Strategic planning now can help you eliminate (or at least reduce) the hours you spend on outdoor chores.

Does yardwork make you feel like you’re living a Groundhog Day movie all the months when it doesn’t snow? Get out of your rut by making plans now to stop the endless mowing, trimming and gutter cleaning. Here are five ideas to get started.

Eliminate trimming

Strategic use of mulch can eliminate most, if not all, trimming. Use the winter months to learn how to properly mulch trees and shrubs. On a not-too-cold day, get outdoors and measure how much area you’ll need to cover.

Reduce muddiness

Is there a place in your yard that’s perennially muddy? A bare place from which dirt is continually tracked onto the porch and into the house? Come up with a strategy now to correct the situation.

The solution might be as simple as adding stepping stones on a well-worn path. For areas with sitting water, regrading or drains might be in order.

Do your research, make a plan and put it into action when the ground thaws to get rid of muddy areas for good. Not only will your yard look better, you won’t spend so much time sweeping up dirt.

Stop mowing so much

One way to stop mowing so much is by reducing the size of your lawn. Patios, ground cover, raised gardens, ornamental grasses – these are all beautiful alternatives that don’t require weekly mowing. Even replacing part of your lawn will cut down on mowing, trimming and fertilizing.

Banish gutter cleaning

Is there a person on the planet who likes to clean gutters? None that we know! Eliminate this pesky job once and for all by installing gutter covers.

Opt out

If your budget allows, hire someone to do the yardwork and spend your time doing things you really love.

Start calling lawncare companies now to get bids. The earlier you call for landscaping services the better because schedules fill up quickly when the weather warms.

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