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What Is Landscape Edging and Why It Matters

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:13:17 GMT

Lawn edging is a crucial part of hardscaping services that enhances your property’s appearance and boosts its value. What is landscape edging? Thanks for asking. It’s a defined border that separates grass from flower beds and walkways, giving landscaping a clean, organized look. Landscape borders add structure to your yard, boosting curb appeal and reducing lawn maintenance; they are often one of the first things people notice about your property.

This guide covers the purpose of lawn edging, design considerations, material types, and how to choose the option that’s right for your yard.

Table of Contents

Edging Creates Clean Lines, Protects Beds, and Simplifies Care

Beyond aesthetics, landscape edging separates lawn turf from planting areas, keeping mulch and soil in place. Yard edging simplifies lawn care by preventing grass from invading flower beds, reducing yard maintenance such as weeding and trimming.

The best edging for your yard's lawns and borders depends on your budget, goals, and property style. You’ll want to choose materials and styles to fit your vision and site conditions.

What Edging Actually Does (Function & Benefits)

Quality lawn edging is beautiful and functional. Properly installed yard edging protects your landscaping by channeling water for optimal erosion control. With edging, landscaping remains attractive with less trimming, easier mowing, and seasonal cleanup.

Types of Landscape Edging (Materials & Use Cases)

Shop around, because there are many edging types with materials in different price ranges, styles, and benefits. To guide your decision, consider your design goals, budget, and site conditions.

Here are a few lawn edging options you will discover while shopping:

Natural trench – This type is simple, budget-friendly, and ideal for flexible, curved lines, but requires regular upkeep.

Plastic/composite - These are cost-effective, great for curves, and used as basic edging for lawns and borders.

Steel/aluminum - This durable type requires little maintenance and is perfect for a look with crisp, modern lines.

Pavers, brick, or stone – For those looking for decorative, long-lasting edging that adds amazing structure and visual appeal, these are perfect.

Concrete curbing – Concrete is also an edging material that offers high visual impact and strong durability.

Wood/timber – For a rustic look, there’s edging in wood or timber, but it does require attention to wood rot for maintenance.

The material you choose should be based on your aesthetic and the conditions of your landscape.

Check out our Spring Cleaning Checklist!

Design, Installation & Choosing the Right Material (Selector Inside)

Yard edging starts with a good design and a proper installation. Be consistent with bed depths, use a stable base or a stake, and design smooth curves over tight angles for a natural flow. Edging at the right height, with clean transitions at walkways and driveways, blocks grass runners, making maintenance easier.

Match the material type to your landscaping edging ideas and needs:
Crisp, modern lines: use steel or aluminum
Decorative permanence: use pavers, brick, stone, or concrete
Flexible, low cost: use plastic/composite or natural trench

Balance your style vision with materials suited to your durability goals, budget, and maintenance requirements for results you’ll enjoy for years.

How Much Do Edging Options Cost—and How Long Do They Last?

The cost for landscape edging and its longevity depend on the material. When considering your budget, also factor in the long-term maintenance requirements. A higher upfront cost for lawn edging could save you money over time and end up being the most economical option. The following prices are averages for different edging options. Labor rates and project complexity will affect the cost.

Plastic Lawn Edging : $3 to $7 per linear foot. While budget-friendly, plastic edging requires maintenance after the ground shifts with weather fluctuations.

Composite edging: $3 to $7 per linear foot. Composite is an upgrade over plastic, offering added durability or decorative elements at a slightly higher price point.

Curious about lawn aeration and should you DIY?

Steel or aluminum edging: $5 to $12 per linear foot. Steel and aluminum lawn edging offers crisp lines and is durable, with occasional checks for rust or finish wear.

Pavers, brick, concrete, and stone: These types cost more initially, but offer long-lasting results with fewer maintenance requirements. Joints should be filled, and the surfaces leveled to maintain them. Installation costs vary widely by material.

Brick edging : $8 to $16 per linear foot. Brick is used for traditional, formal borders for a durable, classic look.
Natural stone edging: $10 to $22 per linear foot. Perfect for premium, rustic, or high-end landscapes (including slate, limestone, and travertine), natural stone edging comes with a higher price tag.
Concrete curbing (paved or stamped): $5 to $8 per linear foot, but the price depends on width and layout.
Natural stone pavers: $6 to $25 per linear foot. You’ll pay more for stone pavers because of the cutting, setting, and edge detailing for installation.

