Spring time is here and spring cleaning is in full swing. Not only do the insides of our homes need inspection and cleaning, our yards also need yearly maintenance done. Often times we forget about the simple things that should be done to our home each year, so here is a list of things that should be taken care of as the weather warms up.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs are often damaged by cold and windy weather, killing some of the plant’s branches. When this happens, the tree or shrub still sends nutrients and water to that dead stem; nutrients and water which could have been used to help the growth of the living part of the plant. Prune dead branches back to live branch, using hand pruners for anything under half an inch in diameter. If it’s over half an inch thick, use a handsaw.
Clear Out Dead Foliage
After a frosty winter, the threat of the bitter cold doesn’t endanger the garden. However, dead foliage does. Sunlight is a key part of growing beautiful plants, and obstructions on the ground can stop those plants from getting adequate sunlight. Rake out any fallen leaves and toss them in a wheelbarrow along with any other organic yard waste. Remove existing mulch to prepare for spring planting. After that, replant any heaved plants back into their flowerbeds and layer out some pelletized fertilizer so that spring rains can reach the roots of existing plantings. For a neat touch, use a flat-headed shovel to neaten the borders of your flowerbeds.
Make a Compost Pile
Take all of the dead leaves, cuttings, and mulch from your yard and create a compost pile. Keep it slightly moist and aerate it every two weeks using a pitchfork. If you want to speed up decomposition, add some bagged compost starter to the mix. However, don’t add any early spring weeds. They might sprout instead of decompose.
Lawn Preparation
In colder areas, grass starts growing in April. Test the pH of the grass near the beginning of spring, so that you can assemble the right changes. Using a square metal rake, remove any dead turf or turf damaged by salt or disease. After that, put in half an inch of compost over the surface to increase germination and prepare for seeding. Once the forsythia in your area begin blooming, start seeding.
Spring is an important time to prepare your yard. Often times, yard maintenance is forgotten among spring preparation, so don’t forget to add that to your list of warm weather work. Make sure that your yard is faring well, and that it is healthy. By following these steps, you can achieve that, improving your yard in both appearance and wellness. Contact PMI to find out more!
