By Day: Kristen Walther is branch manager of our Sturbridge, MA location.  Since joining Norcom in February 2011, she has worked hard to manage and assist her loan officer and processor, while also being out and about recruiting referral sources. Kristen says “I enjoy making the whole loan process as easy and convenient as possible for everyone involved.” She enjoys Norcom’s family culture and is endearingly referred to as Mama K.  A fun fact is about Kristen’s branch is that it is Norcom’s 3^rd branch to sign on!

By Night: After finalizing her work for the day, she goes home to make dinner for her husband, 3 daughters, son, and grandson. When she’s done with dinner, she feeds and takes care of her 3 horses and dogs before heading to the gym to train. Kristen enjoys powerlifting and currently holds the national world and state women’s power lifting records.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horses, and watching her son Cameron race Motor Cross.

 

There are a lot of steps to take when you decide to buy your first home. The process can be overwhelming with many things that need to get done. Some first time homebuyers wish they did things differently. Take a look at this list of the top things first time homebuyers wish they knew before the bought a home.

Start Saving ASAP
Once you decide that you want to buy a home, start saving some money. Many people said they wish they didn’t spend all their cash throughout the process.  There are extra costs with buying, but in addition to that, you should have enough saved for a 20% down payment on the home.  If not, you will likely have to pay for mortgage insurance.  Even if you don’t plan to buy right away, but would like to do so in the future, set aside some cash -  $50 or $100 a month - into a new home fund. You should also try to save some money to build an emergency fund.  When you own a home, you suddenly have a lot more real estate to take care of than you may have been used to. Between home repairs, utility bills and yard maintenance, things can add up quickly.  Saving some cash now for the down payment and creating an emergency fund will greatly help you in the future.

Pay Attention During The Home Inspection
Having your home inspected before you buy is very important.  When it is getting inspected, it’s essential to pay attention and walk through the house with the inspector.  Pay close attention to all of the little details as you go through each of the rooms.  It doesn’t hurt to come back without the inspector and check out all of the property with a friend or family member.  Especially if you have fallen in love with the home, they might be able to see things that need to be repaired that you have overlooked due to being so excited about it.  The details matter and you’ll be glad you did the inspection if you find something! You may even be able to ask the seller for a credit to repair it.

Don’t Compromise On Important Things
When it comes to buying a home, you’re likely to have a pretty good idea of what you want. When it comes to actually finding something that is affordable, you might have to compromise on some things.  It’s important to know what you should compromise on and what you should stick to.  If you know that you want to have kids someday, don’t settle for a 2 bedroom - buy a 3 bedroom. Likewise, if you don’t like living really close next door to your neighbors in your apartment, don’t buy a condo or a house that has no yard.

Talk To The Neighbors
Talking to the neighbors can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.  Make sure to ask how they enjoy living in the neighborhood and if there have been any problems over the last couple of years, including if other neighbors causing trouble for the whole community.

Don’t Go Furniture Shopping Right After You Move In
I know you may be thinking that you have a ton of space so you should fill it up right away, but the smarter option may be to wait. If you take your time and look around for furniture, you may be able to save a good amount of cash.  You might find an awesome furniture sale or even something on Craigslist that fits your needs, but if you buy all of the furniture right away – you might miss out on something you really love for a fraction of the cost.

Spring is finally here! It’s time of spring craft fairs, farmers markets, and other activities. Check out this list of events you can go and experience in Connecticut during spring. If you're not in Connecticut, don't fret! Many similar spring events and occasions will likely occur in your state and a town near you.

April 1 – 2016 Spring Home Show

The Spring Home Show is one of largest home shows in New England and the largest home show in Connecticut. Well over 300 exhibits, representing all the finest and most innovative companies in the home industry, will gather at the Hartford XL Center for this major spring event. Talk to the experts and find just the right designs at just the right price for your home improvement budget. Companies exhibiting at the show include remodelers, homebuilders, custom cabinets, kitchens and baths, chimneys, wood stoves, sunrooms, awnings and decks, duct and vent maintenance, storage buildings, heating and cooling services, windows, doors and siding, water treatment systems, banks and mortgage companies, home theatre systems, security systems, financial planners, building supplies, insulation, energy management companies and so much more. 