To ensure the durability of your edging, choose a compatible option with your climate and maintenance requirements, as soil conditions, drainage, freeze-thaw cycles, and mower traffic all play a role. For trustworthy, expert advice, call Galvan’s Lawn and Landscape; they are knowledgeable about the products and the local Kansas City area.

Make Edging Work for Your Landscape

When well-designed lawn edging is installed, it enhances your curb appeal, protects planting beds and landscaping, and requires less maintenance. Choose design styles and materials that align with your home’s style, maintenance goals, and site conditions. Materials with a higher “up-front” cost can be most cost-effective over time. A good balance between your budget and quality will ensure long-term performance.

Ready to upgrade your landscaping? Our team at Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape will help you design and install edging that perfectly fits your needs. Call today to explore the possibilities for your landscape borders.

DIY Lawn Aeration vs. Professional: What You Need to Know

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:42:26 GMT

Aeration services are essential for maintaining lush, green lawns. However, homeowners are divided between renting an aerator and hiring a professional. It can also be challenging to determine when, where, and how to begin lawn aerating, as well as the best time for it, since everything depends on your specific situation.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

This discussion will help you decide if DIY aeration is right for you or if hiring a professional to aerate the lawn would be best.

Choosing Between DIY and Professional Lawn Aeration

Both DIY efforts and professional services can be effective in aerating a lawn, but before renting an aerator, know what you're signing up for and why.

A grass aerator removes plugs of soil from the lawn for better airflow around the grass roots. Lawn aeration provides optimal access of nutrients and water to the grass roots to encourage a thick and healthy turf. Aeration is a necessary process because the soil is continually compressed through foot traffic, mowing, and weather; it’s a seasonal task that allows your lawn to thrive.

This post will cover the pros and cons of DIY and professional lawn aeration, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What DIY Lawn Aeration Involves

Lawn aeration involves preparation, aeration, and composting. Water the lawn well, a couple of days before you start, if it hasn’t rained. The soil should not be too wet, or mud will fill the holes.

Renting an aerator typically costs $60 - $120 per day. After getting the hang of how to operate the aerator, move it across the lawn like a lawn mower. Plugs of grass will be on top of your turf and should be left there. The plugs will work back into the soil with beneficial microbes to break down excessive thatch on the topsoil. It will take a bit of time and “sweat equity” to complete the job. DIY mistakes include poor coverage, using the wrong equipment, and misunderstanding aeration timing, which depends on your grass type and situation. Aerating outside the optimal season can limit results. The prime time for aeration falls during the busy seasons of late spring/early summer, as well as fall, and for the average family, this timing often conflicts with vacations, graduations, and back-to-school schedules. After factoring in rental expenses, potential effectiveness, and time spent, you could easily view professional aeration services as an attractive alternative.

Don’t let weeds crowd out your landscaping! Check out our blog post: Removal of Weeds: Advice for a Perfect Garden

What Professional Lawn Aeration Offers

The experts will determine the optimal time for lawn aeration based on your grass type, soil condition, and growth cycle, which also includes knowing precisely when to aerate Bermuda grass for optimal results. The professional grass aerator equipment is superior to most rental machines available, and the pros execute precise operation of it like it's second nature. You could spend the weekend aerating the grass, but an experienced crew would complete the project correctly and quickly.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Bottom line:

DIY aeration could save some money, but it also requires your time, effort, and attention to detail. Professional aeration will do the hard work and deliver consistent results.

Is Lawn Aeration Really Worth It?

Why bother about aerating lawn areas? Because a beautiful lawn is a great canvas for your landscaping . A grass aerator will remove small plugs of compacted soil that have been smothering grass growth. Aeration creates space for roots to grow deeper and stronger, improving the health and strength of your lawn. Over time, aeration improves nutrient absorption, turf density, and drought tolerance.

