May 7, 2020

Get fresh air while giving your property a fresh look

It’s starting to finally feel like spring in Maine! The sun is shining a bit more than it was a month ago, the air is getting warmer, and we are shedding those winter layers. While Mainers continue to abide by Governor Mills’ Stay at Home guidelines as our state faces COVID-19, now is a great time to work on your yard. Not only will your property benefit, but you will enjoy the fresh air and be able to get out of the house in a way that is safe for yourself and others. 

According to the New York Times Home Maintenance Checklist, here are some lawn and garden projects that are great to work on during the spring months:

• Raking- Raking is a vital first step for springtime lawn care. Not only will you be raking up wet leaves, but you will be removing excess thatch from your lawn. You can compost what you rake up or you can bag everything up.
• Reseed if needed- After raking up the leaves and excess thatch, you will be able to inspect your lawn and see what additional care you need to do to get your yard looking great for the summer. If you have any bald patches, now is the time to reseed. If you plan on fertilizing your lawn (typically, the rule of thumb is to wait to fertilize your lawn until the lilacs bloom!), make sure to check with local town or city ordinances on approved products for fertilization.
• Prep your garden beds- If you use raised beds, inspect the beds for any needed repairs. For all gardens, start weeding anything that has made your bed a home in the fall, winter, and early spring months. Rake and top your beds with additional soil, providing enough depth for your planned crops and flowers.

 

Breaking up tasks like these and more over the course of a weekend or a few days is a great way to balance your indoor vs. outdoor time and prioritize everything on your list without feeling overwhelmed. Whatever you focus on this week, make sure you get outside and take advantage of all the beauty that spring in Maine gives us!