Time:
Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Saturday, 10am – 9pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT

April 2 & May 7 – 2016 Dudley Farm Museum Winter Market

The Dudley Farm Museum Winter Market will offer baked goods, eggs, handmade crafts, jams and jellies, naturally-raised meats, pickles, winter vegetables and more. 

Time:
Saturday, 9am – 12:30pm

Address:
The Dudley Farm
2351 Durham RD
Guilford, CT

April 2 – Newtown Spring Craft Fair

This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.

Time:
Saturday, 10am - 4pm

Address:
Edmond Town Hall (Gymnasium)
45 Main St. Rte 25
Newtown, CT

April 3 – Woodbridge Spring Vendor Fair

Get all of your gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, teachers, and graduates. Free admission and plenty of easy parking.

Time:
Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Address:
JCC of Greater New Haven
360 Amity RD
Woodbridge, CT

April 8 - 10 – American Fine Craft Show

For three days the XL Center in downtown Hartford will be transformed into 130+ galleries presenting extraordinary works direct from the makers' studios

Time:
Saturday, 10am - 7pm
Sunday, 11am - 5pm

Address:
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT

April 9 – 10 & April 30 - 31 – 2016 Connecticut Kids Closet

A children's consignment sale is an organized event where anyone can sell their new or gently used children's/maternity clothing, toys, baby and children's equipment, books, video, nursery furniture, etc. It is also a great way for anyone, whether they have items to sell or not, can buy quality children's or maternity items at great prices.

Time:
Saturday, 9am - 5pm
Sunday, 9am - 1pm

Address:
O'Neill Center Arena - Western CT University
43 Lake Ave
Danbury, CT

April 9 – Bristol Craft Fair

Shop among 40 venders and sell your gold to a professional broker. Food. Raffles. Fun. All for $1 admission.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 3pm

Address:
Saint Paul Catholic High School
1001 Stafford Avenue
Bristol, CT

April 9; April 23 Norfolk Winter Farmers Market

Find fresh vegetables and fruit, herbs, mushrooms, cut flowers and plants; local meats, chickens, cheeses and eggs; all sorts of breads and baked goods; honey and maple syrup, jams, jellies and pickles; handmade wares of every description and an array of wonderful foods to take home or eat on the spot for breakfast, lunch or supper.

Address:
Town Hall
18 Maple Ave
Norfolk, CT

April 9, April 23, – 2016 Storrs Winter Farmers Market

The Winter Farmers Market offers Mansfield and its neighbor’s access to fresh, locally grown foods all through the winter. Featuring all your favorite winter foods, including cold-storage crops; fresh-baked bread, pies, and pastries; hot sauce; maple syrup; honey; goat cheeses; pork; beef; chicken; and much more

Time:
Saturday, 3pm- 5pm

Address:
Buchanan Auditorium in the Mansfield Public Library
54 Warrenville RD
Mansfield Center, CT

April 9, April 23, May 21, May 28, June 11,  – 2016 Litchfield Hills Farm – Fresh Market

This is a CT-Grown market at which farmers sell what they grow, harvest or raise; and vendors of processed products sell what they themselves have produced primarily from CT-grown products. All vendors engage in educating the customers about their products. It'll also have artists, authors, chefs, musicians and nonprofit tents. There is something for everyone. Support CT - Grown products, CT food, and fun.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 1pm

Address:
Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT

April 9 – 2016 Trumbull Spring Craft Festival

This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
Grace Episcopal Church (Hall)
5958 Main Street, Rt. 111
Trumbull, CT

April 9 – June 24 – New London Field of Greens Market

Featuring fresh produce, artisan breads, specialty items, art and home made goods. 

Time:
Saturday, 9am - Noon

Address:
Saint James Church
76 Federal St
New London, CT

April 10 – 2016 Southbury Spring Showcase of Crafts

This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.

Time:
Sunday, 11am – 5pm

Address:
Crowne Plaza
1284 Strongtown Rd
Southbury, CT

April 16 – Connecticut Day of Percussion

The day will be full of performances and clinics by leading artists and ensembles in CT and the country!

