Spring has sprung and warmer weather is rolling in! That means it's time to focus on sprucing up your yard. With the sun shining you're likely to spend more time outdoors and you're going to want to enjoy your surroundings. So here are some simple tips to get you started cleaning up your landscaping.

1. Inspect your trees and shrubs.

Prune any branches that are broken or damaged. If you have older, taller trees in your yard you might need a professional to help with this.

2. Fertilize your lawn and plants.

Check with your local agriculture extension office to find out when is the best time to fertilize, what kind you should use, and the amount you can apply. Some states and local governments place limits on using fertilizer.

3. Deal with weeds before they get bad.

When you see forsythia in full bloom it's a good time to apply weed preventer.

4. Tidy up your planting beds.

Rake away old leaves and other debri. Use an edging tool to create natural edges around the beds.

5. Add a layer of mulch.

Put about an inch thick layer of mulch in your plant beds and around trees. Don't let the mulch touch the tree trunks and make sure it isn't more than 3 inches deep in total.

6. Inspect your irrigation system.

Turn on your irrigation system and make sure it is in working condition. Fix any leaks.

7. Prep for pests.

Cutworms are common garden pests and appear early in spring. Consider using a natural insecticide such as soapy water to help get rid of them, or call a local pest control team.

8. Plan what you want to plant

Different plants need to be planted at different times of the year. Make sure to do your research before breaking any ground.

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