Spring is the season most associated with new hope and rebirth; as the season when plants resuscitate themselves after surviving harsh winter conditions, this symbolism makes perfect sense. Of course, this does not necessarily mean an entire lawn will suddenly fix itself on its own come springtime. Homeowners who care about their outdoor spaces should take an active role in the maintenance and care of their lawns if they hope to prepare for the arrival of spring.
Homeowners should consider the following steps in order to get their lawns up to speed with the spring season:
Cleanup, Pruning, and Trimming
Old growth from the previous year is sure to tangle with the fresh blooms of spring. Homeowners should first prioritize the cleanup and removal of any dead plants that might litter the ground. They might also want to prune any trees and perennial plants that cannot bloom on old branches. Old grass, too, needs trimming, and all these excess plant matter and mulch should be properly disposed of or used as fertilizer.
Diagnosis
Spots of dead grass can be symptoms of a much larger problem. While cleaning, homeowners should survey their lawns for any diseases or insect swarms that could threaten their growth. Any accumulation of thatching needs to be dealt with, either by removing the material or by aerating the afflicted area.
Dealing with Weeds
Plants are not the only things to resurface during spring; weeds can also sprout from nowhere, and ruin the delicate ecosystem of a lawn. Homeowners should consider applying controlled doses of weed-killer in order to deal with the parasitic plants. A preemptive dose of weed-killer can stop weeds before they can even fully develop.
Using Fertilizer
Although a lawn’s plants will rejuvenate in time for spring, homeowners need to make sure that their greenery gets all the proper nutrients for their continued growth. Applying fertilizer sometime in the middle of May will yield the best possible results for the plants. Homeowners are encouraged to use slow-release fertilizer, with 1 pound used per 1,000 square feet, for their lawns to truly thrive.
Call an Expert Landscaper
Homeowners who aren’t sure of their gardening skills might want to leave the job of tending to their lawns to professional landscaping service companies. Many of these companies provide maintenance services, which can be useful for those who simply cannot find the time to overhaul their lawns for spring. With an expert at the wheel, homeowners can rest easy know that their lawns are being looked after by trained and experienced personnel.
