Lawn: Rake away all the thatch that has accumulated since the fall. Thatch is that tangle of dried up dead grass and weeds that intertwines with the live grass. If left alone, thatch can prevent nutrients and water from reaching the roots of your lawn, so you need to remove it now as the grass begins to sprout again. If you plan on seeding your lawn, it is essential to remove all the thatch, otherwise the grass seed will simply sit on the thatch and not put down roots in the soil. If your lawn already needs a mowing, set the mower blades at their highest setting, just to trim off the top. This is a good time to spread fertilizer on your lawn if you think it needs a feeding. If you’re having moss problems, you can purchase a combination fertilizer and moss killer.
Trees/Shrubs: Take a walk around your landscape and examine trees and shrubs for any limbs or branches that have been broken or damaged over the winter. Trim branches without collars very close to the trunk. Trim branches with collars or other natural projections at the collar edge.
Compost/Manure: Once the soil is dry enough, you can dig in some compost or manure. You can speed up the decomposition process in your compost pile by turning it with a fork every couple of weeks. Add lawn clippings and eggshells to your compost heap. However, do not add lawn clippings if you have treated your lawn with chemicals to get rid of weeds or pests.
Weeding: This is a good time to get down on your knees and remove as many weeds as possible before they have the opportunity to flower and then seed. Need an incentive? Consider this: some weeds can produce as many as 10,000 seeds each. Remember, too, that weeding is much easier if you do it when the soil is wet.
Aphids: As the new spring growth begins to appear, check carefully for aphids. Lift the leaves and examine the underside where aphids will congregate. If you find you have an aphid problem and want information on various means of controlling them, you can find excellent information at National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service . |
Land Steward
