Yard Clean-Up
Clean-up at the beginning of spring should be done carefully. You don’t want too much traction on the ground because wet grass is highly sensitive. Instead, wait until the ground has dried a bit before beginning to remove leaves. You’ll want to be gentle, as not to damage new grass shoots. The clean-up will help to maintain pest control as well as promote the growth of healthy grass.
If your lawn is too overrun with thick patches of dead grass and leaves, you may need to dethatch it. Some thatch is useful in promoting the healthy growth of your lawn, but an abundance will place a barrier between the grass and soil. This causes a set of problems. For one, light will not be able to reach lower blades of grass. The water will not be able to properly go into the soil and will instead set against the grass. This can lead to disease and ultimately kill the blades.
You can dethatch your lawn with the help of a specialized dethatching rake. The rake has sharp prongs that work to lift the excess thatch away from the soil. For heavy duty jobs, consider renting a cutter. This large piece of equipment will allow you to set spacing and provide a more efficient dethatch. The job can be tedious, and you may want to hire the help of a professional.
Lawn Aeration & Seeding
The beginning of spring is also an ideal time to start aeration. When dirt becomes too compact it is very difficult for proper nutrients, air, and water to socialize resourcefully through the soil. To mend this, small holes are placed within the earth to promote deeper grass roots and an overall healthier lawn.
Now your lawn is clean and ready to be seeded. Although fall is an ideal time to place fresh seeds, early spring can produce exceptional results as well. If you’re dealing with dry patches in small areas, you’ll only need to perform spot seeding. If you’re dealing with a bigger area, with thin but not bare grass, you’ll want to start overseeding. Choose a proper seed for your climate, then use a seeder to spread the contents all throughout your yard. Follow up with a quality fertilizer such as an organic alternative to promote the growth of the seedlings. Try to avoid any weed or feed products as they will likely stop seed germination. It is also important to remember to water efficiently.
Gardening Maintenance
A vibrant lawn is a great start to a beautiful lawn, but a garden will really make it pop. In the fall you will want to prep your bed for plantation. Decide the placement of your bed and map out the area. You’ll want to use newspaper to cover the soil, then place compost on top of the sheets. Be sure to use basic print newspaper and not slick advertisements as this can be harmful to your plants. Through fall and winter, the paper will block out all light and kill any unwanted vegetation beneath. If you’re limited on time or simply don’t want to wait this long, an herbicide will work in removing any unwanted vegetation as well.
Once you’ve prepared your bed you can use a tiller to overturn the soil. Continue adding additional compost for even more nutrients. Turning the soil helps to promote germination. Now you are ready to plant your flowers.
Lawn Maintenance
By summertime, your efforts will have paid off and you’ll be enjoying a lively yard. Your work does not end here, however. To keep your yard looking great you’ll want to perform routine maintenance. This can be done by cutting the lawn, trimming hedges, and keeping debris free from the area. Remember to water accordingly and feed your plants as needed. Maintenance is key to keeping your yard looking it’s best. Follow these steps and you’ll have a breathtaking yard all year round.