Spring Landscaping for Your First Home

Spring is fully upon us, and for once, you actually have a yard to think about! Sure, you might have cared for some succulents or a few potted plants in your apartment, but as a new homeowner, you now have a full lawn under your purview – and the possibilities are endless.

What should you plant? What are the best spring plants, flowers, and shrubs to focus on? How can you ensure your lawn is green and lush all season long? Here are some landscaping guidelines to follow for your first home:

• Set the right foundation – Before you go planting too much, make sure your lawn is prepped for long-term success. Weed the gardens, and add new soil and mulch where necessary. Trim the lawn, and pull out any dead or decaying plants and bushes. If the grass is sparse, aerate the yard and use seed or sod to fill in bald spots. Once the foundation is set, you can start adding elements like flowers, plants, and trees.
• Use your sprinkler system – …or get one installed. The weather’s about to heat up, and keeping your lawn and plants hydrated is crucial. If you’ve got a sprinkler system, go ahead and schedule out your twice-weekly waterings, and be sure to heed any city-mandated no-water times. If you don’t have a system, consider getting one installed to keep your spring landscaping on track.
• Choose the right plants and flowers – If you want your plants to flourish, make sure you’re only choosing ones fit for the spring season. Pansies, lilacs, and irises are all great choices for flowers, and for greenery, try azaleas or yaupons. Thinking of starting a veggie garden? Stick to hardy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and celery.
• Consider maintenance – Make sure you’re thinking of maintenance as you go about your home landscaping. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, stick to low-effort shrubs, bushes, and rock gardens. If you have ample free time or just love to garden, plant more high-maintenance items like flower beds and vegetables. Remember, you’ll need to water, weed, trim, and fertilize, so make sure you have the time and resources to do so!

Spring landscaping can be pretty exciting – especially as a first-time homeowner. Just make sure you do your research, prep your yard and consider maintenance before diving in too deep.

Want help buying that first home? Contact an Embrace loan officer now.