Effective spring lawn and landscape maintenance requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and effort.
Landscape maintenance refers to the ongoing care and management of outdoor spaces, including gardens, lawns, trees, and other plantings. This can include tasks such as watering, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, mowing, and pest control.
Some of the key steps involved in a comprehensive landscape maintenance plan.
Clear away debris
Remove any fallen leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris that has accumulated over the winter.
This includes cleaning out gutters, as well as raking and disposing of dead leaves and plant matter.
Soil testing
Depending on the health of your landscape turf, plants and trees, soil testing may be an important first step in a landscape maintenance plan.
Soil testing will determine its pH level, nutrient content, and other factors that may affect turf, plant and tree growth.
Plan for planting
Start planning for any new plants or flowers you want to add to your landscape. Take into consideration the amount of sunlight and water needed for each plant and choose plants that will thrive in your local climate.
A thoughtful landscape plan should consider the space each plant will need to thrive, the height each plant will achieve, and a little creative planning.
Consider how the colors and textures of various plants might complement each other. Be sure not to plant taller plants in front of shorter ones.
Lawn care
A healthy lawn is a key component of many landscapes, so regular mowing, aerating, fertilizing, and watering are essential to maintaining a lush, green lawn.
Aeration of the turf using a lawn aerator will loosen up compacted soil and allow for better water and nutrient absorption by the grass roots.
Landscape spring cleaning should also include weed control. Treating the turf for weeds that occur naturally and may have popped up during the winter months.
Fertilization
Your lawn and plants need nutrients to grow, so fertilizing is an important part of landscape maintenance.
Spring is particularly important because it is the beginning of the growing season when your turf plants come back to life.
Lawn and turf fertilization requires a balance of nitrogen and other nutrients, and consideration of sun exposure.
Blooming perennials and annuals also thrive when provided the correct blend of nutrients, sun exposure, and watering.
All plant fertilization, products, timing and application should be chosen based on the specific needs of the plants in the landscape.
Pruning and trimming
Prune trees and shrubs. Trim back any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. Also, prune back any overgrown branches to promote healthy growth and maintain the desired shape of your plants.
Proper pruning and trimming helps to keep plants healthy and promote optimal growth. In the process you can shape hedges and shrubs and groom them for a neat appearance.
Mulch
Mulching should include application of fresh layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and in garden beds to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Be careful not to use too much mulch as mold and fungus can grow and damage plantings.
Pest control
Insects and other pests can damage plants, so effective pest control is an important part of landscape maintenance.
This can include using natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, as well as using chemical pesticides as a last resort.
Spring is the right time to assess your landscape’s needs and vulnerabilities. Treatment plans might include preventative measures and plans to control Asiatic garden beetles, northern masked chafers, Japanese beetles, green June beetles and other damaging pests.
Watering
Plants require adequate water to grow and thrive, so regular watering is a key part of landscape maintenance. The frequency and amount of watering required will depend on factors such as the type of plants, soil type, sun exposure, and climate.
Here’s a checklist of other landscape and outdoor living reminders to get your “great outdoors” ready for family, friends and entertaining.
Clean and inspect outdoor furniture
Clean and inspect your outdoor furniture for any damage, and repair or replace as necessary.
Inspect and power wash patio
Power washing your patio, deck, stairs, driveway, and pathways can be a great way to remove dirt, grime, and stains and give them a fresh and clean look.
Check irrigation system
Check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs, and other issues. Replace any damaged parts and adjust sprinkler heads as necessary to ensure proper coverage.
Assess damage
Check for any damage caused by winter weather, such as cracks or holes in walls, fences, or patios. Make repairs as necessary to ensure safety and prevent further damage.
Overall, landscape maintenance requires a consistent and ongoing effort to keep outdoor spaces looking their best.
By taking a proactive approach to landscape maintenance, property owners can ensure that their outdoor spaces remain healthy, attractive, and enjoyable for years to come.
