I’m sitting in my living room looking out the 3 foot snow drift that is blocking our back door to the patio. It is currently -19C with the winds blowing. Is it too early to think about the spring yard clean up? You might think so but the fact of the matter is that we really don’t know when the snow will be gone. As a life-long Scouter, I’ve always lived by the philosophy of “prepare and plan ahead”. So for me, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about the yard for spring. There are several things to consider now so you are ready to get started in the warmer weather.

Start thinking about the things that you need to clean up once the snow is gone. For instance, there still may be leaves left over from the fall. If you live in southern Ontario, you most likely have branches on the ground that fell during a major ice storm we had in December. Either way branches should be bundled up and discarded accordingly. Do you still have yard bags left over? Have you checked your municipalities refuse collection schedule? This helps plan the timing with the days you plan to clean the yard.

Start Your Lawn off Right & Give it the Best Chance for Success

Next, you need to decide what treatment you want to use on your lawn. Once the thaw has finished you should consider over seeding and top dressing. After you clean everything from the surface, you will need to loosen up the compacted soil and pull all the thatch left over from the last few lawn cuttings in the lawn. A heavy garden rake does the trick. Do you have one? You may want to consider a seed spreader for the fertilizing and seeding. Buy or rent? Where will you get your top soil from? Now is a good time to start calling around or emailing your local Garden Centers to find out when their premium top soil will be ready.

Make Sure You Have all of the Necessary Supplies

Now that you have considered what to clean up and what you will need after the cleanup, it’s time to make a list of the tools and materials you will need to get the job done. Keep your eye on flyers with specials and sales on the tools and materials you may need. The beginning of the season is a great time to find great deals on tools for the yard.

Remember, you get what you pay for. Cheaper tools aren’t always a money saver. As far as materials such as premium top soils; quality garden centers usually screen the top soil before winter so it will continue to compost through the winter and become even more nutritious soil for your lawns and garden.

Make a Landscape Plan

At this time you may want to think about the landscape projects and ideas for your yard. Are you putting in a new patio? Are you leaning toward a waterfall and pond? Whatever the idea is, now is the perfect time to research and call for quotes from Landscape Contractors (or if you’re a DIY-er, landscape supply stores). It won’t be too long before landscape contractors are booked for the spring and summer. Get ahead of the crowd and plan now!

These are only a few of the items you can be thinking about now to save you time, effort and maybe even save you money by acting now! Your yard will look great and you won’t be waiting until fall to enjoy the fruits of your labours. The biggest thing to remember is have fun with your yard and make it a wonderful experience. Watch for our follow up article in the next few weeks where we will have some great landscape ideas that won’t break the bank!

Check out the rest of our site for more info and ideas, or contact us for a quote on materials.