Trim Trees and Shrubs
Winter can take its toll on trees and shrubs. In the beginning of spring, all the branches on a tree or bush look pretty much the same, but as they start to blossom, you can see which will produce leaves and flourish and which didn’t make it through the winter. Take the time to trim dead branches from your trees and shrubs, or you’ll just have more debris to clean up later!
Removing Debris from the Winter
The first thing you need to do is remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter months. When it gets warm enough, it’s time to bust out the rake and go to work! Removing any debris and raking your yard will encourage airflow and will help break up snow mold. New grass blades will begin to emerge right away after you’re done raking.
Remember not to rake too hard, otherwise, you may harm your grass. In the spring, your yard will likely be wet more often than not. Hard raking will compromise the root structure of your lawn. Using a plastic rake is a good way to prevent damage. There are many types to choose from. Another way to prevent damage to your yard while removing debris is to use a leaf blower.
Here at GreenLawn by Design, we meticulously comb your property in preparation of the up-coming lawn care and landscaping season. By removing all unwanted materials that have accumulated throughout the fall and winter months, we can give your lawn and landscape a fresh look for spring.
Aeration
There are many benefits to core aeration. It is recognized by lawn experts as the best treatment to control thatch, reduce compaction, improve drainage, increase air, water and nutrients to the roots, fill-in bare spots, increase the effectiveness of fertilizer, and revitalize growth. It’s the best way to get your grass breathing after the long winter. Using a core aerator allows water and air to reach your roots faster, which will result in growth and increased development. It’s important to note that you should aerate when it’s between 50 and 60 degrees. Just like with pre-emergent crabgrass control, weed seeds and roots begin to flourish when it’s above 65 degrees.
Preventing Summer Weeds
The next step you should take is to apply a pre-emergent crabgrass control. Pre-emergent herbicide prevents weeds, but be careful, it works by stopping all seeds from developing, which includes grass seed. So, don’t apply pre-emergent herbicide if you’re seeding your grass, and be careful about spreading it around your flower beds or other landscaped areas. Application time is critical. Generally, plan to apply it when the weather stays around 50 to 60 degrees. When it warms up with temperatures above 65 degrees, weeds begin to emerge and a pre-emergent will no longer be effective. Crabgrass is very difficult to get rid of once temperatures have gotten warm enough.
Apply Fertilizer
In Spring, your lawn is struggling to recover from Winter, therefore a turf starter fertilizer is what will benefit it the most. Opt for slow release formulas with a higher amount of phosphorous (middle number) for root development. Fertilizing gives your grass nutrients to grow strong and healthy.
GreenLawn by Design’s healthy and eco-friendly lawn fertilizer services will bring you a beautiful, green, healthy lawn with strong roots and thick turf using less fertilizer and pesticides. We feed the lawn and feed the soil. Most competitors don’t. Our lawn care approach adds vital nutrients back into the soil, resulting in a healthier and vital lawn that our clients expect and deserve.
As the world outside finally begins to turn green after a long winter, your yard will thank you for taking the time for a little preparation. GreenLawn by Design loves providing our customers with landscape advice and maintenance tips regularly, stay up-to-date with all of our latest information by following our Facebook page.
If you have any questions give us a call today at 317-804-8088. You can also get a free quote here. GreenLawn by Design has been providing the Carmel and Westfield, Indiana area with quality landscaping and lawn care services for over 17 years. We are locally and family owned and operated by a 20 year Veteran!