Are you wondering if it’s time to aerate lawn areas? Here’s what to look for:

Pools of water or runoff instead of soaking in
Thinning grass or bare patches
Hard, compacted soil
Heavy foot traffic from kids or pets
Struggling with growth, even with consistent watering and fertilizing

Knowing the best time for lawn aeration is determined by your climate and grass type. When aerating is done at the wrong time, it will stress your lawn instead of strengthening it.

Which Aeration Method is Best for Your Lawn?

Get a clear picture of what you’re getting into if you decide to take the DIY approach. It will require your time and money for rental equipment. Understand what to do before aerating lawn areas, such as: should you water before aerating for the best results?

By choosing a professional company such as Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape , , you’ll receive an expert evaluation, commercial-grade grass aerator equipment, and efficient service. The upfront cost may be higher, but the long-term benefits are worth it, including:

Stronger roots
Better nutrient absorption
Fewer repair issues later on

Partnering with a professional can give you peace of mind when you’re uncertain about your grass type, looking for dependable results, or when time is short.

Ready to give your lawn an aeration boost? Contact Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape today to learn more about professional aeration services in Lee’s Summit, Grandview, and throughout the KC area. Let’s build a thicker, healthier lawn you can enjoy all season long.

How to Choose a Snow Removal Company for Your Commercial Property

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:17:20 GMT

When winter hits hard, choosing a commercial snow removal plan is a safeguard for liability. Property managers understand that snow and ice creates hazards that threaten both safety and operations. Slippery walkways to blocked loading zones, winter conditions introduce risks that can lead to injuries, lawsuits, or downtime. All of which will cost the company money. Choosing the right provider means more than just finding someone with a plow, it means finding a partner who works within your property’s needs and offers reliable, professional service.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

Making the Right Choice for Your Commercial Property

Hiring a snow removal company for your commercial site is a critical decision that impacts risk management, site accessibility, and safeguards the reputation of your business. A rushed or uninformed choice can leave you dealing with delayed service, unsafe walkways, or even legal issues. That’s why a thoughtful evaluation process is so important. In the next sections, we’ll walk you through how to assess your property’s needs, vet potential providers, and review contract for snow removal services terms so you can make a confident, informed decision before the first snow falls.

Want ideas for spring? Check out our seasonal guide for Spring Yard Cleanup

Evaluating Your Commercial Snow Clearing Needs

Before reaching out to providers, take the time to evaluate your property’s unique features and risk areas. Large parking lots, staircases, ramps, loading docks, and walkways all require specific attention, and the needs of a retail center will differ from those of an apartment complex or distribution hub. Consider how ADA compliance, high foot traffic, and vehicle flow might affect your snow removal strategy. Creating a simple site plan that highlights these zones can help contractors understand your expectations and deliver a more accurate quote for commercial snow clearing services.

Key Qualities of a Reliable Commercial Snow Removal Company

When hiring a snow removal contractor for your property, ensure they are equipped for the job. Look for a contractor who has:

Experience with similar properties
A sizable fleet of equipment
Trained crews
Availability that can be scheduled before your business hours or during lowest traffic times.

A reliable company should offer clear communication and documented processes for storm response. They must also carry insurance and outline exactly what services are included.

Snow Removal Contracts: Types, Clauses, and Common Pitfalls

The commercial snow removal contract you sign is just as important as the service. Common contract types include seasonal, per-push, and per-event. And each has its pros and cons depending on your property size, budget, and volume.

Snow isn’t the only thing to remove, whether it’s residential or commercial, weed removal is important too. Read more here: Weed Removal Advice.

Contracts should define key terms like response time, service triggers (example: snow depth), and the full scope of work. Be careful for vague phrases like “as needed” or “within a reasonable time,” unless they’re backed by written definitions. A strong contract leaves no room for confusion — only clear expectations and dependable service.

Should You Choose a Local or National Snow Removal Company?

When it comes to commercial snow clearing, bigger isn’t always better. National providers may offer scalability, standardized systems, and the resources to handle massive industrial complexes or multi-site portfolios. However, local companies often bring faster response times, hands-on service, and a level of accountability that’s hard to find in national chains. They know your area, your weather patterns, and often your specific property.

