(BPT) - Americans have spent the past year getting very familiar with their homes and gardens. That's left owners and renters alike primed to tackle this year's spring DIY projects with newfound enthusiasm and expertise. Fortunately, with the right equipment and a little tenacity, just about anyone can create a spectacular yard.
It's time to seize the season with these six steps for the perfect spring yard.
1) Clear your space. Dead grass, emerging weeds, wind-blown winter debris - it all must go. While just the first step, it can sometimes be a bit daunting when staring at a yard just emerging from winter. Consider buying or renting equipment that reduces the amount of manual labor and raking required. For example, leaf blowers like the Toro 60-Volt Max Leaf Blower make it easy to gather scattered, loose plant matter all in one place, while stand-up weed pullers are another great tool that can save you a lot of backache.
2) Trim your edges. Getting all the bits of grass and weeds at the extreme edges of your yard will truly take it to the next level. A good-quality trimmer kit makes the process fast and easy, while a battery-powered trimmer will spare your ears and the environment a bit of wear and tear. Something like the Home Depot's powerful yet environmentally-friendly Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit is ideal.
In general, battery-powered outdoor equipment is emerging as the future of lawncare. Battery-powered products are easier to use, more environmentally friendly and have the power and runtime that rival gas to help you take your project to the next level.
3) Nourish your grass. Laying down fertilizer is a great way to promote a lush, vibrant lawn. To minimize runoff and maximize nutrient uptake, time your application carefully. Apply your fertilizer in the spring once the ground has completely thawed, ensuring no rain or heavy winds are in the immediate forecast. If you live in a climate that is warm year-round, delay application until early summer.
4) Consider color. As gorgeous as green grass is, the radiant colors of flowers will take your yard to the next level. Perennials, flowers that grow back every year, bring exuberant color to any lawn. Plants like Knock-Out Petite Rose Bushes, available at The Home Depot, are easy to care for and are well suited to a variety of climates.
5) Mulch your gardens. Once you have the flowers in place, polish your presentation with a layer of Vigoro Bagged Brown Mulch. Apply a layer 1 to 4 inches thick, depending on the type. Not only is mulch aesthetically pleasing, but it also has real benefits for the soil, as it aids in moisture retention and blocks weed growth.
6) Remember to mow. Keeping your grass properly mowed is an essential step. Just remember: the shorter your grass, the harder it is on your soil. Short grass isn't as effective at preventing evaporation and retaining nutrients. A height of 2.5 to 3 inches gives a pleasing, clean-cut look while also doing wonders to minimize runoff and moisture loss.
Looking for another way to improve your mowing routine? Use a cordless, battery-powered lawn mower. They eliminate the need for outlets, oil and gas. When choosing an electric mower, use the simple equation of volts multiplied by amps equals watts (Volts X Amps = Watts) to evaluate the total power. Watts are what actually determines a battery's power, not voltage. If you take a look at The Home Depot's Ryobi Smart Trek Walk Behind Mower, you can see it has 40 volts and 6 amps, for 240 Watts total. A high number means more power, a longer runtime and longer motor life.
Anyone can claim a piece of spring serenity for themselves with a little lawn care this spring. Enjoy the warmer weather, get your hands dirty, and soon your yard will be the absolute envy of everyone around.
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