At Home With Toby

Ah, Spring! 

Winters in the DC area can get pretty extreme, and this year’s El Nino did not disappoint. Harsh winds, heavy snow and wild temperatures swings has most of us hoping that Punxsutawney Phil knows what he’s talking about this year. You landscaping is hoping he’s right, too. Your back may still be sore from digging out of the blizzard, but now is the time to start planning to take back your yard. Here are 5 simple tips to jumpstart your home’s Spring, curb appeal makeover.

Clean Gutters – With all the rain Spring will provide, it’s very important to ensure your gutters are free of debris. Clogged gutters can cause roof damage, foundation cracks, rotten wood, and basement leaks. Cleaning your gutters periodically throughout the year is a necessity, especially in the Spring & Fall, when trees are dropping seeds and leaves. This is not a task that I would recommend taking on yourself. Scooping junk out of your gutters sounds simple, but one slip and complicate things awfully quickly. This is extremely dangerous work, so I would leave this one to the professionals. I have worked with many reputable contractors in the area, feel free to contact me in you would like a recommendation for someone who services your neighborhood.

Mulching – Mulching is like giving your plants a warm blankie to cozy up with. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, provides nutrients to the soil, and protects your plants from intruding weeds. Mulching also provides a clean polished look, whether you use traditional shredded wood, wood chips, pine needles or something else. Don’t be concerned about the smell, a fresh layer of decaying plant matter smells divine to your landscaping, and that earthy bouquet fades in a just a few days. During the Spring you will see many stores will have mulch for sale. However, most of our local high schools have taken to selling mulch to raise money for extracurricular activities. The stores have a wider variety to choose from, but I would recommend purchasing from the school, if possible. They are usually cheaper, will often deliver, and you’ll be contributing to improving your local school, which can also improve your home’s value.  

Plant Flowers – Flowers are like jewelry for your landscaping. Planting or arranging flowers by your door or mailbox makes a home look complete and cared for. Visit your local plant store or home improvement store for a nice pop of color to welcome Spring. If you have green thumb you will want to look for annuals that you can plant now that will continuously bloom. If you are like me and aren’t the play-in-the-dirt-type, opt to purchase flowers that will look good in a potted vase (or may already be in one) or in hanging baskets. Whatever you choose, before purchasing your yard bling, be sure to check that it is suited for the particular environment offered by your yard.

Trim Trees, Hedges, & Annuals – Trimming back plants can have a renewing and refreshing effect, if done thoughtfully. If a dead branch is within your reach you may consider doing it yourself. However, if you have a tree with dead branches beyond your reach you should contact an arborist. Trimming tall trees are DANGEROUS! Do not try this at home folks. It’s important to find a reputable contractor who is licensed and insured for this task. These professionals, who are the perfect mix of trapeze artist and lumberjack, literally climb to the tops of the trees with nothing but a rope to cut down dead branches. It might look like fun, but trust me, it’s not somewhere you want to be. An arborist will conduct a review of the types of trees you have and what is the best method for removing branches. Trimming hedges and annuals are definitely within your grasps. If you have hedges in your yard, using a pair of shears should be all that’s needed for a trim. Try to ensure that they are even. Hedges shouldn’t cover up windows or detract from the esthetics of your home. If you have an annual plants, like my Hydrangeas, you should trim back the branches of these plants before they start to bloom. Not every annual is considered equal. Each plant has their own time for pruning. Check with your local garden store about the types of plants you have and when they should be pruned.  

New Welcome Mat – It’s the last bit of the outdoors you and your guests will experience before entering your home. It’s the two-dimensional cherry atop your luscious, landscape sundae. It’s your welcome mat, and it should not be ignored. It can be monochromatic or colorful, rectangular or round, or elegant or whimsical, but whatever you choose, it will be the finishing touch on welcoming Spring to your door. Before you use it to wipe your feet, use it to compliment the colors of your house and your flowers, and use it to express a bit of your style.