April 23, 2014
It’s that time of year again. Warm spring breezes are calling us outdoors. Our yards are coming alive, with the first blossoms appearing and green returning to the trees. Spring-cleaning is traditionally a time of clearing away winter cobwebs as we look forward to bright, warm, sunny days—and our gardens and yards need it just as much attention as home’s interior spaces.
spring-cleaning and your garden
Spring is a time to get back in the dirt after a hiatus during the dreary cold of winter. When it comes to landscaping, spring affords the perfect time to rededicate your commitment to your lawn. If you are just getting started with your own landscaping adventure, here are a few things to consider as you prepare your yard for spring:
- Temperature: The varieties of plants you may wish to consider will depend largely on your local climate. Plants generally can only tolerate certain ranges of temperature throughout the year. You can use the National Gardening Association’s hardiness zone finder to enter your ZIP code and find out what varieties of plants will likely thrive based on your climate zone. You can also consult with your TruGreen® PhD-certified specialist or your local nursery for planting ideas.
- Moisture: Another key element is the amount of moisture in your soil. The frequency with which you’ll need to water your plants is determined by how well your soil drains and how much moisture is usually present. Environmental factors like wind and weather may affect your moisture levels so it’s important to understand how your local weather conditions affect soil moisture. Furthermore, it may be necessary to design or redesign landscaping according to water drainage and run-off needs. Oftentimes, someone may select a plant that matches their moisture and temperature zone but fail to allow for proper drainage of excess water. Such excess could drown root systems, which would prevent the plant from thriving.
- Soil assessment: The quality and composition of your soil is another important consideration. Should you discover that your soil is less than optimal, you can use compost to fertilize and revitalize your growing area. Once healthy soil has been established, proper pH balancing is necessary to ensure successful growth. To learn more about selecting the right fertilizer for your lawn, visit the TruGreen website.
- Animals and insects: Any ecosystem will harbor species necessary to keep the entire cycle healthy and vibrant, so it’s important to be aware of which creatures and critters are native to your area. You might inadvertently plant something that a local animal would find absolutely delectable. To avoid this, try to select plants that will not be targeted by local pests. On the other hand, you may wish to incorporate plants that attract helpful insects known to keep harmful insect populations at bay. Keep in mind, too, that pests in your garden can become pests in your home—so keeping the unwanted critters at bay is in your best interests! Your local nursery specialist or TruGreen associate can help.
In addition to gardening and landscaping, check your outdoor entertainment areas such as patios and decks for any repair work that needs to be done as part of your spring-cleaning. This can go a long way toward ensuring that your outdoor fun won’t be interrupted by unnecessary accidents or injury. Make a spring-cleaning checklist to help you prioritize tasks into a manageable workflow.
lawn care and fertilization
Springtime affords another opportunity to fertilize your lawn. Making wise decisions about when to fertilize and which fertilizer to use can help keep your lawn and landscaping features green throughout the growing season. To ensure you’re targeting the right applications at the right time, work with trained specialists—like the knowledgeable experts at TruGreen.
With the weather getting warmer and the skies getting bluer, make the most of this lovely season and get busy with your spring-cleaning. Check with your local garden supply store for more information, or contact TruGreen to find out more about their exceptional lawn care services. With the right lawn services applied at the right time, you can maximize your efforts in maintaining a green, healthy lawn and landscape you’ll love all spring and summer long.
For expert lawn care tips and for other spring curb appeal and landscaping ideas, visit TruGreen’s learning center or YouTube channel. And don’t forget to connect with TruGreen on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.