Now that the snow is starting to melt and spring is right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about getting your yard (both at your residence and at your cottage) looking good for the warmer months. Here are some useful spring landscaping tips to help you get started.

Clean up

Start by clearing your yard of dead branches and foliage. Pick up any trash or remnants from winter storms and rake up any dead leaves.

Weed

Now's the time to rid your lawn and flower beds of any weeds. Once you've gone through your yard and have done a full post-winter clearing of weeds, be sure to check weekly and spend a few minutes pulling any new weeds that may have appeared.

Make a plan

If you're working with your landscape for the first time, or if you are redoing your existing landscaping, make a plan before heading off to the home improvement or local greenhouse – determine what you will want to accomplish and what you might plant in your yard to achieve that plan. It's okay if gardening isn't your thing, hiring a landscaping professional just might be part of your plan in that case. (Don't forget to set a project budget!)

Fertilize

Fertilize your grass, shrubs and flowers. If your landscaping plan includes herbs or veggies that will be consumed, you may wish to consider using an organic fertilizer that is free of pesticides.

Check equipment

After months of non-use, you'll want to make sure all of your equipment is functioning properly. Does your lawn mower work? How about your irrigation system? Whether you use a hose-attached sprinkler or an in-ground system, you'll want to be sure that it's still in working condition after the winter. If you utilize an in-ground sprinkling system, be sure to check the pump and tank as well as the sprinkler heads.

Mulch

A fresh layer of mulch can brighten up your landscape and a four inch layer of mulch on top of the soil can help prevent weeds as well as help your plants retain moisture. Pulling the mulch up around the base of your shrubs and plants will help the plant's root ball hold in moisture.

Getting an early start to caring for your cottage property in the spring will ensure that you have several beautiful months of outdoor enjoyment ahead of you. Happy landscaping!