Heading out for a vacation often means leaving your home and backyard for some time. Preparing your outdoor space before you leave ensures that it remains clean and welcoming.
A tidy backyard will not only enhance your return but also reduce the chance of unpleasant surprises. Backyard maintenance is easy to overlook, but with simple steps, you can keep your outdoor space in perfect condition.
Here are five key tasks to tackle before you head out, ensuring peace of mind while you enjoy your vacation.
Start by walking through your backyard to tidy up the space and avoid future issues:
Reader’s Digest notes that even when plants appear dead, any green left on the stem means there’s still potential for recovery. Healthy roots should look plump, white to tan, and have white tips, indicating active growth. Research shows that plants with healthy roots have a higher chance of recovery when properly cared for.
To avoid attracting insects, remove any fallen fruit from trees. Clean up the garden beds and paths to give them a new, well-kept appearance.
Yes, fallen leaves and plant debris can be composted. To avoid the spread of diseases, do not compost dead plants. Ensure the compost pile is balanced with nitrogen-rich materials for optimal breakdown.
Make sure your watering system is working properly before you leave. Check your sprinklers and hoses for leaks. A leaking hose could result in a flooded backyard or wasted water.
The EPA states that every year, residential leaks lose an average of 10,000 gallons of water per household. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons of water each day. These leaks can significantly impact both water bills and environmental resources.
Test your sprinkler system to ensure that each zone is receiving water evenly. If you have plants that require more attention, consider setting up a drip irrigation system or watering timer.
Automatic watering systems can help maintain the plants in your absence. If you are using a manual system, ask a neighbor or friend to water your plants while you’re away.
Watering plants manually while away can be difficult. If a neighbor is unavailable, consider using a self-watering system. These systems are designed to keep plants hydrated without requiring constant attention.
Before leaving for vacation, remove any pet waste from your backyard to avoid unpleasant odors. Pet waste can attract pests like flies and other animals, causing issues. Use a scoop to pick up dog droppings and dispose of them properly.
Consider using biodegradable bags to make the disposal more eco-friendly and efficient. If your backyard is big, explore the whole area to look for hidden trash. Regular pet waste removal helps reduce the chance of diseases affecting your plants.
Ecolife.com mentions that dog urine and feces contain nitrogen and phosphorus, which impact local ecosystems and biodiversity. This is because some plants, like nettles and hogweed, benefit from these nutrients while others don't. This imbalance disrupts wildlife by reducing food and shelter options for less dominant plant species.
According to Scoop Soldiers, if you’re short on time, consider hiring a pet waste removal service to clean your backyard. These services offer one-time cleanups or regular visits to maintain a clean yard. They can ensure your yard stays spotless and odor-free throughout your vacation.
Professional services are helpful for large yards or multiple pets, saving you time. Hiring pet waste and sanitization services can create a clean and healthy environment for everyone. This easy approach allows you to enjoy your holiday without having to worry about keeping your lawn tidy.
Use a systematic grid approach to check for hidden pet waste. Walk through each section of your yard, focusing on shaded or less-traveled areas. Ensure all spots are covered by using a methodical cleanup routine.
Before leaving for your vacation, mow your lawn and take care of any weeds. A freshly mowed lawn will look neat and well-maintained, even when you return.
Take the time to trim your lawn's edges, ensuring that they are even and clean. Weed out any undesired plants to keep them from taking over while you're away. You can apply mulch to garden beds to prevent weeds from sprouting.
The Ohio State University highlights that mowing should follow the "one-third rule," meaning never cut more than a third of the leaf blade. For a 3-inch lawn, mow before blades grow longer than 4.5 inches to maintain health. Cutting too much can scalp the grass, potentially killing it, especially during hot summer months.
For a greener lawn, consider fertilizing it right before you leave. A healthy, cared-for lawn will make coming back from vacation even more enjoyable. Homeowners always look for the best Bermuda grass fertilizer that promotes deep root growth and maintains a rich green color. The right formula helps the grass stay resilient against heat, drought, and foot traffic, ensuring a lush lawn even after time away.
Mulching after mowing can be beneficial, as it recycles nutrients and retains moisture. It helps protect the lawn from heat stress and reduces weed growth. Ensure the mulch layer is thin enough not to smother the grass.
If you have outdoor furniture or decorations, secure them before leaving. High winds or storms could damage or move them around. Store any movable items like chairs, cushions, or umbrellas indoors.
If you can't store large furniture, use weights or straps to secure them in place. This will reduce needless weather-related wear and tear. Also, check that garden ornaments or statues are placed securely, preventing them from tipping over.
A clean, well-maintained backyard will be much more inviting when you return. Additionally, this precaution ensures no damage occurs while you're away.
Protect outdoor lighting by securing fixtures and checking for loose wires. Use weatherproof covers to shield lights from rain or snow. Consider using solar-powered lights, which are more durable and require less maintenance.
Vacations should be stress-free, but prepping your backyard ensures a peaceful return home. Follow these tips to keep your outdoor space tidy while you're away. Start by removing debris, trimming dead plants, and checking your watering system. Don't forget to handle pet waste and mow the lawn for a fresh look.
Secure outdoor furniture to prevent damage from weather or wind. With minimal effort, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your backyard. Return to a beautiful, well-maintained space, ready for relaxation without the extra cleaning time. It's all about planning ahead for a hassle-free experience.
