Now that spring is here and warmer temperatures are coaxing everyone outdoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to set your landscape up for stunning beauty this season. Great landscapes need help to bring out their magnificence. Here are our top landscape maintenance essentials for a Lebanon, PA, property.
Related: Improve Your Curb Appeal With Proper Lawn Care in Lehigh County, PA
Damage Assessment and Repairs
Tree branches broken by winter snow and wind… snow melt that isn’t draining where it’s supposed to… deicing salt-stained pavers… grass compacted by heavy snow… or a yard filled with windblown debris are just a few of the first things to address in spring. While small tree branches can be trimmed by hand, you’ll want to enlist the help of an arborist if there was significant damage to your trees, as it’s an extremely hazardous job.
Spring Cleaning
The next step is cleanup. Since not all leaves fall to the ground before winter, you may be dealing with windblown leaves that have been clustered in your plant beds or hardscaped areas. These need to be removed, as they can cause rot in landscapes and staining on pavers and poured concrete.
Soil Testing
Next, test the soil, especially if any part of your landscape struggled last season. pH balance and nutrient levels are crucial to healthy and vital plant growth, and there’s no point in spending money on fertilizer unless you know specifically what your soil is deficient in!
Lawn Care
Depending on the results of soil tests, you’ll know what type of fertilizer to apply to encourage vigorous growth and healthy roots. You may also want to check which type of grass you have (if you don’t already know) because not all grass needs spring fertilizer. Cool-season grasses won’t need to be fed until June at the earliest! Spring also means overseeding or laying sod where needed, and starting a weed management program starting with pre-emergent herbicides. If your lawn has been compacted by heavy snows and water seems to pool rather than soak in, you’ll also need to aerate and dethatch the lawn to ensure water and nutrients are reaching the roots.
Water Features and Irrigation Systems
If you have a water feature like a pond or fountain, spring is the time to ensure sprinkler heads and pumps work and that there are no leaks in the system. Ponds and fountains need to be cleaned of debris before being refilled, and filters may need to be replaced before use. You will want your irrigation systems in perfect working order by the time summer heat and drought hits!
Planting Beds
Once debris is removed, add about a one-inch thick layer of mulch to freshen up your planting beds, protect them from temperature fluctuations, and help the plants retain water.
Hardscapes
Thoroughly cleaning hardscapes in spring is necessary if any fallen leaves have caused staining or if windblown debris has collected in corners and started to attract mold or moss growth. This is the perfect time to repair or replace broken pavers, so that your patio is ready for summertime fun. If you’ve run out of elbow room on your patio, consider an expansion that will give your whole family the space to play, relax, and enjoy time together.
Landscape Lighting
As the days grow longer, you’ll want to spend more time outdoors; and don’t let the dark of night put an end to the fun! Installing landscape lighting that is the perfect mix of function and beauty will bring out the best in your landscape after dark.
Need Help?
Landscape maintenance can be a daunting job. If you want to get more enjoyment out of your summers (with less work) let our pros take care of your landscape for you!
Related: Ways That Landscape Maintenance Can Help the Sale of a Pottsville, PA, Property
