While winter rages across the northern part of the country, Florida is experiencing a cold snap of epic proportions. Iguanas are freezing, falling out of trees, and bonking people on the head. Rain and wind are very energetic, sometimes turning umbrellas inside out. And, most significant of all, Floridians have taken their sweaters and sweats and fluffy jackets out of the closet and are actually wearing them. It’s been just traumatizing for Florida residents to have to put up with temperatures below 40°!
As bad as it seems now, spring is on its way. Spring means new beginnings, a clean slate, a clean house – maybe even a clean yard!
We envision new plantings to take the place of the ones that didn’t make it through the frigid winter. Maybe we need to take that step a little further.
And so, it’s time for Spring Cleanup of our lawns and gardens. Of course, some people enjoy getting their hands dirty with yard cleanup. Still, if you prefer to maintain unblemished hands, unbroken fingernails, dirt trapped so deep into your skin that even a hot shower couldn’t soak it out the first time, then you should consider hiring someone for your yard cleanup. And, since Custom Acres already does the mowing, weed whacking, and other yard chores, give them a call to discuss Spring Cleanup.
What is Spring Cleanup?
Well, that’s what you’ll figure out during your planning session with your landscape partners. It generally means out with the old, in with the new!
Trees and bushes, hedges and shrubs
- Clear away any broken branches. Safety first!
- Check bushes and shrubs for any dead branches or sections that will get removed.
- Clear old mulch and compost out from around the base of trees, shrubs, hedges, and bushes.
Lawns
- Check for compacted soil. Aerate and turn over compacted soil, and add compost and fertilizer as needed.
- Take samples of different places around the yard to check for thatched roots. Remove the thatching so the grass can spread new roots to keep healthy.
- Check for brown patches or standing water on the ground. Either one could mean drainage or watering problems.
Bedding
- Remove old mulch and compost.
- Check soil. Look for obvious problems: dry, crumbly soil, overwatered soil, depleted soil.
- Check the flowers and other ornamental plantings in the beds. Remove the ones that didn’t make it through the horrible cold snap.
Hardscaping
- Check paths and check between bricks or pavers for more fill.
- Make sure the surface is even and easy to navigate.
- Remove broken pieces, and replace.
- Determine whether further modification of the pathways is needed.
Trash or debris
- Check against fences, bushes, trees, shrubs, hedges, walls of any kind, and raised areas. The cold winds of winter will have blown a lot of random stuff around your yard. Trash will need to be removed.
- Power wash of the driveway paved paths and even the house’s outer walls, garages, sheds, and playhouses. What a difference!
Health check! (This one might not be as obvious at first glance.)
- Check for pests on plants and trees. Check the lawn for infestations or nests of dangerous pests or insects.
- Check around the edges of walkways, driveways, and other hardscaping. Anyplace a pest can easily dig a hole or burrow should be checked and cleaned out if necessary.
- Check the outside foundations of the house for signs of mold or mildew. If found, the inside should be checked as well, and any entry site where water or pests could enter should be fixed.
- Check drainage and irrigation systems. If water was left in the system during the chill, it could cause problems since water expands as it gets colder or freezes. Leaks and broken pipes or hoses should be fixed or replaced.
Other issues
- Lighting
- Obvious trip and fall hazards
- Handrails were needed on stairs and walks
- Pet areas that might need attention
- Replacement of broken garden tools
- Repair of garden sheds and greenhouses
- Evaluate and repair any damage or changes in outdoor living areas
After the Frost
Once the yard is cleaned up and ready to accept replacement plants or trees, determine whether any more cold weather will be making a trip through your town or county. We wouldn’t want to endanger any new plants or visiting iguanas, would we?
Make a quick mental note of any plants that need replacing, and maybe draw up a plan so you can see any changes you’ve been thinking about. For example, you could change the shape of some bedding or change the color of your mulch. You’ve noticed that some neighbors have changed their mulch, so the color matches the house. For example, if your house is mint green, you might want a mulch in a color that provides contrast and more visual interest.
If you’re thinking about changes to your outside living area, now would be a good time to discuss it with your landscape partners. After all, they probably helped you with the installations.
Visit the Garden Store
OH! After all the hard work, a visit to the garden store is just what you need. You discuss the changes with your Custom Acres consultant, and they will help you pick out new plants, changes to your mulch, fertilizers, and seeding. New garden boots or shoes for the whole family! At least they can use them when it’s all rainy and muddy.
New hand tools may be in order to replace the tools that can’t be repaired. Pots, raised planters, garden gnomes, and ladybugs to help with the garden – maybe even Earthworms! Nice rocks to mark treasures and create texture in your lawn or bedding. A water feature! Of course, the water might freeze in the next cold snap. After all, Florida does get freezing weather and even snow. Every 50 years or so.
You and your lawn and garden crew will make cleanup seem simple and have an excellent time planning and discovering new things to add to your landscape. It will be awesome.