Spring to do list....for your landscaping!

If you’re feeling ready to shake off the winter chill, chances are your landscape is, too. Help it emerge from the excessively wet weather by performing the proper spring clean-up. This is a break down of what you need to know to help your landscape create that “just right” curb appeal.

Here are some tips to help prepare your landscape so that it will look its best in 2020:

• Certain plants such as ornamental grasses and perennials should be cut back to a few inches above the soil line. You don’t have to worry about getting the timing just right; as long as significant new growth hasn’t yet emerged from the ground, you’re fine to cut back. For shrubs that bloom on new growth, winter is the right time to prune a little or a lot depending on the plant and the effect you want. Be sure to prune these plants before new growth emerges in the spring.

• Not all plants require additional nutrients, but for those that do, spring is the time to do it. Most perennials, groundcovers, shrubs and ornamental flowering plants benefit from a slow-release fertilizer placed under the mulch following site clean-up. Don’t worry about fertilizing ornamental grasses and larger trees in turf areas, which will receive all the nutrients they need from your turf fertilizer.

• Take advantage of the dormant season to coordinate and conduct a planning meeting with your service provider representative. It is important for you to be aware of the schedule of services for the upcoming months. This will keep you informed and avoid any surprises.

• Ask your service provider to provide a property needs analysis or site audit. This report will outline any property deficiencies, safety concerns, improvement needs, etc... along with solutions. This tool can help you identify and prioritize your landscape needs for this season, so that you can plan your funding accordingly. Prepare for Spring prior to its arrival! The value of such planning and performance will pay dividends during busy growing season.

Provided by: Scott Oldham Business Development Manger - LSI