Spring Break To do List

Springtime is just around the corner!  Some folks are staying home this year and can find plenty to do locally.  While I wouldn’t suggest starting your springtime planting (Annuals) just yet-there are a few things you can do this week to help your yard look great this summer:

1.Cut the grass-what?  The grass isn’t growing yet!  You are right-but the weeds are plus removing the top layer of dead grass will help your new grass grow quicker and fuller.  A close cut to the ground will help prepare your lawn for the spring and summer ahead.

2.  Pre-emergent for the grass.  Go ahead and start fertilizing your grass-it is beginning to come out of dormancy now.  Select one that kills weeds such as crab grass-they already growing wanting to take over your lawn1

3.  Annuals and bedding.  If you planted winter annuals-leave them in a bit longer but clean up around them.  You might want to freshen up the pine straw/bark in your beds.  Pick off any dead blooms and take notice of what you liked and didn’t like-for next winter.

4.  Planning.  Now is the time to start thinking about what you might want to do different this year.  Go ahead and start thinking about what annuals you will plant this year. Maybe you want to plant them in a different place, or maybe plant something a different color.   
  Freshening up the look of the yard from year is a great idea.  Look around at some local planned communities, hotels and any other professionally-landscaped areas- watch what they are doing for ideas.  Take note or a picture and do the same in your yard. 

5.  Pruning.  I usually wait until after Easter to do this.  This is a good time to see what all needs to be pruning. Maybe it’s too much this time and you need to hire a professional this year to help you. 

7.  Some indoor plants can go outdoors now-but watch the weather.  If there is a late-season cold snap-you will need to bring them in.