Finally we are all starting to come off the Winter months with the hope of spring! It’s a bit late this year but with temperatures warming up, we are all hopeful to see its first signs. Bulbs are starting to peak through the ground, buds on forsythia are starting to swell – all good signs!
Some people wonder what they should do, or have a landscaper do for improvement in their landscape or lawn. Here are some helpful tips.
Lawn
- If you mow your lawn, inspect your mower and make sure the blades are sharp. It will do you no good with dull blades! When the grass reaches 3-4″, cut it back to about 2 1/2”.
- Have your soil tested. This will tell you the if PH and nutrients the soil might be lacking. This will guide you in a program of treatment or additives to correct problem areas.
- Use lime to raise the PH level – turf prefers neutral PH. Pelletized lime is the best but the ground should not be soggy when applied.
- Apply an herbicide application for crab grass control in early April, with the second application in mid May.
- Aerate lawn in compacted areas which will allow seed to take root more efficiently. Seed won’t germinate if lying on top of compacted ground.
- Over seeding can be done in April to thicken bare or thin spots in your lawn. Use a good seed mix that is geared to your exposure, i.e. shade or sun shade mix. Don’t use old seed as it probably won’t have a high rate of germination. Most times it’s also good to top-dress with a layer of compost to provide necessary nutrients for new seed.
- De-thatching is also important. Thatch promotes disease and stress to the lawn. Too much thatch usually means you are fertilizing too much or using poor mowing techniques.
- De-thatching is also recommended to be done twice a year.
- Rule of thumb for watering is 1″ per week minimum including rainfall. Water in early morning or early evening.
- Fertilizing throughout year will ensure a healthy lawn. You can also control broad leaf weeds with a liquid herbicide.
- Grubs start activity from spring when soil warms through June. Dylox is a product geared for grub control. Merit can also be used.
Landscape
- Clean-up all beds from winter debris, twigs, leaves etc. Prune winter kill from branches.
- Clean-up pots and clean and drain fountains
- Adjust lighting fixtures if applicable, change out bulbs
- Power wash patio, decks, walkways, house
- Fill joints of patio with fresh polymeric sand if needed
- Apply seal to patio or fresh stain to deck
- Clean out gutters and adjust/check downspouts
- Start up irrigation system
- Spray woodland edge and other tick prone areas with tick pesticide
- Spray dormant oil to remove aphid eggs from branches prior to bud opening on plants
- Edge and fertilize mulch beds
- Apply pre-emergent to beds for weed control
- Assess health of plants. Fertilize with holly tone for broad leaf and plant tone for deciduous plants. Rose tone can also be applied for roses.
Your yard needs a Spring boost and it always feels great to have things cleaned up before you have your parties and barbecues this summer!