Now that summer is here, everyone in the family wants to spend as much time as possible outdoors. It’s not just a matter of getting a nice tan; it’s healthy and relaxing. Having a yard that is conducive to spending time in it is a vital factor in being able to enjoy summer. It is easy to let small landscape maintenance tasks slip over the winter – the negative impact may not be immediately noticeable. However, once the various small issues coalesce and result in an unattractive yard, then something needs to be done. That means doing a landscape seasonal clean-up or if the condition has deteriorated, a landscape renovation.

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Also Read: How Drip Irrigation Can Revolutionize Your Landscape Maintenance

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A Landscape Maintenance Checklist

Planning the project in detail and doing jobs in the right order is key to a good clean-up.

• The Initial Clean-Up: This involves raking up leaves, getting rid of weeds, clearing fallen branches and twigs, etc. Before starting, make sure you have a way of disposing of the waste.
• Regrow Bald Patches: If there are bald (or sparse grass) patches, turn over the soil at these spots. Once the area is clean, make sure the dirt is left loose and not tamped down. Spread seeds in these areas and water them without delay. Keep these newly seeded patches extra moist for a few days.
• Mowing and Fertilizing: Make sure you do not over-cut the grass. Limit the cutting to 1/3^rd of the present height to keep the grass from drying out.
• Trim Shrubs and Bushes: Use clippers for the smaller branches and clearing tools for the larger ones. Using the right tools is important for ensuring that the plants are not damaged. It may be tempting to trim too much to avoid having to repeat the job in a short while, but that will leave you with a sparse and depleted landscape.
• Spread Mulch: A new layer of mulch will revive the landscape. Spread it in a layer that is around 3 inches thick on the parts of the landscape that are looking tired and dull.
• Check the Hardscape: Decks, patios, fences and sheds should be checked for damage and signs of wear. Do the required repairs and do whatever painting that may be needed. A new coat of paint can do wonders in reviving a tired-looking hardscape.

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Also Read: What Are Some Good Landscaping Ideas for Small Yards?

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A landscape seasonal clean-up needs to be done the right way, failing which the yard could revert to its unkempt state in a matter of a few weeks, if not sooner. The amount of time and effort required to do the job properly is extensive and for most homeowners, this is a huge ask. The best way to do the right kind of landscape seasonal cleanup (or landscape renovation) is to have it done by a professional landscaping company that includes maintenance and renovation among its services. That way the job will be done the right way, the yard will look great, the home’s curb appeal will go up and the family will be able to truly enjoy the outdoor space.

One important tip, it’s better to get a landscaping company to do the full job. Starting it yourself and then finding you have bitten off more than you can chew could leave the landscaping service with even more work to do resulting in the job taking more time and costing more.