Spring time is here and spring cleaning is in full swing.
Not only do the insides of our homes need inspection and
cleaning, our yards also need yearly maintenance done.
Often times we forget about the simple things that should
be done to our home each year, so here is a list of things
that should be taken care of as the weather warms up.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs are often damaged by cold and windy weather,
killing some of the plantâs branches. When this happens, the
tree or shrub still sends nutrients and water to that dead stem;
nutrients and water which could have been used to help the growth
of the living part of the plant. Prune dead branches back to live
branch, using hand pruners for anything under half an inch in
diameter. If itâs over half an inch thick, use a handsaw.
Clear Out Dead Foliage
After a frosty winter, the threat of the bitter cold doesnât
endanger the garden. However, dead foliage does. Sunlight is
a key part of growing beautiful plants, and obstructions on the
ground can stop those plants from getting adequate sunlight.
Rake out any fallen leaves and toss them in a wheelbarrow along
with any other organic yard waste. Remove existing mulch to
prepare for spring planting. After that, replant any heaved plants
back into their flowerbeds and layer out some pelletized fertilizer
so that spring rains can reach the roots of existing plantings.
For a neat touch, use a flat-headed shovel to neaten the borders
of your flowerbeds.
Make a Compost Pile
Take all of the dead leaves, cuttings, and mulch from your yard
and create a compost pile. Keep it slightly moist and aerate it
every two weeks using a pitchfork. If you want to speed up
decomposition, add some bagged compost starter to the mix. However,
donât add any early spring weeds. They might sprout instead of decompose.
Lawn Preparation
In colder areas, grass starts growing in April. Test the pH of
the grass near the beginning of spring, so that you can assemble
the right changes. Using a square metal rake, remove any dead
turf or turf damaged by salt or disease. After that, put in half
an inch of compost over the surface to increase germination and
prepare for seeding. Once the forsythia in your area begin blooming,
start seeding.
Spring is an important time to prepare your yard. Often times,
yard maintenance is forgotten among spring preparation, so donât
forget to add that to your list of warm weather work. Make sure
that your yard is faring well, and that it is healthy. By following
these steps, you can achieve that, improving your yard in both
appearance and wellness. Contact PMI to find out more!