For apartment complexes, senior living facilities, and small to mid-sized commercial sites, a trusted local provider like Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape can offer the kind of personalized attention and familiar faces that national firms can’t. As a Kansas City-based expert, Galvan’s delivers reliable service tailored to the needs of local businesses — with the flexibility and responsiveness that makes a difference during winter storms.

Choose the Right Commercial Snow Removal Partner with Confidence

Choosing and signing a snow removal contract for your commercial property doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by evaluating your site’s specific needs, then carefully vet providers, and finally compare contracts to ensure you’re protected before winter weather arrives.

By asking the right questions and insisting on clarity, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and gain a reliable partner who helps keep your property safe, accessible, and running smoothly through every storm.

Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape offers trusted commercial snow removal in Belton, Overland Park, Shawnee, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to get a quote tailored to your property.

How Can I Landscape My Front Yard? Easy Tips to Start

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:52:13 GMT

A tidy lawn is nice, but for a real wow factor, a hardy and easy-to-maintain front yard landscaping can take your front yard from fine to fabulous. Does the idea of DIY landscaping seem overwhelming? With some pre-planning and creativity, you can have an eye-catching front lawn that boosts your curb appeal, property value, and personal pride in your home.

Whether you’re dealing with a small patch of lawn or a wide-open canvas, this guide will walk you through practical, budget-conscious ways to give your yard a fresh new look.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:

Landscaping Your Front Yard Is Easier Than You Think

Creating a stunning front yard starts with planning, creative inspiration, some simple tools, and an investment in time and hands-on work to bring that vision to life. By planning and learning what plants work best for your zone, you can create a lovely and relatively low-maintenance front yard,

Interested in adding paths, rock beds, firepits and other installations? Check out Galvan's hardscaping services !

From tiny front yards to larger lawns, you can create the atmosphere you want , sleek and modern or something more evocative and wild. We’ve put together large and small front yard landscaping ideas, and ways to stretch your budget while still making a big impact.

Plan Your Space and Create a Focal Point

If you’re new to DIY, you might wonder, “How can I landscape my front yard?” when I’m not sure where to start. One benefit of DIY front yard landscaping is that you can work on it in stages, allowing you to nurture your creativity while keeping on budget.

First, consider the style you want for your front yard. Do you want something modern with clean lines, something more traditional, or a yard that invokes whimsical and cozy?

Next, sketch a basic layout of your yard, including general measurements of width and length.

Are you removing any existing landscaping? Plan for that first, you might even be able to repurpose some of the materials! Next, it’s time to start laying out where you want the new landscaping to go. It’s important to make sure your front yard landscaping leaves you enough room to enjoy and maintain the space easily without feeling crowded.

Plan for a focal point, such as a decorative planter, a tree, or a water element such as a fountain or birdbath. A focal point doesn’t have to be in the center of your yard, but it will help set the tone for your overall design. Including edging helps to shape walkways, create defined garden beds, and keep everything looking tidy. Contrasting textures between grass, mulch, and stone ad d visual in terest and give your design structure and cohesion. If you want small front yard landscaping ideas or are looking to keep as much open space as possible, consider vertical elements such as trellises, vertical flower planters, window box planters on fences or railings to avoid a cluttered look.

Use Low-Maintenance and Native Plants for Effortless Beauty

For best results, we recommend native plant choices for your region for front yard landscaping. Native plants offer a lot of positives, low maintenance, less watering, fewer pests, and are built to withstand the local climate.

The right plant choices can make your yard beautiful and easy to care for, leaving you more time to enjoy your hard work.

Here are great plant options by broad USDA zone:

Zone 3–4 (Northern U.S.)