Time:
Saturday, 9am – 6pm

Address:
Coventry High School
78 Ripley Hill Rd
Coventry, CT

April 16 – 17 – Fairfield County Women’s Expo 2016

This event attracts thousands of women that want to shop for the latest products and services in fashion, beauty, health, nutrition, fitness, financial planning, careers, home, education and much more. 

Time:
Saturday – 11am – 5pm
Sunday – 11am – 5pm

Address:
Crowne Plaza Stamford
2701 Summer Street
Stamford, CT

April 16 – 17 – 2016 Indoor Flea Market and Craft Fair

More than 30 vendors and a white elephant room

Time:
Saturday – 9am – 2:30pm
Sunday – 9am – 2:30pm

Address:
North Congregational Church
11 Main Street North
Woodbury, CT

April 17 – 2016 Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet

Vendor's Antique/Custom Bike, Show, Music, and more

Time:
Sunday, 7am – 4pm

Address:
Stafford Motor Speedway
55 West Street
Stafford Springs, CT

April 23 – Connecticut Beltane 2016

There will be vendors, readers, workshops, May Pole dancing, crafts, music, dancing, food, community, and loads of fun.

Time:
Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
VFW Berlin Post
152 Massirio Dr
Berlin, CT

April 23 – 2016 Derby Spring Craft and Vendor Fair

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
Bradley School
155 David Humphrey’s Rd
Derby, CT

April 24 – 2016 Shelton Spring Craft Festival

This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.

Time:
Sunday, 11am – 5pm

Address:
Hyatt House Hotel
830 Bridgeport Ave
Shelton, CT

April 29 - 30 – Connecticut Storytelling Festival

Address:
Connecticut College
New London, CT

April 30 – Greater Middletown Relay for Life Vendor/Craft Fair

Rain or Shine we have DJ TY and a live band Back in the Day tents can not have stakes. This is a vendor and craft fair.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
South Green (Union Park)
Main Street
Middletown, CT

April 30 – Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival

The Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009. This event is a delightful agricultural and learning experience for the general public as well as shepherds and fiber enthusiasts. It'll have vendors featuring fiber of all types, fiber tools, dyes, finished goods, soaps, herbals, local CT cheese and a variety of other quality items produced by small farms and businesses from the North East. This year's professional concessions will be offering a variety of menu. Fleece Sale, Spinning Bee Competition, Wheel Classes, Drop Spindle Class, Silk Reeling Demonstration, and much more

Time:
Saturday, 9am – 4pm

Address:
Tolland Agricultural Center
Route 30
Vernon, CT

April 30 – May 1 – 2016 Daffodil Festival

You'll not only see an amazing 61 different varieties of daffodils, there will also be crafts, amusement rides, food, entertainment, and a fireworks display for you to enjoy. It's going to be a great time for the whole family. 

Time:
Saturday, 10 am – 7pm
Sunday, 10 am – 5pm

Address:
Hubbard Park
West Main Street
Meriden, CT

May 1 – 2016 Vernon Arts and Crafts Show

You will find a good assortment of country crafts, floral arrangements, adults and children painted clothing, folk art, furniture, fine jewelry, pottery, leather, baskets, original art, soaps, personalized items, American girl doll clothes, dolls, bears, woodcrafts and much more.

Time:
Sunday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
95 Hartford Turnpike
Vernon CT

May 1 – 2016 Simsbury Flea Market

The Simsbury Flea is an outdoor flea market featuring antique dealers, arts and crafts, vendors, a Food Truck Festival and live music at the Simsbury Meadows in Simsbury, CT on Sunday, May 1st. Come out for a fun day of shopping, eating and music. Admission $3, Kids are free.

Time:
Sunday, 9am – 5pm

Address:
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
22 Iron Horse Blvd
Simsbury, CT

May 6 - 8 – 2016 Dogwood Festival

The Dogwood Festival is the pride and joy of the members of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church who have celebrated springtime in Fairfield for over 80 years. Shop at the Arts and Crafts tents, a juried event featuring dozens of New England artists and crafters. Dogwood Dash and Mini Dash, Musical Performances, Grill Tent, Church-wide Antiques Sale, Plant and Garden Boutique, Kid Fun Activities, and much more.

