It’s April and a lot of us just got another snow fall! Spring landscaping sets up your lawn for success in the summer and eventually once the snow melts, you can tackle your muddy yard yourself or with your local landscaping professional. Here’s 10 tips to ensure that the grass is NOT greener on the other side.
- Spring Cleaning
Hopefully the leaves from the fall were raked last year. If not, grab the rake and get to work! A deep raking can also help remove any grass that may have died during the winter.
- Inspect
Walk around your lawn and look for any bare spots or brown patches that might need your attention. Also, take time to inspect your landscaping equipment. Will your lawn mower start? Does the blade need sharpening? Is the sprinkler system working? Does your lawn have any winter salt damage from de-icers and salt?
- Reseed
After winter, your lawn might have some bare spots. Grass and weeds compete for space, so it is important to fill the void with new grass to prevent the weeds from taking over during the summer.
- Mow
Once the warm weather sets in and the average daily temperatures rise above degrees Fahrenheit, grass will start sprouting. The new growth will require mowing. Set your mower higher and make sure not to cut your lawn shorter than 2.5 inches or more than 1/3 of the length when you mow. Cutting it too low removes too much of the grass leaf. Longer grass blades have longer roots, adsorb more nutrients and prevent weeds from growing.
- Edge
Edging your lawn adds a clean appearance that improves your curb appeal and the overall look of the lawn. Edging also prevents overgrowth onto sidewalks and flowerbeds as the lawn becomes more active in the late spring and early summer. For some great landscaping options, check out YardProduct.com.
- Feed
Fertilizer is like giving your lawn and plants a multi-vitamin. It helps them grow greener and lush! Use a soil test to figure out the exact type of fertilizer to use.
- Weed
Prevent the spreading of weeds by applying a pre-emergent herbicide, a preventative weed killer. If crabgrass is a problem in your area, consult your local landscaping professional on what can be done to prevent it.
- Prune
Trim your shrubs and plants for optimal growth. Spring’s blooming shrubs need to be pruned after they bloom, not before!
- Water
Watering scheduled vary by region and plant type, as well as Mother Nature and in some cases, local restrictions play a role in watering frequency. Regardless of all the factors, you never want to over water. Use a water gauge to be precise with your watering schedule.
- Aerate
Consider aerating your lawn in the spring in cases of over compaction from traffic, thin turf from dying grass and excessive thatch from a poor watering/feeding schedule. Aerating relieves these issues and promotes healthy lawns.
Have any questions or things to add? Let us know in the comments below.
Leave a Reply