Saying the winter is harsh on your lawn, would be an understatement. Through cold weather, snow storms, and icy conditions your yard bares it all. Come springtime it’s not uncommon to find that your lawn needs a little extra help bouncing back. Here are four backyard maintenance tasks to do this spring to make sure your grass is flourishing, getting the most out of your yard.
Get Rid of the Lawn Debris
The first thing you’ll want to do after the snow melts is clean up your lawn. Raking your yard is an excellent first step to remove any extra leaves or debris left behind from the fall. Wet leaves can cause snow mold and serve as homes for pests. Alongside leaves, you’ll want to use a rigid metal-tined rake for thatch. Dethatching your lawn is crucial as part of your spring lawn care. Thatch can cause pooling water, reduced nutrient intake, and is another typical home for lawn pests. Finally, remove any sticks, twigs, and branches as these can damage your lawn mower.
Check Your Roof
Whether it’s a fallen tree branch or heavy snow, winter storms can cause significant damage to your roof. Being cooped up all season means you may not know the extent of the damage done. Check your shingles for any destruction that was possibly caused by wind and ice. Make sure to take a look at your vents, pipes, and gutters to ensure they are free of debris. A clogged gutter can lead to pooling water, and a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Prune Your Trees
Trees go through plenty of stress throughout the winter months. Winter storms, high winds, and icy temperatures can wreak havoc on their lives. Prune away any weak, damaged, dead, or dying branches to keep your tree healthy. Doing so will foster new growth in the spring and prevent damage from those weak branches falling onto your property. Early spring is an excellent time to trim your trees as they are just coming out of their dormancy and are beginning to grow again. Applying a dormant oil in the early spring is a good idea as well. This oil is sprayed on the tree, killing any insects that may be overwintering in the branches or trunk and keeping your pest problem at a minimum.
Get Ahead of the Weeds
Weed seeds will overwinter in your lawn, waiting for the temperatures to rise before starting their invasion. Get ahead of the weeds by applying a pre-emergent weed control to your grass. Pre-emergent weed control targets those dormant seeds, killing them before they can germinate, keeping your lawn weed-free. Pre-emergent weed control will need to be applied in early spring before your soil temperatures reach 50-60 degrees. Otherwise, the weeds will have already germinated making the weed control ineffective. Weeds rob your lawn, stealing vital nutrients for a lush growth season. Getting ahead of the weed problem with a pre-emergent weed control will allow your grass to get the nutrients it needs, resulting in a vibrant, green lawn.
Follow these four spring backyard maintenance tasks for a verdant lawn all summer long. Winter storms can plunder your otherwise beautiful turf. By starting cleanup early, you’ll not only make your neighbors jealous, but you’ll be able to enjoy your yard for longer!
By: Rachael Baihn
