It won’t be long before the ice starts to melt and the snow starts to fade here in Humboldt, Iowa, and with that comes spring. A time for new beginnings, new growth, and outdoor fun. But before that all takes place, you will want to get your yard in shape for the warmer months ahead with a seasonal cleanup. And while doing that can be a bit daunting, we’re here to help you break up this massive to-do list into smaller, digestible tasks. Follow our not so cumbersome list below, and you’ll be enjoying your Humboldt backyard in no time.
Inspect Your Hardscapes and Get Out the Patio Furniture
Let’s start with inspecting your landscape and all of your hardscape features. Check the general condition of your patio. Are their nails sticking up or boards damaged in the winter cold? Make a note to fix or schedule any needed repairs. Get out the lawn furniture and start cleaning it off. This way, when a break is necessary, or you are finished with your seasonal cleanup tasks, you can relax right there, and your furniture is ready.
Pick Up Debris and Rake Your Lawn
Next, go around your Humboldt yard and pick up any fallen branches, twigs, or trash that has blown into your yard. Doing so will help ensure toxins and other unwanted minerals are also removed. Take the rake you used in the fall and use it to clear leaves and debris off your grass. Leaving leaf litter and other debris on your lawn can be an open invitation for lawn diseases that can kill your grass. Besides, raking will help aerate your turf and allow sunlight and nutrients to penetrate your soil for a faster green-up and lush lawn.
Prune Those Trees and Shrubs
Now is the time to complete any pruning and trimming not done over the winter. Typically you want to do this in late winter or early spring before trees come out of dormancy and buds begin to open. Take a walk around your yard and examine each tree carefully. You should be able to walk under each tree without hitting your head. Branches hanging down or appearing dead can pose a safety risk or carry diseases. Have a professional trim and prune your trees to help them stay shapely and healthy.
Add Mulch to Your Humboldt Landscape
Adding mulch to your landscape is a great way to spruce up any property with vibrant color, and it has an array of other benefits as well. It acts as a cooling agent in the summer and insulates in winter. If you already have mulch, check to see if you need to add another layer. If this is the first time you are adding much, you may want to schedule a local garden center or professional delivery. While mulching may seem like an easy task, there are many different kinds of mulch including wood chips, straw, pine needles, black plastic, and stones. Check with your local lawn care professional to see what works best for you.
Get Lawn Mower Ready
An essential component to your spring cleanup is preparing your lawn equipment. Having your mower ready in time will go a long way in saving you time this spring. Follow these basic tips in this order and you’ll be ready for that first mow in no time.
- Check or change the oil
- Check spark plugs and change them out if needed
- Sharpen the blade
- Change or clean filters
- Clean it top to bottom, including the underside
- Lubricate the moving parts
- Include fresh fuel
Seasonal Clean-Up Includes Preventing Weeds
When the temperatures start to creep up here in Humboldt, so do the weeds. Controlling this lawn nuisance can be a constant battle. But you can get a head start this spring with pre-emergent weed killers. Pre-emergents are formulated to stop weeds from germinating in the first place, often used to deter grassy weeds like crabgrass. Though they are often effective at controlling weeds, they must be used before the soil temperatures have reached a consistent 55 to 65 degrees. They must also be mixed correctly and applied evenly. Pre-emergents can kill the grass surrounding the weeds if not used properly and you should never seed your lawn within 12 weeks after using them.
We recommend calling in a professional who understands our Humboldt climate, the weeds that invade our turfs, and how to properly use these chemicals.
Clean Out Birdfeeders
This may be the last thing you think of when it comes to seasonal cleanup but making sure your birdfeeders are clean and free of bacteria is essential to the health of our feathered friends. If you utilized your birdfeeders all winter, now is a good time to take them down, wash them out thoroughly, and fill them up with fresh seed or nectar.
For All Your Seasonal Cleanup Needs, Call the Professional at Smitty’s Lawn and Landscape
At Smitty’s Lawn and Landscape, our lawn maintenance specialists are trained and ready to get your Humboldt area lawn prepared for the growing season. Our seasonal spring cleanup includes debris removal, landscape bed cleaning, first mow of the season, pruning, and edging. Learn more about our spring cleanup service by visiting our website, messaging us online, or giving us a call at 515-576-0985 now.
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