Springtime means getting back outside and starting to take care of your lawns and landscapes again! While it's fun to play in the dirt, many people don't have the time to do the job right with the demands of today’s world. 

These 5 steps to clean-up will get you started and help you decide when it’s time to call the experts at Green and Growing LLC for a helping hand! 

1. Remove Debris - The first step to spring clean up is debris removal. After enduring a harsh winter, items like tree limbs, dead branches, leaves etc. begin to build up and create an eyesore for the homeowner and neighbors. When removing debris we recommend wearing gardening or work gloves to protect yourself. Lift from the knees and never with your back to avoid injury. Utilize lawn care tools like rakes and shovels to help move items that are stuck in the dirt rather than yanking with your arms and back. If the debris is too large, in size or quantity, to fill a trash can, it’s time to call the experts. If the debris is heavy or awkward in balance or shape, it’s time to call the experts. Lastly, If cleaning up your yard feels like a horrible chore, it’s time to call the experts! 

   
   

2. Create a Vision - After you have removed the debris from your lawn, use the opportunity to create a landscape design or vision. Think about plants, trees, bushes etc that you love and want to keep, that you abhor and want to get rid of or that you don't have and wish you could have. Once you have created the vision it is important to research how much water, sunlight and soil space you’ll need before implementing. We recommend creating the vision on your own and then calling the experts at Green and Growing LLC for an estimate!

    

3. Aerate - After cleaning up debris and creating a vision it’s time to get to work on the grass itself. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the ground to increase oxygen and water flow for better nutrient intake and growth. Homeowners will either have to buy or rent a machine to do it on their own and that is why we recommend calling the experts for this. 

   
   

4. Prune - Next is the process of pruning your trees, shrubs, bushes etc. Pruning increases air circulation by eliminating dead or damaged limbs, increasing growth and appearing healthy rather than dead. Pruning often requires gardening and lawn care tools like hedge trimmers and shears. If you do not own or feel comfortable using these tools we recommend calling the experts. Pruning is an art and while anyone can do it, doing it correctly is a trade that we here at Green and Growing pride ourselves on. 

   
   

5. Mulch - Finally, after removing debris and creating a vision you can begin to dig up the soil in planting areas and prepare them for mulching. Mulching allows the soil to retain moisture, keeps unwanted weeds out and regulates temperature to increase plant growth and stability. Mulch can be tedious and messy and can require lifting and carrying heavy bags, we recommend utilizing the experts for cleanliness, efficiency and safety. 

   
   

There is certainly more that can be done to prepare your lawn for warmer weather, we are here to help and take the burden off, contact Green and Growing LLC for an estimate and helping hand today!