Time:
Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Address:
1045 Old Academy Road
Fairfield, CT

May 7 - 8 – Milford Mother’s Day Arts and Crafts Show

Milford Spring Arts and Crafts Show on The Green is juried craft show featuring hand made items in a wide variety of Arts and Crafts.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
The Milford Green
12 Broad Street
Milford, CT

May 14  – Home, Garden, Lifestyle Show

A collaborative event (block party) between several local small business groups

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
Shops at 485 New Park
485 New Park Avenue
West Hartford, CT

May 14 - 15  – 2016 Cannondale Spring Craft Festival

This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products. 

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm

Address:
Cannondale Village
28 Cannon Rd
Wilton, CT

May 15 & June 19  – 2016 Dave’s Flea Market and Craft Fair

Free Admission

Time:
Sunday, 9am – 2pm

Address:
Stafford Motor Speedway
55 West Street
Stafford Springs, CT

May 21 - 22  – Outdoor Crafts Festival of the Bruce Museum

More than 70 craft artists from all over the country, many of them new to the show, will be on the Museum grounds to show you and discuss their work. Fine contemporary craft, including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, glass, wood, metal, paper arts and leather, will all be available for purchase. There will also be family craft activities, live music and delicious food. 

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
Bruce Museum Grounds
1 Museum Drive
Greenwich, CT

May 21 - 22  – IFAM Fine Art Show and Sale

This is a juried art show Featuring Jewelry; pottery/Ceramics; Sculpture; Literary Arts; Fashion products; 2D (Painting, photographs, prints, etc); Fiber Arts (Baskets, weavings, etc); Katsina Carvings, Bead/Quillwork and much more.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
Pequot Museum
Mashantucket, CT

May 21 - 22  – 2016 Crafters’ Exhibit and Sale

Artists, crafters, musicians, actors, nonprofit organizations, workshops for kids and adults, concerts, poetry salon, open mic and lots more. 

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
Oxford Town Hall
Route 67
Oxford, CT

May 21  – 2016 Madison Spring Festival

100 Artists and Artisans from all over New England sell fine art, photography, sculpture, pottery, fiber, jewelry, furniture, garden, woodwork, farm and food products

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
Madison Town Green
575 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT

May 21  – 2016 Canines n’ Crafts Fair

There will be dog demos and contests, prizes, food, vendors, and crafters. Free Admission

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
North Stonington Fairgrounds
21 Wyassup Road
North Stonington, CT

May 28  – Anything Goes Motor Show 2016

There will be food and craft vendors.

Address:
Haddam Neck Fair Grounds
East Hampton, CT

May 29  – Milan Couture High Fashion Week

Featuring designers, models, vendors, photographers, and more.

Address:
Oronoque Country Club
Stratford, CT

June 3 - 4  – Fair on the Green 2016

With 110 or more of the east coast's best crafters, fine artists and artisans, the Fair on the Green will please both vendors and visitors alike.

Time:
10am – 5pm

Address:
Scenic Green
Milford, CT

June 4  – Strawberry Festival

Fun, food, games, strawberry shortcake, and music all to benefit the historic 1st congregational church

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 3pm

Address:
The Green in Downtown Madison
26 Meetinghouse Land
Madison, CT

June 4 - 5  – West Hartford Arts and Crafts Show

Located on the beautiful Town Hall Common, the Arts and Crafts Show features more than 175 master artists and crafters whose work represents some of the finest in New England.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 12pm – 6pm

Address:
Town Hall Common
50 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT

June 4  – Stratford Main Street Festival

Main Street Festival is a community event designed to be a day of fun and entertainment for people of all ages and to encourage individuals and families to learn more about the Town of Stratford. Live entertainment, concert, beer garden, inflatables, mini golf, classic car show, and more.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
Downtown
Main and West Broad Street
Stratford, CT

June 5  – Naugatuck River Duck Race Festival

Time:
Saturday, 11am – 4pm

Address:
Water Street
Naugatuck, CT

June 5  – 2016 Shelton Arts and Crafts Fair

Join us at the 52nd Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Always on the Huntington Green, this all volunteer run event has grown into an established community tradition kicking off the summer season in Fairfield County.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
Huntington Green
Shelton, CT

June 5  – 2016 Westbrook Arts and Crafts Fair

The Twenty-Eighth annual Westbrook Spring Arts and Crafts Fair. Come do our shopping and stop by this wonderful fair on the Westbrook town green. You'll find original, handcrafted items. Free admission,.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
Westbrook Town Green
Westbrook, CT

June 8 - 12  – Danbury Fair Mall Spring Art and Craft Fair

Featuring jewelry, floral designs, dolls, wood craft, home décor, and much more.

