Easter morning will be here before we know it. Families will be in their yards and seeking perfect Easter photo opportunities. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has some tips on how to make sure you have an enjoyable and safe hunt.
“You want to spruce up your lawn before the kids are out there hunting for eggs,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “If you tidy up the lawn before Easter morning, they’ll have a great time and you’ll get better pictures. And, a great lawn starts with a great trim.”
Tidy the yard.
Remove leaves, branches and sticks. Make sure pathways are clear and ready for foot traffic and mowing. Clean up play sets and other items that spent the winter outside.
Assess the lawn’s condition.
Look for dog poop, holes in the ground, pests or other hazards — and remove or repair them. Spring is the time to fix bare patches in the lawn by reseeding or resodding.
Remove thatch (decaying items like leaves, grassroots and stem accumulation) so nutrients and water can reach grass roots, and disease and pests are discouraged from nesting.
Plan where the Easter egg hunt will be.
Use rope, tape or ribbon to mark boundaries so children know where they can go. You’ll want to avoid having excited little feet trample any bare lawn patches you are reseeding or repairing, so avoid these areas if you can.
Most grass varieties are hardy and can withstand foot traffic, but keep more delicate plants, such as flower beds, from eager hands and feet.
Cut your grass a few days in advance.
Your lawn will benefit from the clippings being left behind on the grass, but it’s better to cut a couple of days before the egg hunt so clippings dry and don’t stick to the eggs. Use a freshly sharpened mower blade for a clean cut, and always mow to the recommended height for the grass variety you have, the season and the growing conditions.
Proper mowing, including choosing the correct height of grass, creates a low-maintenance, more drought-tolerant lawn.
Keep bystanders indoors while mowing (and hiding eggs).
Children and pets should be inside and supervised when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Plus, it will be easier to keep the egg hunt a secret from your kids — and curious pets!
Hide with safety in mind.
Consider your child’s age when selecting hiding locations for the eggs. Young children will run around the lawn and find eggs. Older children might need more complexity, such as hiding eggs in shrubbery.
For more outdoor power equipment tips, go to www.opei.org.
Don't forget that chocolate is toxic to dogs, so make sure you keep your eager pooch off the egg-hunting grounds! The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.
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