plants and shrubs last just one season or year. Perennials, on the other hand, last much longer and can grow year after year when they are well-maintained and well-cared for–and spring is the time to do just that!
Spring is your last chance to reposition or divide perennials that are growing too freely. Before any substantial growth occurs, take the time to carefully divide and/or move these plants as necessary. Once new roots set in and significant growth takes place, it is best to wait until the next growing season.
5. Add Mulch and Fertilizer
Fertilizer and mulch are two critical landscaping supplies you do not want to be without. A healthy lawn needs fertilizer (and organic mulch doesn’t hurt either!). It is best to apply organic fertilizer at the base of plants, trees, and shrubs. Avoid applying fertilizer directly to leaves to avoid damages. After fertilizing, add a preventative weed control product to stop any weed seeds from germinating, to begin with.
Similarly, mulch comes with a lot of potential because it lowers the temperature of the soil and helps it retain its moisture. Moist soil requires less watering and is protective during droughts. Mulch also gives more structure to your soil, which helps prevent weeds and roots from growing and spreading. Two to three inches is sufficient. Any more than that may inhibit plant growth.
Break out your gardening tools and landscaping supplies! Spring cleaning should take place outside of your home, too–particularly in the yard and garden. Use landscaping supplies to clear away debris, deep edge plant beds, prune shrubs and trees, and divide perennials.
