Is Your Lawn Ready for Summer? Here’s What Most Homeowners Forget

Hey there, Handy Homeowners!

Your lawn called—it’s hungry, patchy, and holding a grudge.

May is prime time to whip your yard into shape before the summer heat kicks in.

Whether you're aiming for lush green grass, blooming flower beds, or just fewer weeds judging you from the walkway, this is the month to make it happen.

Let’s dive into the must-do yard prep tasks that’ll have your neighbors peeking over the fence in envy.

Maintenance Minute

Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus

• Pull weeds from flower beds and lawn.

• Sharpen your mower blades.

• Check your garden hose for leaks.

• Prune dead branches from shrubs.

Pro tip: When mowing for the first time this season, don’t bag the clippings—mulch them. They return valuable nitrogen to the soil and help your grass grow thick and green. Just make sure you’re not leaving clumps behind that can smother the lawn.

5 Yard Jobs to Tackle in May (Before Your Grass Turns on You)

Ah, May. The month where your yard finally starts to shake off its winter hangover and beg for a little TLC. If you’ve been staring out the window thinking, "I should probably do something about that jungle out there," you’re not alone. This is prime time for lawn and garden prep—and trust me, a few hours of effort now will pay off all summer long.

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Before you plant a single flower or fire up the mower, clear the clutter. I’m talking branches, leaves, and whatever mystery debris the wind tossed into your yard last month. Not only does it tidy things up, but it also helps prevent mold, pests, and other problems from taking root. Bonus: You’ll uncover all those tools your kids "borrowed" and forgot to return.

2. Mow Like You Mean It

Your lawn's been asleep for months, so ease it back into shape. Start with a high cut and gradually lower the blades with each mow. Sharpen those mower blades first—dull ones tear the grass instead of cutting it, leaving your lawn looking like it got into a bar fight. While you're at it, edge the lawn for that crisp, clean look that makes your neighbors secretly jealous.

3. Feed the Beast

Your lawn is hungry. May is the perfect time to fertilize and wake it up with a good meal. Choose a slow-release fertilizer that suits your grass type and region. Pro tip: If your lawn looks more "meh" than marvelous, consider a soil test to figure out what it's missing. Sometimes it just needs a little calcium boost—kind of like us after a long winter.

4. Weeds: Handle 'Em Now or Cry Later

Weeds are like party crashers. If you don't kick them out early, they take over and bring friends. Pull them by hand or apply a pre-emergent herbicide before they get too cozy. Trust me, future-you will thank present-you for this.

5. Plant with a Plan

May is a gardener's sweet spot. Whether you're dreaming of juicy tomatoes, fiery-hot peppers (if you're into that sort of thing), or a colorful flower bed, this is the time to get planting. Choose native or drought-resistant plants to save water and reduce headaches. And don’t forget mulch! It locks in moisture, keeps roots cool, and makes your beds look polished.

Bonus: Check Your Irrigation

If you have sprinklers, test each zone and look for broken heads or wonky spray patterns. A little adjustment now can save you a world of dry patches (or a sudden swamp in the middle of your lawn).

Final Thought: Taking a weekend to prep your lawn and garden isn't just about curb appeal (though it definitely helps). It's about giving your outdoor space a fighting chance to be the summer retreat you deserve. So grab your gloves, fire up the mower, and show that yard who’s boss.

After all, nothing says "I’ve got my life together" like a freshly edged lawn and thriving flower beds—even if the inside of your garage still looks like a tool tornado hit it.

Q&A- How do I get rid of weeds without ruining my lawn or garden?

Start by pulling weeds by hand or using a weeding tool while the soil is still damp—roots come out easier, and you’re less likely to leave bits behind. For larger areas, try a selective herbicide labeled safe for your type of grass—it’ll target weeds without harming your lawn. If you’re going the natural route, corn gluten meal works as a pre-emergent to stop new weeds from sprouting. And don’t forget mulch in flower beds—it blocks sunlight and makes it way harder for weeds to sneak through.

Pro tip: Never mow your lawn too short. Taller grass shades the soil and naturally helps crowd out weeds. It’s the lazy (but smart) way to fight back.

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