Ground Cover: Creeping Phlox, Ajuga, Snow-in-Summer
Bushes: Dwarf Arctic Willow, Red Twig Dogwood, Boxwood
Decorative : Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart

Zone 5–6 (Midwest/Northeast)

Ground Cover : Pachysandra, Liriope, Lamb’s Ear
Bushes : Spirea, Ninebark, Hydrangea arborescens
Decorative : Daylilies, Sedum, Shasta Daisy

Zone 7 (Mid-Atlantic/Southern Transition)

Ground Cover: Creeping Jenny, Mondo Grass, Sweet Woodruff
Bushes: Azaleas, Beautyberry, Boxwood
Decorative: Coreopsis, Russian Sage, Lantana

Zone 8 (Southeast/Southwest/PNW)

Ground Cover: Asian Jasmine, Frogfruit, Sedum kamtschaticum
Bushes: Loropetalum, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Indian Hawthorn
Decorative: Salvia greggii, Gaillardia, Texas Sage

Zone 9–10 (Deep South, SoCal, Desert)

Ground Cover: Dwarf Lantana, Ice Plant, Blue Daze Evolvulus
Bushes : Hibiscus, Oleander, Bird of Paradise
Decorative: Agapanthus, Bougainvillea, Canna Lily

Also Read: Galvan’s Offers Flower Bed Maintenance

These are broad recommendations; check with your local garden store or nurseries for more detailed guidance.

Budget-Friendly Tips That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to uproot your entire life and budget to create a beautiful front yard. There are several landscaping ideas on a budget that can offer visual impact without draining your wallet:

Decorative gravel and edging can create a base for a birdbath or other decorative element, while mulch can refresh tired garden beds and help with moisture control
Paint or upcycle old planters for a fun, custom touch
Install solar lights along walkways or around focal points
Add symmetry with matching pots, shrubs, or path accents
Layer perennials with mulch and stone for simple front yard flower bed ideas
Evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, and drought-tolerant flowers require less upkeep and still look great year-round.

What’s the Easiest Way to Landscape a Front Yard Cheaply?

If you don’t have the time or budget to completely overhaul your front yard landscaping, there are ways to make a big difference without a big up-front investment. The key is to focus on the most visible areas. Even one small improvement—like refreshing mulch or planting a colorful container garden—can completely change the feel of your front yard.

Here are easy ways to start:

Clean up borders and remove weeds
Add one or two new plants near your entryway
Paint your mailbox or front steps for an instant boost
Use repetition or matching decor to create visual harmony

Create a Front Yard You’ll Be Proud Of

If you are ready to invest a little time in planning, gathering a few materials, and the sweat equity to do it yourself, front yard landscaping is achievable and rewarding. Whether you’re refreshing your space with new plants or adding some simple structure, every step you take brings new life to your home’s exterior.

On the other hand, if you're short on time, overwhelmed by the idea of doing it yourself, or want a more hands-off approach, Galvan’s Lawn & Landscaping is here to help you take your yard to the next level. Contact the team at Galvan’s; we do it all from landscape design (including in-house designers who will bring your vision to life!) to flower bed planting and maintenance, seasonal landscaping cleanups, and commercial landscaping and snow removal. We have over 30 years of landscaping experience in and around Lee’s Summit, MO, and the wider Kansas City area. Contact us today !

Removal of Weeds: Advice for a Perfect Garden

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:50:17 GMT

Removal of Weeds: Advice for a Perfect Garden

Weed control i s essential for achieving a vibrant garden where beautiful flowers or delectable vegetables can flourish without those unruly invaders moving in to choke things up. Fast-spreading weeds will take over your garden, squeeze out space, and steal nutrients from the intended plants, turning your dream garden into a nightmare. Timely weed control protects your garden’s aesthetic, maintains plant health, and soil quality. You can achieve a clean, beautiful garden or yard that’s free from those pesky weeds. In this blog, we’ll share easy, eco-friendly tips to help you take control of weeds all season long.

Effective Weed Removal Is the Key to a Thriving Garden

A beautiful, thriving garden is the result of regular, smart weed control. When not maintained, weeds will take over a garden and compete with your plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients, with harmful results. Weeds can ruin a carefully designed landscape or garden, making it look messy and neglected, and subtract from your curb appeal. Controlling weeds maintains a lovely garden and prevents larger, more expensive problems from developing over time. Weeding a garden doesn’t have to be time-consuming, but timely weed control will save you energy and money for a garden that everyone admires.

Best Way to Weed a Garden without Harm

Removing weeds effectively without disturbing the intended plants or damaging the soil structure is the best way to weed a garden. When weeds are young with shallow roots, hand-pulling is highly recommended. Grasp the weed at the base and pull slowly to get the entire root system.

