With temperatures on the rise and the delightful sights of daffodils and hellebores gracing our gardens, it's evident that spring is knocking on our doors. As the allure of spending afternoons in the yard grows, it's time to prep our spaces for a successful season. Join us at Selander Landscape as we take you through our typical Spring Cleanup routine.
1. Out with the Old Debris
The first step is to bid farewell to winter remnants. Use a blower to clear out leaves and debris from beds, gathering them into a tidy pile. This not only exposes the beds but also reveals any lurking weeds. When raking weeds and debris, resist the urge to deposit them on the grass—keeping the piles within the bed area simplifies cleanup.
Pro Tip: Save yourself extra effort by raking weeds and debris inside the bed, avoiding unnecessary mess in the grass.
2. Prune what needs pruning
Identify perennials that served as winter structure and trim them back. Prune any plants with diseased, crossing, or broken branches. Exercise caution with plants that set flower buds on the previous year's growth—hold off on pruning until after they bloom. Ensure a thorough cleanup by promptly removing the pruned debris.
3. Bed Prep
Now that your plants are in top shape, let's ready the beds for mulch. Use a shovel, bed edger, or bed redefiner tool to cut bed edges at a 90-degree angle, approximately 3-4 inches deep. Consider the bed shapes and design—adjustments may be needed for overgrown areas or edges that have strayed too far. Remove excess mulch buildup, keeping the total mulch depth at 2-4 inches above soil level.
Pro Tip: Shape your beds with intention—think about the year-round aesthetic, not just what was there before.
4. Mulch
It's mulching time! Begin from the farthest point on the property, working towards the front for efficiency. Park your wheelbarrow inside the beds to contain spillage. Opt for bulk mulch if possible—it's eco-friendly, fresher, and more cost-effective. Apply the mulch 2-4 inches thick, smoothing it with the back of a rake to ensure uniformity. As a final touch, sprinkle pre-emergent herbicide over the mulch to deter weeds.
5. Cleanup and enjoy your yard
Give the property a thorough cleanup with a blower, ensuring no mulch spills or debris are left behind. Collect clippings, leaves, and weeds for proper disposal or composting. Take a final walkthrough, viewing your yard from a distance to catch any overlooked details. Once satisfied, your yard is ready for you to enjoy
At Selander Landscape, we believe that a meticulous Spring Cleanup sets the stage for a vibrant and flourishing season. Enjoy your beautifully prepped yard!
Happy Spring,
Mike Selander
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