Tips for Preparing your Yard for Spring!
by Tim Sanford on 04/13/13
As we are getting our first warm, summerlike days in Virginia, it is time to start thinking about preparing your yard for spring. After a cold, snowy winter your plants may be looking a bit drab and dreary. Here are a few useful tips to help get your yard ready to enjoy on those beautiful spring days.
Winter Snow Damage - Take a survey of your trees and shrubs to see if they have snow damage, broken limbs or branches. If you have shrubs with broken limbs, remove them by making a clean cut just above the stem node or branch collar. Then fertilize the plants with a slow release fertilizer for a new flush of growth this spring.
Aeration and Fertilization - Spring is the time to aerate and fertilize the lawn to keep it green all summer long. You want to use a slow release fertilizer with the lowest possible phosphorus level. In this region we have very phosphorus rich soil, adding more will just create dangerous run-off for our waterways. Remember to fertilize the plants and shrubs as well. You can use the same fertilizer for the entire yard.
When you are mowing your yard this spring you want to keep your mower blade high, it helps keep the weeds from germinating and will keep the new grass from burning in the sun.
Knock-Out Roses - If you haven't cut your roses back, it is time. Make sure there is no new growth, and then take them back to 12" to 18" tall. Don't be afraid to cut them back that much, they will grow bigger each year.
Add your new Hardscaping for Summer - Fireplaces are the new outdoor trend. We have already installed three since the beginning of 2013. Install an outdoor fireplace now and use it for the rest of the spring. This is also the time to start thinking about installing a pool for summer. Believe it or not we are working on our fifth pool project of this year. With spring on its way, it is time to get new hardscaping installed so that it will be ready for the summer. Check out more of our blog posts for tips on swimming pools and outdoor fireplaces.
As always please feel free to call us for any of your design, landscaping and hardscaping needs 804-622-7477 or visit us on the web at www.carvillelandscape.com.