Hoeing is another effective weeding technique when covering a large area. Use a sharp hoe that cuts weeds just below the soil surface. Timing is also important; weeding early in the morning or after watering when the roots are easier to pull is helpful.

Shallow pulling and tugging too aggressively near plant roots are both weeding mistakes. Leaving roots behind allows for regrowth, yet disturbing the root systems of your flowers or vegetables can invite new weeds or cause your plants distress. When weeds have a firm hold close to your plants, you’ll be better off to cut them free with a sharp knife just below the soil surface. Timely weed control keeps stress-causing weeds from harming the roots of your garden plants. Stick with gentle, effective weeding methods to protect your garden’s long-term health.

Need a one time cleanup? Check out our seasonal landscape cleaning options!

How to Prevent Weeds from Growing Back

After the hard work of weeding the garden, naturally, you’ll want to know how to prevent weeds from growing again. Weeds are relentless, spreading with deep root systems, by scattering thousands of seeds with the breeze, or through simple soil disruption. Tilling or digging the soil can unearth seeds to the surface, where light and warmth can cause weeds to sprout.

Mulching stops weeds in their tracks. Organic mulch acts as a natural barrier, blocking sunlight and making it harder for new weeds to sprout. Mulch also improves the garden soil by retaining moisture and adding organic matter as it breaks down.

Laying landscape fabric underneath mulch as an added layer of protection to keep weeds suppressed for those stubborn areas or large gardens works well. Landscape fabric allows water and nutrients to reach your plants while suppressing weeds.

Weekly garden inspections and prompt weeding will help you master how to keep weeds out of garden spaces for good.

Unusual But Effective Ways to Prevent Weeds

There are additional eco-friendly ways of controlling weeds. One natural approach is encouraging beneficial insects or wildlife to feed on certain weed species while leaving your ornamental plants alone. Ground beetles are known to help reduce unwanted seedlings.

Flame weeding uses a burst of heat targeted at weeds to kill them at the cellular level, without disturbing your soil or harming nearby plants – just ensure it’s pointed at weeds and not your plants. Vinegar-based sprays are a natural, non-toxic way to spot-treat unwanted growth. Use vinegar-based weed sprays on sunny days and avoid spraying around your favorite flowers or vegetables.

Allelopathic plants, such as marigolds or ryegrass, release chemicals that naturally inhibit the germination of weeds. These chemical-free strategies will complement your routine maintenance for long-term garden-friendly weed control.

For stubborn weeds, large garden beds and detailed landscaping, professional weeding will not only save you time and backbreaking work but professional landscapers will also know how to handle weeds around different types of landscaping materials without causing damage by using the wrong products. Check out our flower bed and landscaping maintenance services.

Is There Anything That Kills Weeds Permanently?

Weeding will always be a lawn and garden issue. The good news is that consistent, smart weed control will significantly reduce weeds and prevent them from taking over your garden or damaging your lawn. Weeding early, using techniques like mulching, landscape fabric, and regular soil care, allows you to create an environment that discourages weeds from growing. Routine maintenance and occasional eco-friendly treatments (like vinegar-based sprays or flame weeding) will knock invaders back.

Weeds will always try to make a comeback, but with a little ongoing effort combined with the right strategies, you can keep and enjoy a beautiful, manageable lawn and garden season after season.

Start Weeding Smart With Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape

Creating a balance of consistent effort and smart weed control methods will deliver the beautiful garden results you’re trying to achieve. Staying proactive with strategies such as hand-pulling, mulching, and exploring eco-friendly and unconventional methods will make all the difference.

If tackling weeds feels overwhelming or if you’re ready to take your garden to the next level, the team at Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape is here to help. Serving the Kansas City area, we specialize in creating and maintaining healthy, vibrant landscapes that homeowners love. Learn more or contact Galvan's Lawn and Landscape today to learn more or schedule your professional lawn or garden service. Let’s work together to keep your yard beautiful and weed-free all season long! Call us at 816-537-3224

Checklist for Spring Yard Cleanup: The Best Spring Cleaning Activities

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:10:18 GMT

Freshly planted flowerbeds and landscaping adds to the beauty of your home. Spring cleaning includes not just the inside, but the outside. A cluttered yard overrun with weeds and debris diminishes the exterior of the home. Cleaning up the yard for spring prevents more work later and enhances the look of your lawn.

