It is great to have a space where pets can run free and the home garden can flourish. But yards need maintenance as the seasons come and go. Other than the big tasks of leaf removal and planting new seeds, there are smaller things to do to help maintain the yard over time. Here are some tasks to keep in mind to keep the lawn healthy all year long and keep your curb appeal high:

Spring

This is the main season for planting and clearing away the remnants of winter. Start the season by removing any dead or damaged wood. Explore using a rubbish removal service for large items, as the service can safely dispose of tree branches. This season may be the time to prune shrubs and bushes if they haven’t been tended to in awhile. Lawns will start needing attention once it gets past the last frost. Tasks include dethatching the grass and using fertilizer once the blades start to green. This time of the year is also great for focusing on dead patches. Mowing can begin in the spring, as long as the grass reaches close to 4 inches in height.

This season is key for several types of plants. Take the time to plant cold fruit or vegetables. Roses thrive in the spring, so it is recommended to plant a few as soon as possible. Older rose plants might also need fertilizer. As for the surrounding landscape, keep an eye out for any areas that may have cracked in the cold. Repair areas that contain mulch or gravel. It’s also important to update items that see heavy use. Door hinges and gate latches could probably use lubrication. Wooden areas might need a stain or a sealant before the rainy weather comes. This season is also a great time to sharpen outdoor lawn maintenance tools.   

Summer

Summer is big for lawn care. This is the time when the grass flourishes, and it needs to be mowed at least once a week. Hot summer months also call attention to irrigation. Lawns and gardens need one to two inches of water once a week. This process can be done twice a week depending on the climate. This season also requires keeping an eye out for weeds and insects. Some insects, such as aphids, can be removed organically with a healthy dose of ladybugs.

Trees and flowers still need attention during the summer. It’s important to prune dead flowers once a plant starts blooming to encourage further flowering. Hedges also require trimming as new growth starts to appear. Mulching may be required around trees and flower beds, but it’s important to keep it a couple inches away from tree trunks. Other parts of the yard, such as flowers and vegetables need to be fertilized monthly. As vines and climbing vegetables grow, take the time to train them around their supports through tying or pruning. Outside of yard work, use free time in the summer to weed in between the cracks in walking paths. Other work, such as painting and staining the exterior of a building may be required after months of steady sunshine.

Fall

This season is the time when yard work winds down and the focus turns to preparing for the colder weather. Gardens and lawns need less watering. And the grass does not need to be mowed once it gets past September. Fertilization helps in the early fall, such as September or October. But it’s important to use fall fertilizer, as that formula focuses on the roots of the plant so it can come back healthy in the spring. Fall is also the time for raking any dead leaves. Still, don’t just throw the leaves away. Brown plants are perfect for composting and reusing as fertilizer.

It’s important to harvest fall vegetables before the first frost. Common vegetables in this season include squash, carrots and potatoes. Excess crop plants can join the leaves in the compost pile. While many flowers start to die during the fall, this season is also good for planting new ones. Bulbs benefit from fall planting as they can bloom in the spring. Non hardy bulbs need to be dug up to be replanted another time. Other plants, such as holly, oak and conifers, will thrive in the cooler weather.

Winter

While people with yards in colder climates can take a break, those who live in warmer climates still have tasks to do in the winter. Green lawns would need a winter fertilizer that has nitrogen, and flowering plants need a fast-acting fertilizer. Watering plants may be necessary if the winter is particularly dry. Trees might need a tree guard in areas that are prone to rodents.

Prepare for the spring by ordering new seeds. Also, apply weed treatment to the lawn before it starts to grow. This time of the year might still require raking, as well as branch removal after winter storms. Use the winter for big lawn projects, such as changing the garden design. Cold weather climates also require regular checks for cracks in the irrigation system or broken stone.

Using the current season to prepare for the next is the best advice for keeping a yard looking healthy all year long.