For a healthy lawn, pay attention now
Despite a sporadic winter chill in the air, preparing a healthy lawn for throughout the warmer months should start now, according to experts.
Brandon Laschen, owner of Laschen蘑菇视频 Lawn Care and Landscaping in Brownsville, recommends beginning now with a deep raking to remove leaves and winter debris that can cause thatch buildup.
Lawn experts reported that mowing, fertilizing and watering now is essential to achieve and maintain a thriving lawn.
According to Laschen, lawn maintenance in the Fayette County area usually takes off in early April and tends to run through the fall.
Laschen said core aeration should be done, but only when the ground is firm because it may still be saturated from winter.
Core aeration allows air, water and other nutrients to reach the roots of the grass and promotes healthy growth.
鈥淎 sign of compacted soil can be moss growing where it usually does not,鈥� said Laschen.
According to Laschen, established lawns will need to be overseeded in bare spots or patches to improve appearance.
鈥淭his service is often used in conjunction with having the lawn core aerated,鈥� said Laschen.
Prior to fertilizing, bare grass spots should be filled in with turf builder or by seeding.
If adding pre-emergents to help control weeds, Laschen suggests checking with a licensed professional or to follow the directions on store bought products.
Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) reports that spring蘑菇视频 cool, moist conditions also make it the perfect time to add trees and shrubs to a yard to add not only value and aesthetic appeal, but also provide shade, which helps reduce summer energy bills.
For those that want to get a head start on planting, Laschen said hearty trees for this time of year include evergreens, blue spruce or hemlock along with ground cover such as juniper, blue rugs or boxwood.
鈥淚鈥檇 still recommend waiting a week or two to help insure no more frost,鈥� said Laschen.
If cool-season annuals are on your list, BHG said pansies and violas, calendula, poppy and snapdragon, can take a little frost.
Laschen added that plants in bulb form such as lilies or daffodils are also good choices.
To gain a few early weeks of color, BHG suggests to plant flowers in beds and borders or containers.
Spring is also a good time to cut back or divide ornamental grasses and perennials to spark new life.
When the soil has warmed up and dried out, lawn experts further recommend spreading mulch over the soil surface to discourage weeds in planting beds and to hold moisture once hot summer days arrive.
With the first grass cutting of the year around the corner, Laschen said lawn mower blades should be sharpened and to change oil and air filters in accordance with the owner蘑菇视频 manual.
Also, grease any points that may need lubricated.