We have reliable reports that spring is really on its way, hopefully before summer gets here. Completing these five simple tasks now will give your yard the right conditions for healthy growth so it is in full glory for summer enjoyment.
With an unusual amount of Nor’Easters this year, most yards have taken a beating. The high winds, heavy rain, and snow have played havoc with most outdoor living spaces.
Here are our simple steps to prepare your yard for the upcoming season:
1. Clean up leaves, branches and twigs. The year’s strong winds have brought down every leaf, and vulnerable dead branch, and twig. Clearing all flower beds of old leaves will allow new growth to emerge and will also give an instant sprucing to your beds. Gather branches and bundle them with twine. Stack wood that is appropriate for burning. Pick up all small twigs and save for kindling to use in your fire pit.
2. Loosen the soil in your garden beds. Use a hand rake for small beds to break up and loosen packed down mulch and soil. A packed barrier will prevent oxygen and water from reaching the roots of your perennials. Add shredded leaves and compost to keep your soil from packing. Your garden beds are now ready for mulch.
3. Cut back and divide perennials. Cut back any growth that was neglected in the fall. Dig up overcrowded perennials and move them to new locations. Dividing in the spring will allow the plants time to recover and perform better. As a general rule, plants that bloom after June are best divided in the spring time.
4. Seed bare patches of lawn. Use a metal rake to loosen the top soil—this will help to better retain the seed. Add compost as necessary and then sprinkle the appropriate grass seed. Keep the soil moist by watering twice a day. Save complete reseeding for the fall.
5. Prune trees to enhance flowers. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid to late summer can be pruned early in spring. Early flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned and trimmed after they bloom. Remove any damaged or broken limbs that haven’t come down this winter on their own.
When you don’t have the time or expertise to do it right, consult a professional. For more information about our spring cleaning and lawn maintenance services, contact Calgo Gardens’ Landscaping Services.
