TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRANCHES
-If you want your yard to thrive from top to bottom you will want to take some time to inspect all of your trees and shrubs for branches damaged by the winter weather. These branches should be pruned back to healthy stems. When it comes to trimming your hedges, opt for hand pruners rather than electric shears as this will keep you from causing a thick outer layer on the shrubs that prevents sunlight from getting to the center of the plant. Shrubs that flower in the summer, should be pruned before they begin to bud, whereas spring bloomers can wait until post flowering to be groomed.
Our nursery is a great place to check out if you are in search of new Trees or Shrubs to liven up your yard.
PERENNIALS & GRASSES
-Trim back perennials to about 4-5 inches and ornamental/native grasses to about 2-3 inches, this allows new growth to shoot up. Where soil has thawed you can dig up perennials that are in crowded areas, divide them while leaving at least three stems per clump and replant them in more sparse areas.
FLOWER BEDS
– To prevent the smothering and potential disease that can be caused to your plants, be sure to rake out fallen leaves and other dead foliage from in and around your garden beds. Removal of existing old mulch is recommended to make room for new and fresh mulch after planting is complete. Spreading of a pelletized fertilizer on the surface of the soil in your gardens is a good idea this time of year as the spring rains will carry the nutrients into the soil.
COMPOST YOUR SCRAPS
-Remember all that raking and old mulch removal? Make use of it by creating a compost pile or adding to the one that you already have. Shredding of branches and leaves can help to accelerate decomposition. Aerate your compost pile with a pitchfork every couple weeks.
LAWN
– Turf that has been damaged by snow plows, cars, or disease should be removed to prepare for seeding that should follow in the next few weeks. It is ideal to work in about a ½ inch layer of compost to keep the new seed moist to help with germination. Our spring cleanup service will help you get your lawn cleaned up nicely by de-thatching, aerating, fertilizing and seeding where necessary. Also if you are in need of on- going mowing and maintenance we offer that as well!
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
-Once summer is in full swing and warmer temperatures are more consistent, turn on your irrigation system and inspect it to see if it is in working condition. It is recommended to have an expert handle this to ensure the prevention of backflow. Luckily South Park Landscaping has certified technicians that can properly inspect and perform necessary maintenance to your irrigation systems.
If you find yourself with not enough time, energy or tools to perform these yard care tasks South Park Landscaping is here to help! Do not hesitate to give us a call or swing by our nursery, as we offer a variety of different services that cover these checklist items and more!