Spring is in the air! Say goodbye to the winter frost and welcome the colorful bloom to your yard. You deserve a lawn that is your sanctuary, where you can unwind in the fresh air, entertain your friends and family, and connect with nature. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the thought of cleaning up your outdoor space after winter, you don’t have to do it alone! BFS Alliance has all of the tools and resources you need, plus an easy-to-follow guide to make it happen.
1. Assess Your Yard
Before jumping into the yard maintenance work, it’s important to take a look around and asses its condition. Make a note of any signs of damage or debris, like dead plants, overgrown shurbs, and cracked pathways. Taking inventory will help you plan your approach, to make sure you get everything you need from BFS Alliance or not overlook anything.
2. Clear Winter Debris
After you’ve taken account of your yard’s needs (and stopped by BFS Alliance for spring cleaning essentials), start clearing the debris. Rake up fallen leaves and clean out any gutters or downspouts. This not only gives your yard a fresh slate for the new season but prevents potential water damage to your home’s foundation. Next, pick up dead plants, branches, and newly rooted weeds. To take a step further, aerate the soil and consider overseeding if your grass looks patchy. Don’t forget to patch up holes in the ground and repair walkways and steps so you can safely enjoy your fresh yard!
3. Prepare Garden Beds
Once you’ve cleared out your garden beds, prepare them for the springtime bloom. Add a fresh layer of compost or mulch to minimize weeds and help your flowers and vegetables thrive with much-needed nutrients. You should also break up any compact soil for proper drainage. Here are a few flowers and vegetables that thrive in the Prescott spring:
Spring Flowers to Plant in Prescott
- Desert Marigold: These vibrant yellow flowers are drought-tolerant and bloom profusely in the spring, adding a pop of color to garden beds.
- Penstemon: With its tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red, Penstemon is a favorite among pollinators and adds vertical interest to garden borders.
- Blanket Flower: Known for their striking red and yellow daisy-like flowers, Blanket Flowers are heat and drought-tolerant perennials that bloom from spring through fall.
- Desert Bluebells: These delicate blue flowers are native to the desert Southwest and thrive in the rocky, well-drained soils of Prescott’s landscape.
- Mexican Evening Primrose: With its pink or white blooms that open in the evening, Mexican Evening Primrose is a charming addition to any spring garden.
Spring Vegetables to Plant in Prescott
- Tomatoes: Varieties such as Early Girl or Celebrity thrive in the warm spring temperatures of Prescott and produce abundant fruit throughout the summer.
- Peppers: Bell peppers, jalapeños, and chili peppers all do well in the sunny and dry conditions of Prescott’s springtime climate.
- Squash: Summer squash varieties like zucchini and yellow squash are fast-growing and productive in Prescott’s warm spring weather.
- Cucumbers: Both slicing and pickling cucumber varieties thrive in the springtime, producing crisp and refreshing fruits for salads and snacks.
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are all cool-season crops that can be planted in the early spring and harvested before the onset of summer heat.
4. Pruning and Trimming
A happy yard is a healthy yard, and a healthy yard is a properly trimmed yard. Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. If you have perennials or roses, remove dead and diseased to make room for new flowers. You can also shape hedges and bushes for a fresh and clean look! Pruning and trimming bring a new depth to your yard. You’re sure to impress your neights with a polished and maintained appearance.
5. Check Irrigation Systems
Check that your irrigation system is in good working order to support the health and growth of your plants. Look for clogs or damage in sprinkler heads and clean or replace them as needed. Test irrigation lines for leaks (saving you money on your water bill). Next, adjust the timers for the spring season to make sure your flowers, plants, and grass receive the right amount of moisture.
6. Pest Control
As temperatures rise, bugs and critters become a lot more active and mischievous. Get ahead of them by inspecting your yard for signs of damage, like chewed leaves or nibbled fruits. Deter them through natural remedies or chemical treatments. BFS Alliance has a range of solutions to address common pests, so your outdoor space remains healthy and pest-free throughout the seasons. Be on the lookout for:
- Gophers: Gophers are burrowing rodents that can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens by tunneling underground and feeding on plant roots. They can cause significant damage to landscaping and create unsightly mounds of soil.
- Rabbits: Wild rabbits are common in the Prescott area and can be a nuisance in gardens, feeding on tender young plants and damaging foliage. They are particularly fond of vegetables and herbs, making them a threat to home gardeners.
- Deer: Deer are known to roam through residential neighborhoods in Prescott, especially in areas bordering natural habitats. They can cause extensive damage to ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees by browsing on foliage and rubbing antlers against tree trunks.
- Squirrels: Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and may raid bird feeders, dig up bulbs and seeds, and gnaw on tree bark and branches. Their activity can damage landscaping and pose a nuisance to homeowners.
- Birds: Certain bird species, such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings, can become pests in yards and gardens, especially if they roost or nest in or around buildings. They may feed on fruits, vegetables, and seeds, and their droppings can soil outdoor surfaces and transmit diseases.
- Ants: Various species of ants, including Argentine ants and odorous house ants, can be problematic in Prescott yards, particularly in dry weather. They may invade homes in search of food and water or build nests in lawns and garden beds, disrupting plant roots and causing unsightly mounds of soil.
Conclusion
As you enjoy the fresh air and warm sun of spring, gift yourself a beautifully refreshed yard that reflects your style and needs. With BFS Alliance as your local expert and one-stop-shop for all your yard maintenance needs, you can confidently embark on your spring cleaning journey! Investing time and effort into your yard now will yield lasting rewards, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of spring to the fullest.