To help you get started cleaning up the yard for spring, here is a spring clean up check list.

In this blog we will discuss:

A Smart Spring Cleanup Creates a Healthy, Beautiful Yard

Early yard work prevents the collection of debris on your lawn. Amassing a large amount of weeds, debris, and dead leaves means more effort will be needed to clean up. The key is removing debris, pruning, and assessing any damage to your yard. Taking time to clean up your yard not only leaves your yard looking beautiful and boosts your curb appeal, it gives you a canvass for fun landscaping ideas that you can make on your own!

Spring Cleanup Essentials: What Every Yard Needs

The best way to track all the essentials needed is to create a spring yard cleanup checklist. What does spring cleanup include:

Raking : Raking removes the dead leaves, debris, and grass from your yard. You will need a rake that is appropriate for your height and strength. Gloves to prevent blisters and a tarp or trash bag to collect the leaves.
Weeding : Weeding is removing unwanted plants. Some simple tools to use are hoes and trowels.

Tip : How to prevent weeds? If you do not want the weeds to return, spread a quality mulch or weed killer. It is imperative that you use the appropriate safety equipment with weed killer. These include safety goggles and masks.

Pruning : Pruning involves cutting off limbs, branches or buds to improve the health of the tree or plan. The essential tools are hand pruners or shears, loppers, and safety gloves.
Lawn edging : Lawn edging is creating a barrier that prevents grass roots from growing into areas that it does belong. A small yard only requires a manual edger but more physical effort. Larger yards may require power edgers that are gas or electrically powered. For safety, wear gloves and eye protection goggles.
Fertilizing: Fertilizing is adding fertilizer to the soil to increase its nutrients. A fertilizer spreader. It is recommended that you use safety gloves and goggles.

Maximize Your Time With A Weekend Game-Plan!

Create a spring yard cleanup checklist to track what tasks you are doing and the best time to do it. For example here is a breakdown of a weekend:

Saturday AM: Debris removal, weeding/raking. Sat PM: Mow/trim grass and bushes and refresh mulch in flower beds.

Sunday AM: Fertilize, overseed bare spots. Sunday PM: Powerwash walkways/patios/outdoor furniture.

Bonus Tip: Powerwash wood such as patios/decks/fence and do watersealing at the very end so it can dry overnight to protect for the season.

Advice: If you want to finish quickly, more people to help means less work. When practical, hire a family member or local teen.

Exterior Spring Cleaning Beyond the Lawn

There is more to spring cleaning than just the lawn. Exterior spring cleaning includes the outside fixtures of the home. Focus on cleaning the gutters, power-washing the patios, clearing walkways, and checking irrigation systems.

Cleaning Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause water to fill up. This water can cause your roof and shingles to deteriorate. Cleaning the gutters prevents this from occuring.
Power-washing the patio: Power-washing the patio destroys any mold or mildew, prevents damage, and improves air quality.
Cleaning walkways: Sweeping the walkway ensures a safe path to walk on.
Checking Irrigation Systems: Inspect the irrigation system to make sure it is running properly. The irrigation system is used to reduce water waste, save money, and maintain a healthy landscape.

These tasks may seem irrelevant; however; expanding the reach of your lawn care increases the appeal of your home.

How Do I Prepare My Yard for Spring the Right Way?

How do I prepare my yard for spring cleaning?

The best practice is to create a checklist which guarantees that you have all the necessary equipment and safety equipment.When working on spring yard cleanup it is important to work at your own pace. Rushing to mow your lawn or watering your lawn too early can cause accidents or damage your lawn. Review your checklist and make sure it coincides with the weather conditions.

Start Fresh This Spring with Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape

Get started on your lawn prep today! Do not forget to ask for help if needed. Spring yard cleanup is beneficial. If done early enough by spring a beautiful landscape will result. The plants and trees will grow and the value of your home will increase.

Seeking expert help? Contact Galvan’s Lawn and Landscape.