By the time the snow is gone, most yards are carrying a winter's worth of fallen branches, matted leaves and small damage. An afternoon spent walking the property in early spring sets up the whole season. Here's what we look at.
Start with a cleanup. Rake out leaves and sticks from the lawn and beds, and cut back last year's dead growth on perennials and ornamental grasses before the new shoots get tall.
Check the gutters. Even if they were cleaned in the fall, late-dropping leaves, seeds and winter debris collect in them. Make sure the downspouts run freely before the spring rains arrive.
Look over your trees and shrubs. Remove branches that died or broke over the winter, and anything rubbing on the house, the roof or a fence. Early spring, before the leaves fill in, is when a tree's structure is easiest to see.
Walk the fence line. Frost can heave posts, and winter storms loosen boards, rails and gate hardware. A leaning post or a dragging gate is a simple repair now and a bigger one if it's left.
Edge and mulch the beds. A clean edge and a fresh layer of mulch is the single biggest visual improvement you can make, and it keeps weeds down for the rest of the year.
Start mowing when the grass is actively growing, and don't cut it too short on the first pass. Taking off no more than about a third of the blade at a time keeps the lawn thick and healthy.
Wash off the winter. Walks, patios and driveways collect a film of dirt and algae over the cold months, and a pressure washing brings them back.
Finally, plant. Spring and fall are the best times to put in trees and shrubs, because cooler weather gives the roots time to establish before summer.
Want a hand with any of it — or all of it? Call Rebecca's Fence and Landscaping LLC at (267) 897-3279. Estimates are free, and new customers take 10% off.