Spring Cleaning for the Outdoorsy-Type

Ever get an urge to go do something in the yard, even though it’s too early in the year? Maybe wanting to plant something or mow the lawn? Wait, you don’t like to mow the lawn even in summer! Relax, there are things that can be done in the off-season, especially just before the official outdoor season begins.

Uneven stepping stones

Stepping stones can become unstable due to excessive rains or heaving, caused by alternating periods of freezing and thawing. To fix, lift stones and add soil or gravel under them. Use a level to verify that stones are even with the ground.

Tunnels made by garden pests

Unstable stones aren't the only hazards that can lead to a sprained ankle.  Tunnels and mounds of dirt created by moles and gophers should be leveled with a metal rake and tamped firmly.  Exposed soil areas can later be reseeded with grass seed, left as-is if your turfgrass is the type that tends to spread, or covered with mulch as needed.

For the birds

Inspect birdhouses to make sure they're firmly mounted/ hanging. Clean feeders, filling with fresh seed once they dry. Give birdbaths a good scrubbing and refill with water. You may want to also create a pile of ready-for-the-taking nesting materials to make life a little easier for our feathered friends!

Mulch

This is a great time of year to inspect your mulch, particularly its depth. Using a metal rake, fluff mulch and try to level it out over your beds.  Along the way, use a ruler to determine the average depth of the mulch.  When in doubt, contact your OLM consultant to find out the proper mulch depth.

Other tasks that can be done