With longer days ahead and the promise of warm weather around the bend, we can begin planning for spring clean-up. WIth a proverbial “spring” in your step, head out into the fresh air and greenery to start cleaning up the mess that winter has left behind. Here are a few tips to help make your clean-up successful so that you can enjoy your outdoor living space this season.
REMOVE DEBRIS
First and foremost, begin by removing all debris from your lawn and garden beds. Start by picking up all garbage and pet waste that has accumulated over the winter. Then collect all fallen branches and twigs. Rather than disposing of the twigs and branches, use them as a base for a compost pile, but be sure to cut the branches into smaller pieces first. After the soil has thawed and dried out, rake the leaves on your lawn. Raking the grass too soon and when the ground is still wet will cause the roots to break, which will leave you with bare patches and the need for more overseeding. After you have tackled your lawn, move on to your garden beds. Dig up any plants that died over the winter and remove existing mulch so that your beds are ready for a new layer to be added after your spring planting is complete. Once all of the debris is removed, wait until the weather is consistently above freezing, and then prepare any damaged areas of your lawn to be seeded. Remember to remove any dead grass with a rake and spread topsoil or compost before seeding. After seeds are sown, remember to water regularly and tread carefully.
CLIP AND PRUNE
Prune bushes, hedges and low growing trees to remove any damage from the winter and to encourage new growth. Look for and remove any dead, diseased or dying branches. For trees that are out of reach, you may want to call a professional tree trimming service. Carefully pruning trees is not only important to a tree’s health, it also ensures that any low hanging or broken limbs are removed, allowing for more light to shine through and reducing the risk that a limb will fall and injure someone below. In your garden beds, trim away the previous year’s growth from flowering perennials that look overgrown or unkept and trim down ornamental grasses to encourage new growth.
SCRUB , SCRUB, SCRUB
Ensure that you are ready for patio season by making sure that your patios and decks are sparkling clean. It is difficult to enjoy a glass of wine in the mesmerising light of a fire table when you are surrounded by debris and dirt from winter. Start by removing all debris from walkways, patios and decks. Then hose down the area until clean. If you have a pressure washer, it may be worthwhile to take the time to spray any stubborn dirt. If the build-up is not as stubborn, create an environmentally friendly solution of one cup baking soda with two cups distilled white vinegar, and spread over your concrete patio with a mop. After 30 minutes or so, use a nylon-bristled brush to scrub clean. If you have mould or mildew build-up on your deck, create a mixture of 1/3 cup laundry detergent per gallon of water, saturate the area and then use a scrub brush to clean. If the mould or mildew has stained the wood, use a commercial deck cleaner containing oxygen bleach to remove stains. Before you invite your friends over for a backyard BBQ, make sure that you clean your patio furniture. For metal or plastic, use dish soap, warm water and a soft cloth. Wipe down all surfaces and then spray with a hose before setting out in the sun to dry. If your furniture is rattan or wicker, wipe down with soapy water and use a toothbrush to remove dirt between the woven material.
Even though spring clean up can be an onerous task for many, the hard work is well worth it. Once your outdoor spaces are clean, you will be able to enjoy them to the fullest for the months to come.
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