Address:
Danbury Fair Mall
Danbury, CT

June 9  – CT Business Expo 2016

Attendees connect and learn about new products, expand their customer base, gain access to key decision makers, stay ahead of the competition, broaden their brand awareness, meet new prospects, generate leads, see demonstrations, and network all day long.

Time:
9am – 4pm

Address:
The Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, CT

June 11  – Parmelee Farm Market

Fresh local produce, eggs, dairy products, honey, breads, soaps, jams will be available. A limited number of quality artisans will be there as well. All will be accompanied by live, soothing music.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 1pm

Address:
Parmelee Farm
465 Route 81
Killingworth, CT

June 11 - 2016 Gallery on the Green

Over 70 injured artisans and crafters will showcase and sell their artwork. This includes: fine art, photography, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, folk art, furniture, clothing, glasswork, quilting, leather goods, and more.

Time:
Saturday, 9:30am – 4:00pm

Address:
Downtown
West Street
Litchfield, CT

June 11 - 12 – Art at Ives, Juried Fine Art and Crafts Show

This two-day event will feature a wide variety of high-quality original works and a diverse scope of art forms representing every major category. Food and live music, along with art classes, demonstrations and children's events also will be included. This event will be rain or shine.

Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Address:
Ives Concert Park
West Connecticut State University, Westside Campus
43 Lake Ave
Danbury, CT

June 17 - 19 – 2016 Branford Festival

Since its inception in 1985, Father's Day Weekend in Branford has become synonymous with The Branford Festival. The Historic Town Green is transformed into a festival of crafts, activities, food, live music and much, much more. Whatever your interests, there is something available for the entire family.

Time:
Friday, 5pm – 10:30pm
Saturday, 8am – 11:00pm
Sunday, 8am – 4:00pm

Address:
Town Green
Town Hall Dr
Branford, CT

June 18 – Cheshire Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair

This traditional New England festival features farm-fresh strawberry shortcake along with grilled foods, handmade crafts, amusements and entertainment that are fun for the entire family.

Time:
Saturday, 10am - 4pm

Address:
Cheshire Green
111 Church Drive
Cheshire, CT

June 18 - 19 – MCC Strawberry Festival

This event will have over 75 juried exhibitors, local artists, strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies, baked goods, children's games and live entertainment. Come and join us for a fun filled weekend.

Time:
Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Address:
Monroe Congregational Church
Monroe, CT

June 18 - 19 – The Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Fair

Come and join this event for a day of exciting adventures for the whole gamily. Explore an interactive fantasy world set in a time long ago where elves, fairies, orcs, goblins, animal-kin, dwarves, and magic are REAL.

Time:
Saturday, 11am – 6:30pm
Sunday, 11am – 6:30pm

Address:
Warsaw Park
119 Pulaski Highway
Ansonia, CT

June 18  – Bloomfield Strawberry Festival

The annual Bloomfield Strawberry Festival is a town-wide event that is open to the public and brings residents from throughout Connecticut together for a day of fun, food, and entertainment. Local entertainment, vendors, tag sale, food for sale, and much more

Time:
Saturday, 12pm - 7pm

Address:
Bloomfield United Methodist
297 School Street
Bloomfield, CT

June 18  – 2016 Trumbull Summer Craft Festival

This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products. 

Time: 
Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Address:
Grace Episcopal Church (Front Lawn)
5958 Main Street
Trumbull, CT

Spring is right around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to do some cleaning. Sometimes it can get overwhelming and you don’t know where to start. Make your home fresh for spring by cleaning, de-cluttering, and updating the rooms of your home.

