April ushers in a good time to consider lawn care and yard cleanup to get outdoor spaces ready for the sunny days ahead. Following is a helpful checklist:
- Inspect trees and shrubs. Remove or prune branches that are broken or damaged.
- Test soil. Make sure soil has proper pH balance and mix of nutrients, via a local, commercial soil testing lab.
- Fertilize lawns. The decision about whether to fertilize should be based on the nutrition requirements needed by soil conditions. In general, it's best to choose a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer to reduce possible losses to the environment and increase nutrient absorption.
- Fertilize trees and shrubs, too. Most plants, trees and shrubs will benefit from proper fertilization just before mulch is applied.
- Control weeds. Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control for weeds, such as crabgrass.
- Get planting beds neat and tidy. Rake old leaves and debris from plant beds and create neat, natural edges around them.
- Add layer of fresh mulch in plant beds and around trees. Mulch not only makes planting areas look neat, but also helps to retain moisture in the soil, keeps roots cool in the summer, and insulates them in the winter. As mulch decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil.
- Inspect irrigation systems. Once the weather has warmed up for the year, turn on irrigation systems to inspect their working condition before they're truly needed.
Additionally, spring landscaping improves the appearances of yards and gardens, prevents problems and supports wildlife.