Spring has finally sprung, and it’s the ideal time to get your whole yard in tip-top shape. Whether you’re preparing for your first barbecue of the season, or you’re getting ready to sell your home, these five tips will help your landscaping stay perfect all season long.

Inspect and clean up.

Before you start planting flowers and laying mulch, give your whole yard a thorough inspection. Check for any winter damage, as well as new pests that may have moved in. This is also a great time to test your ground and lay seed if you have bald spots on your lawn. In addition, clean up your flower beds so they’re ready for new plants. Properly prepping before you start planting will help ensure your new landscaping’s health and longevity.

Give your plants proper nutrition.

The key to having beautiful plants all season long is using the right nutrients for your plants. From the right type of soil to the proper watering schedule, making sure you know the right treatment for your plants will keep them healthy through any season. Before you head to the nursery, you might also want to research which plants will do best in your backyard by assessing the sun levels, general climate, and testing your dirt.

Don’t neglect hardscaping.

One major thing that can make or break a landscaping set-up is the hardscaping. If your beds have worn out stones or your retaining wall is falling, it can make your yard look messy and un-cared for. Before you start planting, thoroughly inspect any stonework, mulch, or rock and replace anything that isn’t in good condition. This is especially important if you’re prepping your landscaping to sell your home. New hardscaping can help entice potential buyers, and it can even increase the value of your home.

Stop weeds before they start.

The key to a healthy garden all season long is making sure you have no invasive species lurking around or under the soil. Make sure you properly treat your yard, and don’t forget to lay down weed guards before you start planting. This will help you keep any pesky weeds at bay. In addition, if you see weeds pop up make sure you pull them up by the root so they can’t continue to reproduce and overtake your landscaping.

Prep for the unpredictable.

Even if you do everything right with your landscaping, you never know what could happen. In the Midwest, we’re no stranger to a mid-spring snow storm, and pests can destroy a garden before you even realize they’ve invaded. In order to keep your plants protected, you’ll want to make sure you’ve done your due diligence – whether that’s keeping plant covers at the ready or properly fencing around your garden to keep out unwanted critters.

Proper preparation and constant monitoring will help you keep your landscaping pristine this spring. If you’re changing your landscaping to prep for a move, make sure you contact an experienced lender at Flat Branch Home Loans to help with the purchase of your new home!

5 Tips to Keep Your Landscaping Lush