Are you a new homeowner, moving into a new home from an apartment or condominium? One of the most critical, challenging, and potentially frustrating aspects of owning a home is managing your home’s yard work.
You may look forward to spending your weekends relaxing and enjoying your home, but without proper care and planning, your weekends may quickly become dominated by the physical and emotional toll of doing outside labor you’re not prepared to do.
If you’re buying a home with a yard (even if it’s a small one), there are steps you can take to make your life easier. Here’s our list of the essentials when it comes to managing your yard work.
1. Get the right equipment for the job.
Invest in good quality hand tools, such as rakes, shovels, spades, and so on. Don’t be taken in by what looks like a bargain, only to regret the purchase later. Opt for high-quality, steel implements rather than cheaper plastic ones.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of gas vs. electric equipment. Consider the size of your yard and how useful each item will be. It might be tempting to buy a new electric lawnmower, pressure washer, leaf blower, or another item, but keep in mind that electric motors rarely have the torque (power) as gasoline engines.
2. Know your new area.
Learn the rules in your new area and follow them. Your yard care might not be entirely up to you. Find out if your neighborhood has homeowner association restrictions when it comes to landscaping, plant life, house exterior, and fencing.
3. Pace yourself.
According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, yard work can put a lot of strain on your heart, and if your body is not used to that exertion, you may be a prime candidate for a stroke or heart attack. Break the yard work up into manageable chunks, and take enough time to rest.
Avoid doing yard work in the hot afternoon hours, and stop when you’re tired.
4. Consider a lawn service.
Consider hiring a lawn or exterior maintenance service rather than taking on the work yourself.
Professional landscapers don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Check with your neighbors for recommendations, and chat with workers in your neighborhood to have them inspect your property before quoting you a price.
If you have trees on your property, opt for a lawn service or landscaping company that can take care of your outdoor work, including trees.
5. Organize a work party!
If you have major yard cleanup work to do, there’s no better way to get the job done than to make it an event.
Invite a few friends or new neighbors over to pitch in, fire up the barbeque grill, and have some R&R after the work is done. You’ll get the job done faster with more hands on deck, and have fun in the process.
Enjoy your yard!
Good luck with your new yard!
Have you made the move yet? Still, need help? Contact us for a free quote. We can help you get to your new home.