Clean your home
Giving your home a thorough cleaning in the spring is a must for getting rid of the accumulated dirt and grime that builds up over winter. This is the perfect time to do all of those things you said you would get around to cleaning and haven’t done yet.

1. Garbage cans – Hose down any plastic garbage cans and leave them outside and upside down to dry. Sprinkle the bottom of the cans with baking soda to keep them odor free.
2. Floors– Gather up your throw rugs and shake them out outside. Clean your doormats, carpets, and the other floors in your home really well.
3. Clean out the fridge – Throw out any expired food, open bottles of condiments from last summer, etc. Wipe down all of the shelves before placing food back on the shelves.
4. Remove dust – from ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures. Also be sure to wipe down walls, cabinets, baseboards, and woodwork. Use a sponge mop to get hard to reach areas.
5. Clean all windows and mirrors – Any mirrors or windows in your home, make sure to spray some Windex on them and get rid of any streaks.

De-clutter your home
While cleaning helps with a lot of the dust and grime, it could be a good idea to start de-cluttering your home and downsizing.

1. Go through your closet and donate (or sell) clothes that not longer fit you or you no longer like to wear.
2. Keep just the essentials by your bed and store the rest away. For your essentials – have a pamper basket next to your bed that contains a book, some moisturizer, and anything else that you like to do in bed. The only other things besides your pamper basket should be a clock, lamp, and a box of tissues.
3. Throw away any products in your bathroom that are half used and you know you won’t use again (even though you tell yourself you will.) This includes old makeup, half empty shampoo bottle, and old creams.

Update your home
While you are downsizing and cleaning, the final thing you can do to make your home truly feel great and fresh would be to update some of your belongings!

1. Buy yourself new sheets. Something soft that will make you feel good in the new season. While you’re at it, update your pillows, blankets, and anything else you can think of in your bedroom.
2. Just because it says update, doesn’t mean that it’s expensive! Try rearranging your furniture to give an updated look to the rooms in your home.
3. Change the scent! Stray from the heavy winter scents and go for candles and air fresheners that make you feel like spring is here to say – cotton and flower scents are good choices.

Cleaning, de-cluttering and updating your home will make you feel great going into this spring.

Winter is brutal to your lawn. When spring comes around, your lawn can be left looking dull with dead patches sporadically appearing throughout your yard.  The most important part of making your lawn look fresh and green is by working on the soil beneath the grass. After the last snow falls for the year, it’s time to clean up your yard and make it presentable for the spring season!

The first step to making your lawn look “revived” is cleaning it up! Take the opportunity on a nice day and go out into your yard and clear away any debris that covers the grass. You can use a rake or a blower to get the job done. Any plants, shrubs, or trees that did not survive the winter need to be removed. If there are any parts of the plant or tree that still living, you don’t have to remove the entire thing – just the dead area. By pruning and trimming it back, it not only makes your yard look nicer, it also makes gives the plants an area to grow.

The next step is working with that soil. As previously mentioned, the soil beneath the grass is giving it all of the nutrients! If the soil underneath isn’t healthy and being well maintained, you grass and plants won’t be well maintained either. After a long winter with a lot of snow, your lawn was likely patted down, which can make it difficult for the soil to get the nutrients it needs. Aerate your lawn by poking holes in it or use an aerator.  If you don’t know how to do it properly, it’s best to hire a professional. For those dead patches in your yard, you need to make a decision of whether you want to grow new grass that will take some time or use sod grass over the patches.  Nutrients are so important for your soil and it’s important add them to your lawn to encourage healthy growing.

Weeds aren’t fun to deal with, but if you want your lawn to look great, you need to take care of the weeds in your yard. Early in the season, pull out any weeds that you see and take preventative measures by using herbicide. Be sure to do this before watering or applying any fertilizers that would likely encourage weed growth.

The most important part of making your lawn look great after a long winter is maintenance.  It’s important to mow at regular intervals, fertilize it periodically, and take care of other duties such as pulling weeds as they appear.  If you have trouble keeping up with your lawn, calling a professional can help you with the maintenance and could be well worth the investment for a great looking property.