Taking pride in your property doesn’t always mean major renovations or dangerous tree work. There are plenty of weekend-friendly DIY tasks that can make your yard cleaner, safer, and more appealing — especially before bringing in professionals for larger jobs like tree removal or land clearing.

This guide shares simple, low-risk ways to boost your curb appeal, increase property value, and make your outdoor space easier to maintain. These are projects you can safely tackle on your own, while McCoy’s Services Inc. stands by to handle the heavy-duty work when you're ready.

1. Clean Up Edges and Walkways

Overgrown grass and weeds around sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds can make a yard look neglected. Use a string trimmer or half-moon edger to redefine the lines — especially where grass meets mulch or concrete.

While it seems minor, crisp edges make a big visual impact and can increase your home's perceived value. Plus, it makes it easier for our team to access tree trunks, utility areas, and entry paths when heavier equipment is needed later.

2. Prune Shrubs and Low-Hanging Branches

You don’t need a chainsaw to make a difference in your yard. Use loppers or a bypass pruner to trim shrubs, bushes, and small tree limbs under 1" in diameter.

Focus on:

• Limbs touching your house, deck, or fence
• Branches that block walkways or views
• Dead or damaged twigs

Just avoid anything too high or heavy — if a ladder is needed, it's better left to the pros.

3. Mulch and Refresh Beds

A fresh layer of mulch does wonders. It suppresses weeds, helps soil retain moisture, and gives your landscape a clean, polished look. Choose natural mulch (like hardwood or pine bark), and aim for 2–3 inches deep — just keep it off tree trunks.

If you have old mulch that's faded or clumping, rake it out first or mix it in before adding new.

4. Clear Out Yard Debris and Leaf Buildup

Old sticks, limbs, leaves, and pine needles are more than just unsightly — they can attract pests, clog drains, and create tripping hazards.

Use a tarp and rake or leaf blower to gather loose material and bag it up. If you’re preparing for tree service or land clearing, this makes it easier (and faster) for our crews to work without obstruction.

5. Install or Fix Basic Hardscaping

If you’ve got time and a little budget, consider adding a border around beds, replacing broken pavers, or laying gravel in a problem spot. These DIY updates help define space and reduce mud and erosion — which we often see near root-heavy areas or sloped yards.

6. Plan for Sun, Shade, and Space

A big part of long-term yard planning is understanding where the sun hits, where water flows, and how you want to use your space. Walk your property in the morning and afternoon to observe light patterns. Note soggy spots, overgrown corners, and areas with poor visibility or access.

Mapping this out helps both you and our crew when deciding where to plant, clear, or reshape the land. Bonus: it saves time and cost later.

7. Take Photos and Notes for Your Contractor

Before scheduling a service, take clear photos of the areas in question — including nearby structures, fences, or utility lines. Write down what you’d like to achieve: more open yard, better drainage, tree removed, etc.

This helps us provide a more accurate estimate and ensures nothing is missed. It also gives you a record of what you started with — and how much better it’ll look when we're done.

Keeping your property clean and well-prepped is one of the smartest things you can do before calling in a professional. Not only does it make your yard more enjoyable now, but it also lowers the cost and complexity of future services. When you're ready for the big stuff — tree removals, lot clearing, or stump grinding — McCoy’s Services Inc. is just a call away. And because you’ve already done your part, we can do ours even faster.