If weeds ever get out of control and take over your front yard here is a something you can do about it. It takes a little hard work and a small budget but you can make your house look worthwhile again.
First assess the situation.
Remove all underbrush, weeds and any plants that you don't want to carry to your new look. This takes time and hard work. If you are going to take time to do this do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again.
Pile it all up and get it out of here!
Rake and level out the new area. This is important so you can figure how much "filler" you need. It also gives you an idea of what the finished product will look like.
Go take a break. You deserve it! Go get a newspaper and take off all the old weeds to the dump. While you are out you can go get your filler material as well as any other plants you may want to plant. Your filler material can be pine straw, wood chips or rock. If you figure out how much you need go ahead and add about 25% more. You always seem to under estimate what you will need and nothings sucks more than not being able to finish a job cause you don't have what you need. You will also need a weed guard (black paper cloth) to put down to help stop weeds from growing back.
After your break and when you are done with the newspaper its time to get back to work.
First you will need that newspaper you bought as well as a water hose. Some people skip this step but I don't recommend it. I really hate doing yard work so I try and do it super right the first time. You will lay the newspaper on the area as a blanket to prevent weed growth. I know you just bought a cloth for this as well. Its for double protection. Once you lay down the paper saturate it with water.
Isn't it pretty? From here lay down the cloth on top of the paper and work your filler material on top of that. Divide it into sections so to work faster and you can see your progress.
Continue working this way over the rest of your area. If you are adding new plants do this sections at a time. Make sure you give proper spacing and coverage for each type of plants. I choose evergreen plants because they are easily to manage and take little care.
Once completed hose down your area and marvel at your new masterpiece.
Congratulation. This little amount of work will save you from having to do tons of work in the future. It is also said that it pays for itself 5 tines over on the resell of your house. So have fun and get to work.
FYI
The Basics
7 Man Hours
28 Bags of Crushed Brick
2 Evergreens
1 Newspaper
$165.00
The Tools
Hard Tooth Rake
Fan Rake
Spade
Shovel
Hoe
Pitchfork
Water Hose
