Preparing for Spring

Once the winter months are coming to a close, it’s time to plan ahead for Spring. Cleaning up your landscaping in the Springtime not only improves its appearance, it helps prepare your yard for summer too. Here are some tips that will guide you as you ready your landscaping for Spring.

Fertilizing

Providing nutrition to your plants can make the difference between a struggling, half alive garden and one that is lush and healthy. Apply 1 to 2 inches of fresh compost around your plants before putting down new mulch.

Pruning

Trees and shrubs need light pruning to eliminate any damaged, diseased or dead branches. All perennials definitely need pruning, many of them even being cut back to the base. Be sure and remove any weeds while you’re at it. Once you’ve completed your pruning, rake the beds completely to get rid of debris that has built up during the winter months.

Edging

To create well-defined lines between your landscaping beds and your lawn, use an edger to separate the two areas. This will also prevent turf from spreading into your mulch. You’ll end up with a much more well-maintained look to your landscaping.

Mulching

Another key to improving curb appeal is adding new mulch. There shouldn’t be more than about 3 inches of mulch total, so if you have existing mulch just add another 1 to 2 inches to the top each Spring. Examine areas where mulch tends to accumulate, such as near your foundation or around trees, and remove old mulch before adding new if you are concerned about going over the 3-inch maximum level. This helps prevent insect infestations and disease, as well as minimizes weed growth and promoting moisture retention in the soil.

Applying weed control

No yard looks beautiful if it’s full of weeds! Apply pre-emergent weed control to act as a barrier to weed seeds germinating in your landscaping. Apply this product before installing new mulch, and you may need to repeat the application several times throughout the summer.

Planting

Don’t forget that Spring is an ideal time to plant new plants or transfer existing ones. Outside temperatures allow plants to adjust to their new locations with less stress than during hot and dry months.

If you don’t have the time or energy to complete these steps in your Spring landscaping but want to experience the benefits that a Spring cleanup provides, contact C4 Landscape & Design to spruce up your landscaping and get your yard in tip-top shape.