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04/2011
Top Tips for Spring |
Mulch your Beds...
Spread a fresh layer of mulch (1-2 inches thick) to planting beds. Be sure to remove any old mulch if the beds are getting too high around the plants and/or foundation of home. |
Edge your Lawn...
Edging can make your lawn look finely groomed along the borders and prevent "creeping" grasses from growing outside of their boundaries. Edging also prevents mulch from creeping into the grass to be further distributed by the mower. The Vertical cut is commonly made in a straight line fashion along the grass boundaries between sidewalks and driveways. |
Irrigate your Landscape...
Make sure you properly start-up the system to avoid air pressure build-up that can be damaging to your system. Contact our maintenance professionals to schedule your start-up today! |
Plant...
Begin planning the planting of your summer annuals. The best time to plant is after the last frost of the season, or around Mother’s Day. |
Fertilize...
The best time to apply is when soil temperatures have warmed and the grass is actively growing, or after the first 3 mowings. Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to the lawn to support growth and to build-up nutrient reserves, which help the lawn withstand the heat and stress of summer. Be sure to read and follow application directions carefully Bulbs should be fertilized after they first bloom. |
Prune your Plants...
Pruning your perennials will encourage the plants to put out more leaves and, often, more flowers - especially for spring-blooming plants. |
Weed your Beds...
Weed your planting beds by removing the stems before they produce seeds and cover more area—you can also dig them out by the root. Also important is prevention…apply a pre-emergent to control weeds before their seeds can even emerge. |
Aerate your Lawn...
Aeration involves making holes in the lawn either by pushing a rod into it or by "coring", extracting a plug of soil. By aerating your lawn you benefit your lawn and its root system by allowing a way for oxygen, water and nutrients to get to the roots. |
Patch your Lawn...
When temperatures begin to rise you will begin to notice bare patches on your lawn. These occur for various reasons, including neglect, damage, or heavy traffic. Patch these bare areas by applying seed and a nitrogen fertilizer. |
Prepare your Outdoor Kitchen...
Plug all the cords to your outdoor kitchen appliances back in and make sure they are operating properly or turn the circuit breaker back on if it had been switched off for the winter. Clean your appliances with a stainless steel cleaner and polish to prepare them for use in the upcoming months. |
Re-Start your Water Features...
For formal features refill the basin and re-attach the filter to the unit. For n atural features, such as ponds,remove as much organic waste as possible. Test the water quality to determine whether or not the water will need to be replaced or treat the water if necessary. Reattach any pumps, filters or UVs that had been removed for the winter. |
Open your Pool...
Schedule for a pool company to come out and prep your pool for opening in late spring! |