A beautiful, well-kept yard is a sign of a happy family and a healthy lifestyle. Not only that, but a stunning yard can also add to your property value (in case you move to a new state for a new job).
The important thing to understand about keeping your yard beautiful is that you must keep up with the steps all year long, not just in the summer months. Growing grassroots will take years of care and dedication to fully establish itself, so don’t neglect it. With that said, this article will cover how to maintain your backyard in order to make it look its best all year round.
Step 1: Keep your grass green and healthy
It’s important to make sure the lawn in your backyard is full of life, so you should fertilize it often enough that it can grow strong roots. In addition, mow your grass at least three times a week during the warm months and no less than twice a week when fall begins to turn to winter. Also, make sure to take care of your lawn furniture so it doesn’t damage the grass.
If you have dogs, seeing them dig up your lawn is a huge headache. You can either train them not to dig or install a buried wire fence system to keep them out. It’s also important to pick up and dispose of their waste properly. Fertilizers, pet waste, and even leaves can create an unhealthy environment for grass if not taken care of.
Step 2: Don’t forget your trees
Trees are the crowning glory of any yard, providing shade from the sun and giving you something pretty to look at every day. But trees require careful maintenance or they can become hazardous for you and your home if their roots grow too large and start breaking up sidewalks, driveways, foundations, water lines, gas lines, or electrical wiring buried underground. A tree service typically includes tree trimming as part of an annual tree care package.
They also offer a wide variety of other services, such as:
- tree removal,
- stump grinding,
- crown reduction,
- crown thinning,
- dead wooding, and
- hazardous limb removal.
If you’re not sure what services your trees need, consult with a professional service provider in your area.
Step 3: Get rid of any dirt patches showing up in your yard
A yard with multiple brown spots will not look as beautiful as one that can boast about its fullness and richness. Sometimes certain weather conditions cause these spots, but they can also be a sign that the soil in your yard is unhealthy. You can treat dirt patches by aerating the soil, adding organic matter to it, and then re-seeding the area.
Re-seeding the area entails sprinkling grass seed over the patch, then using a light roller to press the seeds into the soil. Cover the area with a thin layer of straw to keep the moisture in and wait for the new grass to grow. However, if your problem is with multiple brown spots, the soil may have a low level of organic matter or it might be compacted. You can solve this problem by applying an organic fertilizer over the whole yard, helping the grass grow stronger and more quickly.
Step 4: Weed your yard regularly
Weeds are unsightly and can quickly take over an entire yard if left unchecked and can take away from the beauty of your backyard by growing in between paving stones. To get rid of weeds, always do your research first to make sure you are removing them properly. For example, if the weed is biennial or perennial, remove its leaves in early spring or late fall to ensure it doesn’t return next year.
You can also use an EPA-approved herbicide over the yard and spray specific areas where weeds have been identified. Be sure to read the herbicide instructions carefully so you know how to use them safely and effectively.
Step 5: Keep your backyard clutter-free
One way to make your backyard look neater and more put together is to get rid of any unnecessary items lying around, such as old furniture, toys, or tools. Not only will this make your backyard look more organized, it will also make it safer for you and your family. You can either sell or donate any old items you no longer need or put them in storage until you have a use for them later on.
By following these five steps, you can maintain the beauty of your backyard all year round and create a space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.