Start with the basics. There are certain universal and fundamental activities that you can take to prep your outdoor area for the upcoming warm seasons. Depending on the zone you are in, it might be too cold to do some of the things on this list. However, you can get prepared with materials, spot checks, and set dates on the calendar to begin as soon as temps drop.
Inspect. Take a walk around your property and check out the state of your trees and shrubs while looking for signs of damage or illness. You may need to remove some items that did not survive winter or trim back branches that are broken or damaged.
Test. If you haven’t tested your soil in a few years, it’s time. Checking every two to three years for the proper pH balance and mix of nutrients can set you up for success in the springtime. Soil testing kits are usually available at your local nursery or your lawn care service can usually help with that.
Fertilize. Now that you know the condition of your lawn, you are in a good spot to determine whether to fertilize or not too. What you learned from your testing of the soil conditions can help you determine what you need to do regarding fertilizing. Here are some best practices to help you along the way.
- Choose a fertilizer that matches your needs based on your soil test.
- Make sure the timing matches the type of grass you have. Not all grasses should be fertilized in the spring.
- Choose a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer to increase nutrient absorption.
- Follow instructions on how to use the fertilizer you choose for best results.
- Don’t overlook your trees and shrubs that can benefit from proper fertilization too.
Weed. When the time is right, weeding is on the agenda for your springtime lawn prep. Start by raking and clearing debris then working on removing weeds.
Mulch. Spring is a great time to add a layer of mulch in your plant beds and around your trees at about an inch-thick layer to retain moisture in the soil, keep roots cool in the summer, and insulate them in the winter.
Water. Well, maybe not yet. Get ready to water by inspecting your sprinkler system so it’s ready to go when the time is right.
