Items You Should Have on Hand for Spring Landscaping
Good lawn care in the spring will ensure that it thrives throughout the summer and fall of the next season. Early planning also allows the time to decide on what projects to focus on or what landscaping services you want to offer. There are several items you should have on hand for spring landscaping. Not only will you need tools and equipment, but you’ll also need various turf related chemicals and insecticides. It doesn’t hurt to also have extra grass seed around for fill-ins and bare spot cover. Valley Green carries a broad selection of items you should have on hand for spring landscaping. Here is a list of them and why you should utilize them.
Items You Should Have on Hand for Spring Landscaping
- Preemergent Herbicides – Anyone who wants a weed-free lawn needs to use a preemergent herbicide. The herbicide must be applied before weeds like crabgrass and clover start to sprout or it will be completely ineffective. As the ground heats up and weeds germinate, they will hit the barrier of the preemergent herbicide and die. Don’t use the herbicide where you plan on spreading grass seed or planting flowers as the herbicide will kill the seedlings.
- Soil Test Kit – A soil test kit can reveal a lot of problems. One of the most common problems after winter is acidic soil. If you notice that your lawn has an excessive amount of moss, it’s time to check the soil’s acidity. An acidic lawn can be fixed with an application of lime. The fix will not be immediate as the lime takes time to take effect. Keep in mind that moss also grows in excess on lawns that have severely compacted soil or a lot of clay. If the lime isn’t helping, it might be time to do some spring aeration.
- Grass Seed – If notice bare spots from winter on your lawn, you should overseed them with grass seed. This will ensure that the seed has time to germinate before facing the stress of summer heat. You’ll have to water the seed regularly and keep an eye on it when the weather gets warmer. Newer grass is more delicate than established grass and needs more care. You also have to remember to not use pre or post-emergent herbicides near the grass seed as it will kill the seedlings.
- Mulch – Refreshing or applying mulch has many benefits. It seals in moisture, discourages weed growth, and looks aesthetically pleasing. When laying down the mulch you should spread evenly at a height of 4 inches. There are a variety of mulch materials you can choose from. There are different materials and scents so decide ahead of time which one you like because they might be priced differently.
- Fertilizer – Fertilizing can be done in spring or fall. When fertilizing in spring, you want to make sure the soil temperature is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A mix of 20 percent nitrogen, 5 percent phosphate, and 10 percent potassium is usually ideal for spring spreading. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer which will feed your lawn every 6 to 8 weeks. This saves the landscaper or homeowner time and money.