Spring is officially here: the days are getting longer, the weather is getting nicer, and perennial bulbs like tulips and daffodils are starting to bloom. And while you might be tempted to focus all your spring cleaning energy on beautifying the inside of your home, the outside spaces of your home could also use some love.
But where to start? The first thing to deal with in your yard at the beginning of each spring should be checking your sprinkler system, says Cate Singleton, design director at Tilly, an online landscaping design company. Even if you’ve taken steps to protect your sprinkler system in the fall, you just never know what you might find in the spring.
“Winters can be hard on irrigation systems,” says Singleton. “Making sure yours is set up and working properly can save money on both utility bills and replacing lawns and plants that may not be getting the right amount of water. Proper irrigation is key to a healthy landscape.”
The best time to inspect your sprinkler system is before you use it for the first time each year, she adds. Inspect all components thoroughly to make sure everything is working properly — and that nothing has been damaged by the snow, ice, and cold temperatures of winter. If you find any problems now, you still have plenty of time to make repairs before the summer heat hits.
Of course, while you’re working outside, you can also tackle a few other spring yard maintenance tasks. Clint Jordan, a real estate agent in Colorado Springs, says now is the best time to rake, separate and aerate your yard to give it the best chance to grow lush and strong by summer.
Mulching means removing the layer of dead grass, roots, leaves, and other natural debris—collectively known as “thatch”—that accumulates in your yard over time. Aeration, meanwhile, involves making small holes in the soil using special tools. (You’ve probably seen little plugs of dirt in people’s yards before.)
Both processes help promote healthy growth by improving air circulation, making it easier for water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass, allowing more sunlight and reducing the risk of pests and disease. Be warned: Aeration and separation may temporarily make your yard look less inviting — but it’s worth it in the long run.
“It helps rejuvenate your yard, promoting healthier, thicker and more vibrant grass growth while improving its overall appearance and resilience,” says Jordan, who is also the founder of Mil-Estate, a network of real estate agents who are veterans or military spouses.
And if you’re trying to sell your house this spring or summer, clean up your flower beds and lay down new mulch, recommends Ryan Renner, an Omaha real estate agent. This is an easy, inexpensive way to improve your curb appeal and make a great first impression on potential buyers — and a step you really shouldn’t overlook. “Fresh mulch stands out and shows that you care about maintaining your home, both inside and out,” he says. “The great thing is that you can tackle this project anytime in the spring. And it doesn’t cost a lot of money. It’s just a little time and elbow grease.”