Hey everyone! We're just about to close on our first home, and this is a big deal since no one in my family has ever owned a house, let alone one with a yard. I've heard yard maintenance can be a lot of work, but we want to create a fun and safe environment for our toddler and dog. Our yard is surrounded by a metal fence, has some gigantic trees in the center, and ivy climbing the fence. I'd really appreciate any day-to-day maintenance tips you have, as well as suggestions for keeping pests and small animals away!
4 Answers
To get started, just keep your yard tidy. Regular mowing and trimming go a long way! As plants grow, you might need a hand pruner and loppers for bigger branches, but if you shop wisely, you can find tools that last a long time.
Yard work really depends on what needs doing at any given time. Things like pruning trees, trimming ivy, and mowing should be done as needed—there's no strict schedule. Fertilizing your grass once a year is a good idea, but trust me, not everyone sticks to that! You'll figure out what works best for you as you go along.
Congrats on your new home! We also bought our first house a few months ago, and it’s a fun adventure. We focused on removing weeds, especially the prickly kind, trimming the lawn regularly, and patching up bare spots with seed. Next year, we’re planning to clear some areas for a veggie garden and flowers. We’re also fixing up our deck to make it safer for the kids to play. It's definitely a work in progress, but exciting!
Don’t forget to chat with your neighbors! They can be super helpful, and it's a good way to learn what works in your area. Plus, seeing how others maintain their yards can be a great starting point for your own space.

Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely keep my eye out for good tools!