Tips and Tricks to Kick-start Your Lawn and Garden
Grass Renovations
Raking/De-thatching: If you can, either rake, rent a de-thatcher. Lawn de-thatching is the mechanical removal from a lawn of the layer of dead turf-grass tissue known as “thatch.” This residue is bad for your grass, as it keeps water and nutrients from seeping down to grassroots.
Seeding/Patching: Spring is one of the best times to seed your lawn. Seeding is best done after de-thatching, and in some cases after weed removal from the turf areas (mechanically or by weed-killer). In some cases it’s best to apply a small layer of topsoil in areas damaged by plowing or normal winter deterioration.
Perennials/Ornamental Grasses: Typically we cut back grasses or perennials in the fall, but we can cut them back now before any new growth starts to appear in late April or May.
Pruning Shrubs: Pruning is an essential task to keep your plants healthy and happy. Any shrubs that flower in the summer or fall should be pruned now to stimulate growth. The new stems promoted from pruning will create more buds, producing a much fuller bloom down the line. Spring-flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned in late spring immediately after they’ve finished blooming to ensure the best blooms for the next year.
Fertilization/Weed Prevention: Spring is a crucial time to feed turf grass nutrients and also to apply crabgrass and broad-leaf weed pre-emergent herbicide. They say when the forsythia starts to bloom, it’s best to apply these herbicides, so apply now per manufacturer’s instructions.
Polymeric Joint Sand: Polymeric joint sand should be applied to your patio every 2-3 years. Take out the power washer to give the flagstone a nice clean sweep surfaces and apply the polymeric joint sand as per manufacturer’s recommendation! It’s best to do this before patio season truly begins.
