It is mid-February, the sun is out, temperatures are slightly higher than normal, the snow is melting, and frankly, I am over winter. Come on spring. Come on snow melt. Come on GREEN!
While spring is the most exciting season, in my opinion, it also reveals all of what the snow has managed to hide from us for the last few months. Maybe there are leaves that we missed, a few sticks that have fallen from the trees, and maybe, just maybe, some knucklehead has tossed trash from their vehicle as they passed by.
I guess I'm trying to say, "It's time to think about Spring Clean Up!". To get our landscapes, gardens, and outdoor living spaces looking great, these are a few things to look for.
Here's a quick checklist of tasks to include in your spring clean-up:
1. Edge planting beds: Create a clear boundary between the lawn and planting beds to prevent grass from growing into the beds and to give a polished look to the landscape.
2. Prune trees and shrubs: Promote healthy growth, control size, and shape, and remove dead or diseased wood from trees and shrubs. - This is somewhat dependent on the plant(s) in question, but we can help you to identify what needs to be pruned and when the best time to do so is.
3. Mulch around plants and planting beds: Retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature by applying a layer of organic mulch around plants and planting beds.
4. Rake leaves and debris: Remove any leaves, sticks, or debris that have accumulated over the winter to keep your outdoor space tidy.
5. Clean up garden beds: Remove any dead plant material or weeds from garden beds to help prevent disease and promote healthy growth.
Though the above 2 items may seem like an endless battle, each gives us great organic material to add to our compost piles or even add directly to our gardens for a natural, low-cost mulch. If it's good enough for the forest, it's good enough for me!
6. Feed the soil: Provide necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth by feeding the soil in planting beds and around trees and shrubs. Compost at home will provide most of the nutrients your gardens may need.
7. Inspect hardscape features: Check patios, walkways, and retaining walls for any damage or needed repairs before the growing season begins.
8. Check irrigation systems: Ensure the proper functioning of your irrigation system before the growing season begins to ensure your plants receive the water they need.
By completing these tasks, you'll be well on your way to a healthy and beautiful outdoor space for the spring and summer seasons.
Contact us today if you'd like to have a little help with your Spring Clean-Up projects!
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