It’s been a cold, long winter — and while we’re not exactly out of the woods yet, it’s not all that long before spring will be back with us. The long days of kayaking, hiking, and BBQs might seem like a distant memory, but they’ll be with us sooner than you think.
And when the warm weather returns, you’ll want to have the option of sitting out in your yard, enjoying the sunshine. Your ability to do so will depend, in large part, on what you do in the pre-spring period.
A little bit of effort in March will allow you to reap all the benefits once spring is in full swing. Let’s take a look at a few key steps you’ll need to take to get your yard into shape.
Clear Out Debris
In all likelihood, you probably haven’t even stepped a foot into your yard for months, let alone engaged in any maintenance tasks. There’s not much point in keeping your yard tidy during the winter months, purely because it’ll only be full of debris again within a week or so. But now that spring is on the way, you can start thinking about getting your yard into shape. Clearing out anything that doesn’t need to be there, including leaves, weeds, and fallen branches, will ensure you have a clean slate to work with.
Handle Overgrowth
Now’s also the time to start managing any overgrowth that has occurred over the past few months. Using a hedge trimmer to tidy your hedge is an easy way to quickly make some progress, while you can also prune any branches. Doing so will not only give your yard a quick refresh, but it’ll also promote healthy growth. These tasks only take an hour or so, but you’ll be amazed at just how much better your yard looks once you’ve finished.
Plant New Flowers
And now for the fun part — planting the flowers that you’ll get to enjoy once the warm months are with us. It’s oh-so-nice to look out at a yard that is alive with an array of colorful plants. If you’re relatively new to gardening, then it’s best to start with plants that are native to the area, since they require less work. However, don’t be afraid to push the boat out slightly and plant some slightly more exotic plants, especially if you’re aiming to make your yard as colorful as possible. There are a bunch of useful YouTube channels that can show you the gardening skills you need for them to thrive.
Refresh Fence/Shed
Everyone knows that a fresh lick of paint can make anything feel refreshed and new, and your yard is no different. Even if the paint on your shed and fence is still mostly intact, the color will likely have faded slightly. After all, the climate can really do a number on a paint job, especially in Michigan. Set aside a day to go over your fence and shed with a fresh lick of paint — ideally on the first sunny day when you can really feel that spring is on its way, and you can daydream of all the fun adventures that lie ahead.
Consider a Water Feature
Adding a water feature can be a game-changer for a yard. It offers two primary benefits that can greatly enhance your experience of being in your outdoor space. The first is that the sound of running water has a calming, soothing effect that can give your yard a nice zen feel. The other is that it can attract wildlife to your yard, and really, what could be nicer than sitting out on a lovely spring morning, watching birds and frogs pass through your property? Water features require a little bit of work, it’s true, but only in the beginning — maintenance is relatively straightforward once everything is set up.
Add Furniture
Finally, look at adding some high-quality furniture to your yard. A dining table and chairs will enable alfresco dining, which is absolutely lovely on those long and warm days, while comfortable lounge seating will ensure you and your family truly relax during the summer months. If you want to really make your yard as comfortable as possible, then take a look at adding a hammock — take it from us, no one ever regrets it!
Conclusion
We just need a little bit of patience, and spring will be with us. Take our advice now, and you’ll be fully able to enjoy all that the season brings once it’s fully here.
