Guideline to Getting Your Landscape Ready for Spring
Spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings. As the weather warms, it’s time to get your landscape ready for summertime fun.
Spring is a great time to prepare your yard for the upcoming season by planting trees and shrubs, pruning existing plants and removing dead leaves from perennials that have finished blooming.
Tip 1: Prune Trees and Shrubs
Prune Trees and ShrubsCut back dead or overgrown branches, remove dead foliage, and shape plants for desired look.
Tip 2: Plant New Trees and Shrubs
If you’re looking to plant new trees or shrubs, consider choosing plants that are native to Minnesota. The University of Minnesota has a great database of native species and their growing conditions. You can also consult with your local nursery for advice on which plants will do best in your area.
Once you’ve chosen the right type of tree or shrub, research the best planting time for each species–some trees need to be planted in fall while others should wait until springtime (or even summer).
Tip 3: Add Colorful Flowers
Choose annuals and perennials that will thrive in Minnesota’s climate.
Plant them in a variety of colors.
Tip 4: Re-seed Your Lawn
Check the soil temperature. You should wait until the ground has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit before you begin seeding your lawn.
Choose the right grass seed for your area, which will depend on whether you live in a cooler or warmer climate and what kind of soil type you have (prairie grasses like tall fescue tend to do well in moist soils).
Apply it according to instructions–for example, don’t over-seed if there is already enough natural fertilizer present from last year’s dead grass clippings!
Tip 5: Aerate Your Lawn
Aeration is a great way to help your lawn get off to a strong start in the spring. It creates tiny holes in the soil that allow water, fertilizer and air reach the grass roots. This can help reduce thatch buildup and encourage deeper root growth.
The best time for aerating is right after you’ve mowed your lawn so you don’t have to worry about removing clippings from the holes when you’re done. You can rent an aerator from most hardware stores for about $40 per day or buy one for around $200-$300 (depending on size). If possible, hire someone else who knows what they’re doing–it will save time and effort!
Tip 6: Fertilize Your Lawn
Fertilizing your lawn is a great way to help it grow and thrive. You should fertilize your grass at least once per year, but you may need to fertilize more often if you live in an area with very sandy soil or if you have a lot of foot traffic on the lawn.
When choosing which fertilizer to use, consider what kind of grass you have and whether it’s growing in sun or shade. If possible, consult with a professional who can recommend the best fertilizer for your specific situation. Once you’ve selected one that works well for your landscape, follow all instructions carefully when applying it–fertilizers can be harmful if misused!
Tip 7: Weed Your Garden Beds
Weed your garden beds by hand, or use a hoe to remove weeds from the soil.
Apply mulch to help prevent new weeds from growing.
Tip 8: Add Mulch
Apply mulch around trees and shrubs to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Add mulch to bare areas of the landscape, such as under large plants or along fences.
Tip 9: Clean Up Debris
Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from your lawn and garden beds.
Rake up any dead grass or weeds that are in your lawn so they don’t come back next year.
If you have a lot of leaves on the ground, use a leaf blower to clean them up quickly before they start to decay under the snow cover!
Tip 10: Check Your Sprinkler System
Tip 10: Check Your Sprinkler System
If you have a sprinkler system, it’s important to make sure it is working properly. Test the system by turning on all of the zones and making sure that each zone works independently. Check for leaks in pipes by placing food coloring in areas where you think there may be leaks; if there is a leak, you will see colored water coming out of this area when you turn on your sprinkler.
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