Essential Yard Care Checklist for Every Home

A healthy yard makes your home look great and feel safe. It can also protect your foundation, welcome guests, and give kids and pets a place to play. With a clear, simple plan, you can keep up with tasks in small steps. Use this checklist to guide your regular yard care.

Inspect and plan each month

Walk your yard once a month. Look for bare spots, puddles, broken branches, and weeds. Note what needs fixing and set small goals for each week. A quick check helps you catch problems early and saves time and money later.

Mow and edge the lawn

Keep grass at the right height for your type of lawn, usually around three inches. Sharpen mower blades so cuts are clean and do not stress the grass. Edge along sidewalks and beds for a neat look, and leave clippings on the lawn to return nutrients.

Water wisely

Water deeply but not often, aiming for about an inch per week, including rain. Early morning is best to reduce loss from heat and wind. Use soaker hoses or drip lines in garden beds to get water to roots and avoid wetting leaves, which can spread disease.

Feed the soil and mulch beds

Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Add compost in spring and fall to improve structure and hold moisture. Mulch two to three inches around plants to block weeds and keep soil cool. Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems to prevent rot.

Stop weeds early

Pull weeds while they are small and the soil is moist. Use a weeding tool to remove the roots. In lawns, overseed thin areas so grass crowds out weeds. In beds, mulch and landscape fabric can reduce weed growth without harsh chemicals.

Prune trees and shrubs

Trim dead, damaged, or crossing branches to shape plants and improve air flow. Prune most shrubs after they bloom, and trees during their dormant season. Use clean, sharp tools and make small cuts. Avoid heavy pruning in hot or very cold weather.

Clean paths gutters and drains

Sweep leaves from patios, decks, and walkways to prevent stains and slips. Clear gutters and downspouts so rain flows away from your home. Extend downspouts or grade soil so water drains at least a few feet from the foundation.

Watch for pests and disease

Check leaves for spots, holes, or sticky residue. Identify the issue before you treat it. Start with gentle fixes like hand removal, pruning, or insecticidal soap. Keep plants healthy with good watering and airflow, which helps prevent many common problems.