As the weather warms up and days become longer, Coloradoans spend more time outside. Follow these tips to get your home and garden ready for spring, so you can enjoy sunny days to the fullest.
To prepare for entertaining, get your decks or patio in tip-top shape. After sweeping all outdoor spaces, a pressure washer can remove any dirt or dust from the surface. If you have stored patio furniture during the winter, now is the time to dust it off and set it up for spring. Brighten up lounge chairs and outdoor dining areas with colorful, weather-resistant throw pillows, table runners, and outdoor rugs. Small touches like new lighting, outdoor décor, or wind chimes can make each area more inviting.
Make sure your outdoor kitchen is ready for action as grilling season approaches. After cleaning the grill and countertops, bring dishes, glasses, and flatware to your outdoor kitchen cabinets or a storage hutch so that dining alfresco is a snap. Restock your outdoor fridge with sparkling water, wine, and beer so you’re ready for guests to pop in for an impromptu happy hour.
Potted plants and flowers can be brought outside during transitional spring weather, as long as you bring them inside for temperatures below 32 degrees, hail, or strong winds. Once the last freeze has passed, landscaping can be updated for spring and summer. Check with your local garden center for tips on when to plant specific seeds and bulbs for the best results based on your location.
The pressure washer can also be used to freshen up your home’s exterior after months of snowy weather. Gutters tend to get clogged with branches and debris during the winter, which can cause water to back up. Leaves and twigs should be removed, and any repairs done to gutters to ensure that your property is prepared for spring rain showers. After gutters are cleaned out, use a garden hose to check that water is flowing freely and all leaves have been cleared.
Whether you are a DIY gardener or hiring a professional landscaping company, here are some helpful hints to ensure a green thumb and beautiful yard. Rake all leaves and debris from grass and collect clippings in a yard trimming bag. Many communities offer a specific pick-up date for yard waste in the spring, so check with your local provider for details. Aerating your lawn will allow water and fertilizer better access to keep grass healthy. Motorized lawnmowers can be fitted with an aerating attachment, or you can rent a gas-powered spiking aerator from a home improvement store or garden center.
If you choose to use a mulching mower, leaves can be used for composting as a nutrient boost. Trees and plants should be pruned, removing any dead branches to allow for new growth. Pull any weeds that have popped up, taking care to remove the entire root, and lay mulch over flowerbeds to prevent regrowth. Mulching your garden beds helps prevent weeds, reduces the amount of water needed, and keeps soil temperatures consistent.
Next, fertilize the lawn, which enriches the soil for healthy, vibrant grass that’s more resistant to damage from pets, foot traffic and summer heat. Testing the pH level of your soil will assist in determining which fertilizer is the best fit. The final step is seeding your lawn, to make sure that the grass is lush and beautiful for the warm months ahead.
Make sure your outdoor spaces are inviting by arranging chairs and other furniture in a way that welcomes guests to relax and mingle. Make the most of western views by arranging lounge chairs to face the sunset. Place vases of fresh flowers and lanterns or candles on the outside dining table. Edison lights strung above a deck or patio add a warm glow for evenings spent outside with friends and family.
After prepping your home for spring entertaining, relax and enjoy under the expansive Colorado skies.