Having your yard ready for spring and summer can, at times, be overwhelming. Spring requires cleaning up of winter debris, preparing the soil, and encouraging healthy plant growth. I have prepared a simple guide to assist you and help your property look great for the season:
- Clean Up Debris
- Rake up leaves, twigs, and dead grass from the lawn and garden beds.
- Clear out old mulch and dead plants to make room for new growth.
- Lawn Care
- Dethatch & aerate the lawn to remove dead grass and open compacted soil to allow air and water to penetrate.
- Fertilize. Apply slow-release fertilizer – preferably organic.
- Try to use an organic weed killer. E.g. horticultural vinegar.
- Apply pre-emergent crab grass control.
- Seed. Apply to seed to bare patches and thin lawn.
- Mow and edge. Have your lawn mower serviced now. Be prepared to begin cutting lawn at end of April and beginning of May.
- Cut at 3 inch height.
3- Garden Beds and Soil Preparation.
- Loosen compacted soil by tilling or turning it with a shovel.
- Compost. Add compost to enrich soil.
- Mulch. Apply 2” of mulch (not more) to help maintain soil temperature and moisture. Prevent and suppress weeds.
4- Pruning and Trimming
- Now is the time to call your arborist to trim trees and shrubs.
- Prune perennials and ornamental grasses for new growth.
- Cut back roses and summer-blooming plants.
5- Activate Your Irrigation System!
- Call Rain Rich today to have your irrigation system activated and ready for warm weather.
- 631-423-2211
- We provide a thorough inspection of your system.
- Checking all sprinkler heads, pipes, valves, fittings, and controllers.
- Plan your changes/additions etc. and get on the schedule.
6-Plan and Plant
- Now is the time to plan you garden and obtain seeds and plants
- Contact your landscaper and on their schedule.
- Have you containers ready for potted plants.
- Check your tools and repair or purchase new.
7- outdoor features
- Inspect fences and repair as required.
- Power washing patios and walkways
- Clean and set up patio furniture.
- Check landscape lighting and repair as necessary. Rain Rich provides this service.
8- Home Inspection
- Check outside of your home. Including roof, windows, siding, etc.
- Repair, caulk, paint to preserve wood and keep the critters out.
- Repair window screens at Greenlawn hardware.
The goal is, although it is early and still feels like winter, is to prepare now and be ready. If you are collaborating with contractors then now is the time to call and get on their schedule. Many contractors are already busy and because contracting is labor intensive and time-consuming work, you will want to avoid delays as much as possible.
A beautiful landscape is a valuable investment and the cost to maintain a sprinkler system that sustains a healthy landscape is far less expensive than replacing lawn, shrubs, and trees. To learn more please visit our website at www.rainrich.com. To arrange an appointment please call the office at 631-423-2211 or click here, We look forward to serving you!
