Spring has arrived here in Pennsylvania. The days are longer, temperatures are rising, and it’s time to prepare your yard for backyard barbecues and family gatherings. But after a long winter, your outdoor space may need some attention before you can fully enjoy it.  

 Complete spring cleanup basics 

The cold season can be rough on your property. Start by walking around and taking stock of what you see. Winter storms may scatter branches and leaves, and sometimes damage fences or walkways. 

So work your way from front to back, clearing debris as you go. Look for broken branches that need trimming and check your lawn for signs of life. This initial cleanup might take a weekend, but it’ll save you time and effort down the road.  

Be sure to examine your lawn as you tidy up. Some yards show subtle signs of snow mold or vole damage after winter. Gently rake any matted areas to help air reach the soil and inspire new growth.  

Tend to your garden bed  

Now that your yard is clear, focus on your garden beds. Pull any early spring weeds before they take hold, and remove dead plant material from last season. 

 Early spring is the perfect time to enrich your soil, so add a generous layer of compost or mulch to your garden beds. This will help retain moisture during summer and block persistent weeds from sprouting. 

For a truly captivating outdoor space, plant flowers that thrive in our climate. Black-eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers, and Butterfly Weed not only look beautiful but support local pollinators. If you have room, consider adding a small vegetable garden or fruit tree ideal for Pennsylvania, such as apple, pear, or cherry. 

7 Ways to Help your Grass Grow 

Your lawn lays the groundwork for your outdoor enjoyment. Here are seven important tips for lush, healthy grass: 

1. Keep seeded areas moist at all times until grass reaches 3 inches in height. New grass needs at least 1/4 inch of water daily. 

1. Wait until grass reaches at least 3 inches tall before mowing, and never let it grow past 4 inches. 

1. Once you have a healthy lawn, water deeply but less frequently (about 1/4 inch every four days throughout summer months). 

1. Never apply weed killer until you’ve mowed new grass at least three times. Weed treatments can damage or kill young grass. 

1. Schedule a soil analysis for early fall to determine what your lawn needs before winter. This will put you in a better position next spring! 

1. Promptly fill in thin spots and areas that have washed out to prevent erosion. (Remember, washouts aren’t covered under warranty.) 

1. Don’t rush the process. Leave straw or erosion blankets in place until grass is established. 

 Many of our homeowners like to hire a professional lawn service for at least one season. The idea is to tailor a maintenance plan to your specific yard conditions. 

Gear up for outdoor living 

Your patio or deck deserves the same care as your lawn. Start by cleaning all your outdoor furniture. Wash fabric items like cushion covers and pillows, and wipe down tables and chairs that have collected dust over winter. 

 If you have a grill, give it a deep clean before you kick off the season. For concrete patios, a pressure washer can instantly remove months of dirt and grime. 

Next, consider simple upgrades to elevate your outdoor area. Landscape lighting along walkways creates beautiful evening ambiance. Meanwhile, string lights hung from pergolas or deck railings are an affordable way to enjoy your yard after sunset. 

For a greater impact, installing a small fountain or building a simple fire pit can create a private retreat. Hanging flower baskets or strategic potted plants will add color and life to your outdoor space. 

Maintain your lawn 

A regular maintenance routine can keep small tasks from becoming overwhelming projects. Set a consistent mowing schedule based on the growth of your lawn, not the calendar. During active growing periods, Pennsylvania lawns usually need weekly mowing, while during hot, dry periods, cutting every 10-14 days is often sufficient. 

 Watch for thin areas in your lawn, especially those that wash out during spring rains. Promptly filling these spots prevents erosion and keeps a nice appearance. 

Celebrate spring with Berks Homes 

If preparing your yard seems overwhelming or you’re looking for a fresh start, you may want to consider a new home with professional landscaping already in place. Here at Berks, we offer quick move-in homes ready for your enjoyment. 

Please contact our Online Sales Consultants Chastity & Kelly today for more information on available homes in Pennsylvania at 484.772.2693