Spring is here and so is the season of lawn care and yard work. For newer homeowners, this may be especially exciting if it’s the first spring you’ve had land to maintain. From sprucing up your curb appeal to creating your very own outdoor oasis, we’ve compiled some of our favorite landscaping and property maintenance tips below.
Know your land type
Being familiar with the type of land you’re working with in advance can help you identify specific landscaping needs. For example:
- If you have an open property, you may want to focus on gardening or flowerbeds. Doing so can add beauty to your space and even increase its value. Pro Tip: Research the hardiness zone where you live to know what plants will grow best. You can also work with someone locally who’s familiar with native foliage and can give recommendations on non-invasive flora that supports the local environment.
- If you have heavily wooded areas, you may want to seek advice from a forestry management specialist on tree care, attracting wildlife, etc. Forested property is unique, and it can be helpful to have guidance from an expert to maximize its use.
- If you have a long driveway, consider spreading wildflower seeds along each side. This low-maintenance solution adds biodiversity to your property and could save you time and money in the long run.
- If you plan to build on your land, our team is here with tailored construction loans. We can connect you with a loan officer to walk you through the process.
Plan ahead
As with any project, planning is a critical step toward a smooth landscaping season. Start by listing what you want to accomplish and building a timeline for the next few months. If you plan to make significant changes like adding a pond or removing mature trees, consider consulting with a real estate professional to assess how these may impact property value.
Have the right tools
Manicuring your property takes time and can require some upfront investment. If you’re new to caring for a lot of green space, you may need to build your arsenal with tools such as a hedge trimmer, edger, mower and more. If your acreage warrants heavier machinery like a tractor, our agriculture lending partner offer equipment loans that can help cover costs. We can connect you with a Farm Credit Mid-America loan officer who can talk you through your options.
Stay safe
Before beginning any landscaping project, we strongly encourage taking appropriate safety precautions. If your plans involve digging, you should call 811 to confirm you’re not at risk of hitting underground utilities such as buried power or gas lines. Don’t forget—you and anyone you’re working with should also closely review instructions for tools and equipment to know how to use them properly.
Maintain regularly
Although spring is peak landscaping season, the most savvy landscapers plan year-round maintenance to keep their land healthy and beautiful. Be sure you know how you will keep plants and soil watered through the warm summer months, and be sure you make time to clear dead leaves in the fall and winterize your property ahead of cold weather.
Caring for your land should be a rewarding experience, and we want to be a resource throughout your rural journey. For more guidance on growing where you’re planted, check out our Learning Center.
