As Harvest Bend begins to thaw from recent hard freezes, many homeowners are stepping outside and taking stock of their lawns and landscaping. Some plants made it. Others didn’t. And in a Texas neighborhood where curb appeal and community pride matter, spring feels like both a reset and an opportunity.

Starting in May, Harvest Bend’s Yard of the Month program will officially return, highlighting one home each month that reflects care, consistency and neighborhood pride. For residents, that recognition goes beyond a yard sign — it reinforces the shared investment homeowners have in maintaining property values, strengthening community identity and keeping Harvest Bend looking its best.

Why Yard of the Month Matters in Harvest Bend

Well-maintained yards contribute directly to the overall appearance and desirability of a neighborhood. In communities like Harvest Bend, consistent lawn care and thoughtful landscaping help protect property values while creating a welcoming environment for neighbors and guests.

The Yard of the Month program celebrates that effort.

Each month beginning in May, a selected homeowner will receive a Yard of the Month sign along with a small prize in recognition of their landscaping and upkeep. Winning yards are typically neatly maintained, edged, free of debris and thoughtfully cared for — whether that means healthy turf, trimmed hedges, seasonal flowers or well-kept garden beds.

It’s not about having the most elaborate landscaping. It’s about visible care and long-term stewardship.

After the Freeze: A Season to Plan Before You Plant

Following the recent hard freezes across the area, this spring may feel less like a race to add color and more like a time to assess, plan and rebuild wisely.

Cold snaps can stress turfgrass, damage shrubs and impact root systems, even when plants appear green on the surface. Before replacing everything at once, homeowners in Harvest Bend may benefit from taking a closer look at what truly survived winter conditions.

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This planning season can include:

• Inspecting irrigation systems for leaks or freeze damage
• Testing soil health and adding compost or nutrients as needed
• Waiting for consistent warm soil temperatures before planting new annuals
• Pruning winter-damaged branches once new growth becomes visible
• Mapping out beds with heat-tolerant or drought-conscious plant selections suited for Texas summers

Rather than rushing to replant immediately, thoughtful preparation now can lead to stronger lawns and healthier landscapes heading into late spring and summer. Choosing resilient plant varieties and focusing on long-term sustainability can also reduce water use and maintenance demands later in the season.

For many Harvest Bend families, this time becomes an opportunity to involve children in planning garden layouts or selecting flowers that will thrive in the months ahead. Even walking the yard together to identify improvement areas can build excitement for the Yard of the Month season beginning in May.

In many ways, this year’s preparation may be less about instant transformation and more about steady progress.

Building Community One Lawn at a Time

Neighborhood recognition programs like Yard of the Month often create a ripple effect. When one home is highlighted, it encourages others to take a fresh look at their own landscaping. Over time, that collective effort elevates the appearance of the entire Harvest Bend subdivision.

For realtors and prospective buyers, a consistently well-kept neighborhood signals strong community engagement. For longtime residents, it reinforces stability and pride in the place they call home.

The Yard of the Month program is a simple initiative, but it reflects something meaningful — residents who care about their homes and about each other.

What Happens Next

Selections will begin in May, with winners announced monthly throughout the season. Residents do not need to formally apply; homes are typically observed and selected based on overall upkeep and curb appeal.

As warmer weather settles in, Harvest Bend homeowners have a window of time to thoughtfully prepare their landscapes after winter’s impact. With a little planning now, May can mark the beginning of a season that celebrates neighborhood pride right from the curb.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for ongoing updates and community highlights in Harvest Bend.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.