Getting Ready For Spring Lawn Care

Spring will be here soon.  In some areas, its already time to move ahead with our spring landscaping, but most of us have a few more weeks of winter before we can look forward to getting to work in the yard. With much of the country enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures, now is a good time to start getting ready for your spring lawn care.

Your irrigation system is critical for ensuring your lawn gets the water it needs throughout the year.  Winter can be tough on irrigation systems so have your irrigation system inspected and take care of any repairs and adjustments that are needed now so you won’t have any unpleasant surprises when you first turn it on in a few weeks.  You could have cracked or burst pipes, broken sprinkler head, and other issues that need to be taken care of before the season starts.

You can also start getting your lawnmower in shape for another season.  Check the battery and charge it if needed.  Check tire pressures and make sure they are properly inflated.  An underinflated tire can cause the mower to cut unevenly.  Inspect and sharpen the mower blades and change the oil.  Put fresh gas in the tank and make sure the mower starts and runs properly.

If you haven’t had your soil tested in a few years, now is a great time to take soil samples to your local extension agent for testing.  You will have the results back in time to choose the proper fertilizer and to adjust the soil pH as needed.

If you have any questions about spring landscaping, your local landscape services professional will be happy to help.

Fall Landscaping

Fall is here and with it comes a change in the seasonal color patterns.  One of the fun times of fall is the harvest season and (for children) Halloween.  Harvest colors are common color themes to consider adding to your seasonal landscaping to add a ‘new’ look to your home that is current and creative.

Pumpkins and mums are popular seasonal colors this time of year.  Easy to place strategically throughout your front yard and porch, the bright oranges, yellows, and dark purples add a touch of autumn to your home with little work.  If you are going to carve the pumpkin, remember that once carved, the pumpkin will begin to rot and will only last for about three to five days, depending on the local temperature. 

A better alternative is to paint a pumpkin face with acrylic paints.  Children enjoy helping with this project, and it can be a fun way to have an inexpensive family project one Saturday afternoon. 

Other fall tips for your yard include placing scarecrows or other Halloween decorations.  Bales of hay can be great ‘background’ pieces for a few pieces of lawn color and decoration, and are easy to remove when the season is over.

Updating your yard through the seasons adds value to your home by increasing the ‘curb’ appeal.  These updates can be inexpensive and fun to do, while still adding value to your home.  For a complete renovation of your yard, consider contacting a local professional landscaper to help develop a design and pattern that works well with your home and neighborhood.