If you are like Jim and me, you love the sounds of spring. Birds chirping, lawn mowers starting up, flowers popping color all over the landscape and trees! No matter how mild or wicked winter might be... Spring is such a welcome season!
Up until this week (sigh)... the unseasonably warm weather we have been experiencing has given many of us "spring fever"! While it's still a bit too early to start your lawn and garden care, Spring is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start assessing your lawn, landscaping and garden to make it flourishes throughout the growing season.
Inspect trees and shrubs: Now is a good time to prune broken or damaged branches that occurred during the Winter months. Believe us, it's easier to do when the foliage is not present. Be careful, however, to not prune off branches with flower buds that will bloom in the spring. Prune spring blooming branches, after they flower! Also, make sure to call a professional for any branches that are difficult or out of reach.
Test your soil: This is a spring task many homeowners do not do... however, every few years it can be beneficial to have a sample of your soil tested for a proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. You can ask your favorite local nursery if they provide this service or even take a sample to a local agricultural extension office.
Fertilize your lawn, trees, and shrubs: The decision about whether or not to fertilize should be based on the nutrition requirements needed by your soil conditions.
Control Weeds. Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control. (Preen is a good example) When forsythia is in full bloom, it's usually the perfect time to apply crabgrass weed preventer. But remember, this year the forsythia are blooming early, so you might want to wait a bit.
Tidy up Planting beds & Landscaping Around Your House: Rake up dead leaves and debris from plant beds and from around foundation of your home. Before applying mulch, place weed block to prevent weeds from popping up. Use fresh mulch to cover beds and around trees (no more than 3" depth). Not only will the mulch make your yard look neat and tidy, but it also helps retain moisture in the soil and keep roots protected from the summer heat and insulated during the winter. As it decomposes, it adds natural organic material to the soil.
Inspect your outdoor spigots and irrigation system. Turn on your spigots and irrigation system to make sure it is in working condition and without any leaks. Contact your irrigation company for proper turn on and the appropriate time frame.
Enjoy the outdoor weather while maintaining your yard: Jim and I love working in our yard and garden, and many agree a repetitive task like cutting off dead stems or raking leaves help to reduce stress. These tasks are also a good way to get some exercise... working your arms, legs and heart.
Taking care of your yard is part of good stewardship of caring for your home! A nice yard, will give you enjoyment, a feeling of accomplishment and will always provide great curb appeal when/if you should decide to sell. Enjoy it while you own it, don't just make it a task to ready your home for sale! Maintaining your lawn/yard and plant beds over time will make it easier to prep your home for sale!
