Are you as ready for spring as we are? Here are some tips on how you can get started and prepare your property for spring.
Spring Lawn Prep-Work
Wait for a dry day, and then rake up any debris left from the fall and winter. Don’t rake your lawn until it has fully dried, as raking wet grass can damage the root system. You’ll want to make sure that all branches and debris are removed before you begin cutting your lawn.
If you have any brown patches, this is likely due to winter kill. But fear not, it’s easy to fix! Rake the loose grass off, then fill the patch with topsoil. Rake some grass seed into the topsoil, and keep it moist until seeds begin to sprout.
To begin thickening your lawn, aerate your property and then overseed. Aeration should take place in spring when your lawn is somewhat dried out.If your lawn is looking a bit sparse, add a layer of topsoil before beginning to overseed. Seeding should not take place until the temperature warms to at least 10 degrees Celcius. Any earlier and the seed with will not germinate, and your local birds will thank you for the seedy snack. If overseeding, the seed needs to be kept moist all the time until germination.
Fertilize, and water one inch per week to ensure that the lawn receives the necessary nutrients for greening and proper growth. Once your grass has grown, make sure you’re regularly cutting it to a height of 3-3.5 inches. This ensures that during the hot summer months, water is retained as much as possible.
Spring Garden Prep-Work
If you prepped your garden for winter, you likely laid down winter mulch. Just like your lawn, you’ll want to remove all winter debris and leaves from your garden beds and mulch. Pull weeds that are beginning to grow, ensuring you get the full root system when you remove them.
Cut down your perennials to just 2 inches above the earth. Large clump perennials should be split up every 4-5 years to ensure they keep actively blooming. Plant the excess in bare spots – or give them to a garden-loving friend!
Bushes should be properly trimmed and shaped to encourage growth. Cut out any dead or old growth from the interior of the bush.
Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer. These last for 3 months and ensure your garden is getting the nutrients it needs throughout the prime growing season. If it’s a dry spring, you should begin watering. We recommend one inch per week for established gardens.
If you are eager to start planting and enjoy a burst of colour, plant frost-loving annuals such as pansies. It’s too late to begin planting spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocuses – these need to be planted in the fall for a spring bloom. It is, however, the perfect time to plant summer blooming bulbs, like gladioli.
If you’re planning a new garden bed on your property, it’s time to get started. Cut out your perimeter and remove the sod. Fill with garden soil, and start waiting for the arrival of bushes at your favourite garden centre!
A beautiful garden and lawn can be created by doing the work monthly. Don’t neglect your investment! Curb appeal adds substantial value to your home. Plus, it adds to your enjoyment of your property!
If gardens and lawns are left unattended for too many years, chances are the only solution for fixing them is complete removal and replacement. Monthly maintenance ensures you aren’t stuck replacing the whole shebang!
Of course, if you prefer the low-maintenance approach – contact NeighborScape to help prepare your property for spring! We can maintain your property all season long, ensuring a healthy, beautiful property for you to sit back and relax in.
