Want a yard with curb appeal?  Not ready to invest in a full-fledged landscape design just yet?  The most efficient and cost effective way to spruce up your curb appeal could be a Spring Clean Up.   It is labor intensive, and unless you have a compost area in your yard, will require some hauling of debris and materials.  Still, the Spring Clean Up can add sparkle to a previously dull landscape.
    The Spring Clean Up usually requires a step-by-step process.  First, work in the beds, pruning back dead wood, pruning and trimming shrubs as needed, clearing out the leaves and debris left over the winter.   After this, loosen the existing mulch with a soft rake.   You may want to apply a pre-emergent in the beds to minimize future weed growth.   After hauling the debris away (or composting the debris), you will want to cut a sharp edge to the planting beds with a spade.   This helps define the bed, and is an important aspect in making the Spring Clean Up a success.  Next, clear out the grass and dirt disturbed by the edging, and make sure that the edge of your bed remains defined.  If desired, fertilize the plants with Hollytone or another accepted product making sure to follow the directions on the bag, and making sure no fertilizer makes its way to the lawn.  Finally, mulch the plant beds to a standard 2 inch depth.  Be careful to lightly mulch around the plants as too much mulch at the base of the plant can cause disease and prevent proper growth.  Remember to keep your edges defined, so do not mulch directly to the edge, but allow the mulch to thin out as it reaches the edge of the plant bed.  Clean all lawn areas of debris and mulch with a soft rake.  
    If you would like to include your lawn area in the Spring Clean Up, mow the lawn areas to 2.5 – 3.0 inches.   If you have a thatching machine, dethatch the weeds from the lawn area, and mow again (to the same height as before).  After dethatching, overseed (using the instructions on the bag) in spot areas, apply a 1/8” layer of peat moss on top of the seed, and water regularly (read instructions on the bag).  If desired, add a starter fertilizer to the seed to ensure proper growth.
    It is a lot of hard, physical labor, and doing all of this will ensure your yard takes on that Spring look, giving definition to your plants, beds, and lawn. 

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These easy tips will help you prepare your landscape for the winter months: 

Pull mulch back from the base of young trees, particularly if mice are a problem in your area; they can chew on the bark.

Mulch after the first freeze to insulate plants against freezing temperatures, especially those that are marginally hardy.

Spray trees that are prone to insect and disease problems with dormant oil, provided temperatures are above 40 degrees F.

Turn the compost pile one last time, and cover with a tarp to preserve heat and keep heavy rain from leaching nutrients.

Remove leaves from water gardens; when they decompose they can release chemicals harmful to fish.

Clean your tools and apply a coat of oil to metal surfaces to prevent rust.

Disconnect and drain hoses to keep freezing water from bursting hoses or pipes.

Remove dead plants and potting soil from clay pots to keep them from cracking. Store the pots in a garage or shed.

 

 

vole damage

 Source: HGtv.com

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