Spring Landscaping
As the landscape begins to rejuvenate itself after a long winter, there are a multitude of tasks homeowners can perform to ensure their trees, shrubs, and flowers break into the new season in optimal health. Perennial beds-planted with ornamental grasses, for example'should have all the dead plant matter cleared. DIY landscapers anxious to conduct spring pruning should carefully research their individual plant varieties. Some may benefit from immediate pruning, but flowers like azaleas, magnolias, and mock orange benefit most from pruning after they have bloomed.
Winter mulch put down in the fall to prevent moisture loss and soil erosion will most likely need to be shored up. Add fresh mulch for a burst of color and continued protection from the elements, as well as reducing the chance of plant damage via lawnmower. Mulch rings will also help trees by suffocating nearby grass and freeing up more nutrition for the trees roots. Homeowners need to pay particular attention to drainage here, however, because heavy spring rains, thick mulch, and poor drainage can combine to produce plant rot rather quickly. Keep the layer of mulch at a moderate depth (2-4 inches) and watch for any signs of pooling water or deteriorating plant health. Poor drainage in small planting sites can be alleviated by raising planting boxes and filling them with top soil and peat moss. This provides plants with extra room to breathe before reaching the dense topsoil below. More severe drainage problems may require drainage ditches or excavated ponds and culverts.
Spring lawn care is also important if homeowners desire a vibrant landscape by summer. Soil can become compacted as a result of vehicle parking, high walking traffic, or sports activities. Even previously well-draining and aerated soil is at risk for compaction, which can make it difficult for plant root systems to grow. Aeration can help grass root systems re-establish themselves. Homeowners can check the depth of their grass roots by removing a small portion of their lawn. If the grass root system does not extend to a depth of around five inches, soil aeration and a spring fertilizing may be in order. Consider seeding over already established lawn grass in order to fill in bare patches and increase overall coverage density.
Though measures undertaken in spring to improve the health of the landscape are important, preparation for a vibrant spring landscape must begin in fall. Protective mulch, fall fertilizer, anti-desiccants, and thorough watering are the keys to survival for even the hardiest of winter plants. Careful fall maintenance of spring-flowering bulbs in the fall can also bring the landscaping roaring back to life when the weather warms.
Tags: plant, landscape, spring, homeowner, fall, drainage
