“Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19,” says Lisa Lockerd Maragakis, M.D. Social distancing has been recommended by the CDC as the best way to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It’s important to adapt to the conditions of our current situation and to not shut down. With the coming of warmer weather, let Illinois Valley Clean Team show you spring clean-up tips while practicing safe, social distancing.
LAWN
- Reseed
Seed bare patches of lawn but avoid weed treatment until summer.
- Mow and edge
After the winter thaw and the lawn dries, mow and edge your lawn for a professional look.
- Fertilize
For a healthy and even-looking lawn, fertilize your lawn in the spring after the first thaw.
- Rake leaves
To prepare your lawn for summer, rake any leftover leaves from fall and remove all other debris to have wandered into your yard.
- Trim the bushes and trees
Remove broken branches and prune summer-blooming trees to ready yourself for spring.
FLOWER BEDS
- Plant bulbs
After removing winter mulch and pruning perennials down to ground level, plant summer-blooming flowers.
- Cut back wood perennials
By cutting back wood perennials, you make room for new branches to grow.
- Trim ornamental grasses
For a uniformed and clean look, trim ornamental grasses to within a few inches of the ground.
- Weed and compost
Start weeding in early spring when the ground is soft. This is also a great time to start a compost pile for yard and scrap clippings if you haven’t already.
- Soil and fertilize
“If you have rich, healthy soil, all you should need to do in the spring is a bit of top dressing with compost, manure or a complete slow-release organic fertilizer.” says the writers of Gardenoholic.com.
- Mulch and edge
Wait for the soil to warm before working in your flower beds. After they dry out a bit, treat your flower beds accordingly than when ready lay fresh mulch and provide a crisp edge for a finished and professional look.
DECK/PATIO
- Wash outdoor furniture
While it may be too early to lounge in the sun, spring is the time to set up, clean, hose-down, and freshen-up your outdoor furniture.
- Prep the grill
Bar-b-ques are a staple of American summers. To get ready for that grilled, delicious food, make sure to check the fuel tank and replace it (as needed, using social distancing), clean the grate, and wash the grill, inside and out.
- Power wash the porch/deck
Whether you have a leaf blower or a hose, remove the dirt and debris, which may have accumulated from winter, to reveal a beautiful porch/deck to enjoy all summer long.
- Power wash outside playsets & toys
Springtime is a great way to get the kids some fresh air and exercise! Just hand them a soapy sponge and have them play/clean the outdoor toys (but only with monitored social distancing).
While it may be disheartening to have restrictions and so many shops, businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues closed, it’s for the safety of all, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop living a functional life. When practicing social-distancing, savor the therapeutic experience you get from springtime yard clean-up. Listen to the birds sing songs of hope. Watch the flowers bloom despite the swirl of chaos. Feel your fingers nourish the soil as you make way for new life. Moreover, remember “Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.” Steve Maraboli, writer of Life, the Truth, and Being Free.
