Once the snow has melted, the first look at a spring yard can be depressing.

The yard looks trampled. Debris, dirt and rock are piled up and blown around where they shouldn’t be. There are no green plants. Not much color from any bark.

But what kind of potential do you see?

What should I be looking for in the yard?

When the snow melts, it’s the ideal time to determine where the problems lie in your yard. You can easily see what work needs to be done before you’ll be able to enjoy spending time in your outdoor areas. Here are a few questions to ask as you evaluate your yard for the upcoming spring season

1. How is the water draining?

Check around the yard for any soggy areas as the thawing occurs. Soft spots could be an indicator of drainage issues that would be a problem area in the future. It’s best to address those tricky spots now before they impact how you enjoy your space during the spring and summer. You don’t want to be squishing through wet areas in flip flops or warning guests to avoid low-lying ground.

2. Is your hardscape still intact?

Have your retaining walls and patio pavers held up well through the winter freezes and thaws? Check closely for any cracking in the mortar or settling and sinking that may have occurred over the freezing months. What about the ground around it? Did the backfill stay in place like it should? The earlier you find any hardscape issues, the easier it will be to fix them.

3. Are your plantings overgrown?

It’ll likely be obvious what needs to be trimmed back and pruned. Groundcover tends to be quick-growing and can take over some other plantings if you’re not careful. Another way to spruce your yard up is to introduce some pops of new color with a few selected plants in strategic areas. If you need some inspiration, check out our recent post about 2018 landscaping trends.

Get your projects done now

Why not think big? You could always use your tax refund check to fund your outdoor project or dream yard. If you plan ahead now and get on a contractor’s schedule, your family’s outdoor space will be the envy of the neighborhood this summer.

Give Greenbud Landscaping a call to consult on your next project, and we’ll give you a free estimate!