Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, you’ll want to make the most of your property and surroundings. As the temperature gets warmer, you’re likely to spend more time outside, which means getting your garden or yard ready for use.
Although landscaping can be a year-round job, Spring is typically a busy time for enthusiastic gardeners. From clearly away the debris left by Winter storms to prepping the area for scorching Summer sun, there is plenty to be done!
To find out what tasks you need to undertake and when to do them, take a look at these top Spring landscaping tips now:
Assessing the Impact of Winter
Now that Winter is well and truly behind us, you can begin to assess the impact it’s had on your property. Some plants and shrubs may have become overgrown, for example, while others may have succumbed to the cold temperatures. Additionally, tree branches may be overhanging, or weeds may be starting to become visible on your lawn.
Take a walk around your land and make a note of any damage that’s occurred, as well as any routine jobs that may need to be done. This will help you to create a handy Spring maintenance checklist that will ensure you don’t miss anything out.
Getting Rid of Damaged Trees and Plants
According to www.integritytreepros.com, it’s not unusual for trees and shrubs to be damaged in the winter, particularly if you’ve experienced extreme weather. Of course, this isn’t the only reason that tree removal can be required. If trees are diseased or if they’re situated too close to your property, for example, removal may be necessary. In fact, removing a tree can sometimes be the only way to maintain the safety of your property.
If trees and shrubs have become overgrown but don’t require removal, you may be eager to retain them. If so, having them pruned and reshaped by trained arboriculturists will ensure that the tree’s health is optimized and that it’s much easier to maintain.
Planting Shrubs, Flowers, and Trees
If you want your garden to be in full bloom by the time Summer arrives, it’s time to plan your planting now. Some plants are more suitable for Spring planting, so be sure to seek advice before you get started. Talking to staff at your local garden center or asking a landscaper will help you to determine which plants will thrive in your yard throughout Spring and Summer.
Of course, your location and the amount of sunlight your garden gets will also have a big impact on what plants will bloom. Marigolds, petunias, and ageratum typically fare well in sunlight, for example, whereas hosta, coleus, and coral bells prefer shadier conditions. Remember – a cold spring day can be disastrous for freshly planted buds, so be sure to wait until warmer temperatures arrive to start planting and you won’t be disappointed.
Installing Patios and Awnings
If you want to make significant changes to your garden design, Spring is the perfect time to get things underway. You may want to create a new patio area or re-pave an existing patio so that’s it’s ready for use in the Summer, for example. Similarly, installing a motorized awning will make it easy to stay cool when the sun is out from dawn until dusk.
Additional features, like sunken seating and fire pits, can also be great focal points in a garden. If you want to spend more time in your garden or host outdoor events, such as BBQs and parties, it’s well worth incorporating extra features into your yard. Of course, it’s advisable to complete this work before you begin planting new shrubs, trees, or flowers.
If the soil is going to be disturbed or your garden design is going to change drastically, this could disturb plants and trees. For newer plants, this disturbance could cause premature death, which is why soft landscaping should follow hard landscaping, rather than the other way around.
Lawn Care and Maintenance
A well-kept lawn can look spectacular, but maintaining a perfect lawn isn’t always easy. As you might expect, you’ll need to give your lawn some extra TLC in the springtime as the winter weather may have affected its health.
Most property owners avoid cutting their grass in the winter because it’s too wet but, when Spring arrives, you can get the first cut of the season in. During Spring and Summer, you can mow your lawn once or twice a week, depending on the type of grass you have and how quickly it grows.
However, don’t forget to use appropriate lawn feed to keep the grass in tip-top condition. Ideally, you should use varying types of lawn fertilizers at different times of the year, as this will help to ensure the grass gets all the nutrients it needs. In Spring, a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be the ideal option to facilitate optimal growth.
Watering Your Garden
Plants, shrubs, and trees require a lot of water, so you’re going to need to supplement what’s naturally available in the Spring and Summer. You can do this manually, using a garden hose or even a watering can, but installing sprinklers certainly makes the job easier.
Although you should water your garden regularly in Spring and Summer, avoid doing this when the sun is still out, as this could cause the leaves to burn. Instead, water plants early in the morning and/or in the evening, when the sun has set.
Planning Your Spring Landscaping
No matter what changes you want to make to your garden this year, Spring is a great time to kick-start your property maintenance. By being proactive about landscaping now, you can ensure that your garden is picture-perfect by the time Summer arrives.
Of course, landscaping a yard of any size can be hard work and there are tasks that are best left to the professionals. If you want to find out more about professional landscaping services, contact your local specialist.
