Spring Is Coming: Are Your Lawn and Garden Ready?

Prepping Your Lawn and Garden for the Arrival of Spring

A new season is on its way and with warmer weather and longer days, there's a good chance you're eager to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, the harsh autumn and winter months can take a toll on your lawn and garden, so you'll need to take steps to prepare your yard for a vibrant and beautiful spring. A Santa Rosa landscaping contractor can help you choose the perfect layout for your yard so you can enjoy every inch of your outdoor space. These tips can also help you prepare these areas for the arrival of spring.

Start With a Good Cleanup

You'll likely have some winter weather remnants in your yard, so take the time to clean these up for a fresh start. Rake up dead leaves and remove limbs and sticks now so they won't be in your way when it's time to start working on your lawn and garden. In the late winter months, you may already notice some weed growth. Remove these and treat these areas for weeds as needed.

Level Out an Uneven Yard

Do you notice a number of bare spots across your yard? These areas are likely lower than the rest of your yard, so more water is draining here. This drowns your grass and leads to bare spots. A fresh layer of topsoil can to wonder to patch small holes and give you a more even surface before planting your spring grass seed.

If you have drainage problems, standing water, or seriously deep holes and ruts in your yard, it may be time to call a Santa Rosa landscaping contractor. They can safely and effectively level things out while providing the necessary solutions to prevent more damage. Taking the right preliminary steps can help foster a healthy green lawn.

Prep the Soil in Your Garden Beds

If you're planning on planting some new items in your garden beds, now is a good time to amend the soil if necessary. You can start with a soil testing kit to determine the pH level, then add the recommended ingredients as needed. For example, mixing in lime can raise the pH and reduce acidity, while sulfur has the opposite effect. Gravel or sand can help improve drainage with clay soil. Don't forget the fertilizer! Mixing this in thoroughly with your soil before planting can improve plant health and longevity and can also produce larger, more numerous leaves and blossoms.

Prune Trees, Bushes, and Shrubs as Needed

Many plants benefit from good pruning before the spring growing season. You'll want to take this step before any new green growth starts to emerge. Pruning can help encourage healthier, bushier growth where you want it while keeping your plants looking neat and your yard well kept. Keep in mind that not all plants should be pruned in the spring. Identify what you have on your property and research the proper pruning practices to avoid damage and disease.

Start Mowing Your Lawn Early

If you wait until your yard is out of control for that first mow, you could be setting yourself up for failure. In the early weeks of spring, the roots are developing for months of growth, and allowing the grass to go too long between clippings can actually inhibit the overall appearance of your lawn. Experts recommend cutting your grass every four to five days for the first six weeks of early spring to train the roots to stay active and thriving.

Apply a Layer of Quality Mulch

A fresh layer of mulch is a great way to revive your yard just in time for spring. However, the benefits aren't purely cosmetic. Quality mulch also helps protect the plants and trees in your garden while controlling moisture levels. For the best results, apply it in a one-inch deep layer over all of your garden and flower bed surfaces. When applying mulch around trees, remember to keep it away from the trunk, as this can lead to issues with the roots.

Keeping your lawn and garden looking its best doesn't have to be a hassle. Canepa landscaping can have them both ready for this spring and every changing season so you can enjoy a more beautiful outdoor space. Contact us today for more information on how landscaping design can improve your property and have it ready for the best spring yet.