Spring is finally here; we’re all gearing up to spend time outside. Over the wintertime, debris may have collected on your lawn, such as fallen branches and rogue leaves from late last season. Have you noticed more pinecones this year than most? Horticultural experts say it is highly likely that the hot and dry weather conditions in the 2022 growing season stressed the white pines which caused them to increase their cone production in 2023. This can also explain the abundance of Norway maple whirlybirds as well. 

Spring cleaning - Yard waste on lawns and flowerbeds inhibits spring growth and can allow disease to take hold. It’s time to get your yard pristine for the growing season by dead-heading your perennials as they start to sprout new growth. If you see weeds or unwanted plants from last season, now’s the time to remove them. Create a deep edge on your planting beds before the full growth of summer sets in. Remove damaged or broken branches from plantings. Keep an eye out for dead grass or “thatch”. This dead grass can accumulate and form a home for pests and/or mold.

Plantings - Spring is a great time of year to fill in voids in your planting beds by adding new trees or bushes. Your beds maybe overcrowded, and you want to remove or transplant some of the existing bushes. Maybe you just want to create a fresh new look to some or all your planting beds. Spring is a great time for planting and transplanting.  

First lawn fertilization - Your lawn is likely starving as your grass was dormant and relied on fall food storage to survive the cold. As temperatures climb, Mother Nature tells your turf it’s wake up time. That takes good nutrition. Adding high quality fertilizer starts your lawn growing greener and stronger. A healthy lawn fights off weeds and crabgrass. A good dose of lime with Humic reduces soil acidity and supports grass root growth. It’s a natural superfood. 

Mosquito & Tick Treatments - Just like your grass and plants were dormant for winter, so were bugs and other critters. As warmer weather sets in, not only can they eat and destroy your vegetation, pests like mosquitos and ticks can bite your family members and pets, potentially causing illness. Organic yard fogging done every three weeks keeps your yard safer and more comfortable for children and pets.

Get sprinkler systems ready - Despite being drained in the fall, it is important to have your sprinkler systems opened and adjusted as the growing season starts. Prepare for the season by inspecting to make sure the backflow, sprinkler heads, pipes, valves, and controller are working properly and are prepared to add supplemental water as the dryer season kicks in. 

Information provided by Chris Hopkins, Greenleaf Landscaping LLC — experts at spring lawn care and experience building everything from fire pits and pergolas to pools and outdoor kitchen/entertaining spaces. And for more information on any of these topics, contact Greenleaf today. Talk to Greenleaf today: 774-421-9570. 

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