Spring Cleaning isn’t just for your home…
Your lawn and landscape need to be taken care of too. In our region, landscaping is often a year round task; however, knowing the effects of the changing seasons on your landscape can save time and work down the road and keep your landscape looking its best throughout the year.
In the cold of winter, plant material growth slows, and we can rely on Mother Nature, to some extent, to take care of our watering needs. But when the weather begins to heat up, a landscaper’s work follows suit. With spring comes growth, and growth means work. Here are some tips to prepare your landscape for the “growing” season.
Apply your pre-emergent herbicides now to thwart the impending weed explosion. Now is a good time to control the broadleaf weeds that will undoubtedly pop up in your turf areas. If weeds have already populated your landscape, you can tackle them with post-emergents like Round Up herbicide spray.
Now that the winter rains have subsided, check to ensure your irrigation system is working properly. It’s important that these systems are tuned up periodically so that they don’t miss a beat.
With extensive watering from the winter rains, shrubs tend to take off and some can grow fairly large. Consider doing some “hard pruning” early on to help control the growth of selected shrub types.
Cut back the ornamental grasses, which likely look like straw after the cool winter months. This will stimulate growth, and they will respond well as the weather warms up. Plants are like people – we all need a good haircut from time to time!
Also, like people, plants need good food. Consider a well-balanced fertilizer with Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium for your turf areas as well as for trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers.
Turf areas may have compacted soil due to the winter rains. Aerate your turf to help it to breathe better. This will do wonders for your lawn!
Snails may be out in full force soon. Apply snail bait so that they don’t wreck havoc on your landscape. Be sure, however, to be mindful of your pets.
With so much to do in the springtime, Benchmark is well-equipped and ready to help. Just give us a call.
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