Most of us use the months of March and April to get some “spring cleaning” done around the house. This is also a great time to move forward with some spring maintenance on our outdoor property. While it’s not quite time to begin planting, mowing, and staining, we can begin to prep for these activities! Early-spring yard maintenance will ensure your yard is in better shape for planting, seeding, or simply enjoying being outside.
Below is a check-list to get you started:
1.) Complete a yard clean-up – Remove waste and debris from your yard. Now that the snow has cleared, clean up pet waste, leaves, fallen pine cones, branches, litter, etc. Pay attention to fence lines and corners in your yard where debris likes to accumulate.
2.) Prepare damaged yards – Use a square metal rake to remove parts of your lawn that have been damaged by excess salt and ice melt (near roads, sidewalks, and driveways). Flip over the turf and return to its spot in the yard. Add the new seed and ½ inch layer of compost when the threat of frost has passed. April is typically a good time to do this but watch the weather before applying.
3.) Clean our flower beds & gardens – First, remove weeds. Next rake out fallen leaves and remove dead plant matter. If it is well composted already, you can mix it into the ground. However, heavy plant matter will smother your plants and weed left behind may take root again. If the threat of frost has passed, you can also remove last years mulch to prepare your beds for new mulch. You may also decide to lay down fertilizer so that the heavy spring rains will bring the nutrients into the soil.
4.) Cut plants and perennials – Prune perennials down to 4-5 inches in height. Ornamental grasses can be taken down a little lower. Two inches is perfect for encouraging new growth.
5.) Prune Damaged or Dying Branches – The cold may have taken a number on your trees and shrubs. Prune them back to the live stems (intersecting branches) to encourage healthy growth. Use hand pruners rather than electric ones
6.) Prepare your yard waste for composting – If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use your heavy yard waste such as grass, leaves, mulch, branch cuttings, etc. to create compost for your plants later in the season. You can simply place it into a pile out of view (behind a shed or garage) or create an enclosure for it. Keep the pile moist and aerate it with a pitch fork or rake every couple of weeks. Avoid adding any weeds you have pulled from your yard to this pile if possible. They may take root in the compost and overtake it. Refrain from composting animal waste as well.
7.) Clean up paths and patio areas – If you have gravel, it may have made its way out of its banks a bit due to snow, rain, and wind. Use a rake to push the gravel back where it should be.
8.) Sweep off your decks and walk walks of salt and debris. You can use a pressure washer or hose to clean off stubborn dirt or algae from your decks and walk ways (if you have a maintenance-free deck- check with the manufacturer on whether use of a pressure washer is advised). Again, you will want to make sure the moisture isn’t going to freeze over night before doing this.
9.) Prepare wood fences and decks for staining- This is a good time to clean off wood decks and fences. Sand them to prepare for staining. Just wait for more favorable weather apply the fresh stain (consistently above 50 degrees, minimal humidity, minimal wind, and no rain in the forecast for several consecutive days).
10.)Complete miscellaneous cleaning – Wash off outdoor furniture, or bring out furniture from storage, complete a deep clean on your grill & check propane, clean off siding of dirt and algae, put your screens back on your windows if you replaced them with storm windows for the winter, repair screens, clear out gutters (when there is no ice on the roof).
11.)Call Dane County Fence & Deck to get your free estimate for your new fence or deck.
Spring is almost here. We wish you a happy spring cleaning, both inside and out. We are scheduling estimates now and would love to meet with you if you have a fence or deck project in mind!
When it comes to trends, they are ever changing. Some trends withstand the test of time, while others last only a couple of years. Here are the top landscaping trends predicted for 2020:
Geometrical design patterns –
Many interior design patterns are making their way outdoors. Geometrical shapes and patterns can be seen in many outdoor designs. Lattice-style fences and aluminum fences with circular designs at the top are becoming very popular. Outside of fencing, you see this same landscaping trend in the use of tiles for outdoor walkways or decorative retaining walls.
Incorporating water into your landscaping –
If you live near a lake or stream, you won’t have to look too far for views of water. However, if you don’t, a current trend is bringing the water to you. Artificial ponds and waterfalls are great additions to your yard. Fountains and bird baths are also very popular for those who want a simpler water addition.
Contemporary design –
Sleek, simple and polished. Within the past couple years, this trend has become more and more popular for interior design. The same can be said for outdoor spaces. Greys, blacks, sleek lines, and polished materials. Aluminum fencing and cable railing on decks are a perfect example of this trend.
Vertical Gardens –
This trend started with the farm to table movement. Many apartment-dwellers were looking for ways to create an edible garden with extremely limited outdoor space. The answer was to garden vertically or in table gardens. Although this trend started because gardening space was not available, it has spread into single-family homes as well.
Blue –
Believe it or not, along with the greys and blacks, dark blues are becoming very popular. This goes for outdoor patio furniture, décor, and plants mostly, but we have seen it spread into the fence and deck department as well. We even got to install a custom navy ornamental aluminum fence last season and it turned out great!
Be you –
In the last several years, style has embraced a uniqueness factor like never before. While in the past, “style” meant conforming to accepted norms. Today, we see more individuals adding their own amazing touches to their backyard spaces. Even some HOAs seem to have become more relaxed when it comes to personalization of yards. If you want climbing plants, geometrical structures, or pops of color, go for it!
