The snow has melted, meaning many yards are looking a little sad and in need of some spring cleaning.

Scott’s recommends starting by cleaning up the branches and twigs in the yard and tuning up your lawn mower. Since it can be a little challenging to start a cold lawn mower after a long winter, letting it warm up in the sun to help make it easier to start.

“Kick it up a notch by placing a dark trash bag over the engine while it's soaking up some rays. (Don't forget to remove the bag before you start the mower!)” the website said.

Once the yard is clear and the mower is ready to go, Scott’s recommends cutting the grass high to help the grass grow deeper roots and crowd out weeds.

“Most turf types thrive with a 3- to 4-inch blade height, which usually corresponds to a mower's highest setting,” the website said.

When edging your flower beds, be sure to use a half-moon edger or a sharp garden spade to make a 2- to 3-inch deep, V-shaped trench.

“This'll show your lawn where it stops and your garden and landscape areas begin. Boundaries are important. Recut it as needed throughout the growing season, using a string trimmer. Toss any weed-free material you might dig out onto planting beds as mulch or add it to your compost pile,” Scott’s website said.

Once the flower bed and yard have been separated, adding mulch to the flowerbeds can help prevent weed growth and give it a nice, fresh look.

Later in the spring, make sure to work on thickening up any thinning spots in the yard, repair bare spots, and kill any weeds in the yard.

Find more yard tips on Scott’s website.

If you're looking to get some supplies to bring your yard back to life, here are some places to check out:

• Mill Gardens Farm Stand in Orford, NH
• Gardener's Supply Company in Lebanon, NH, and Burlington, VT
• Northern Nurseries Stone Center in White River Junction, VT
• Woodstock Gardens in Woodstock, VT