It’s been a long winter but trust us, spring is headed our way.
I know, revel in that feeling for that moment.
And we’re betting that once the sun comes out and the snow clears up, you’ll be champing at the bit to get outside and enjoy warmer weather. You’ll also probably notice it’s time to get working on that lawn.
The truth is, winter leaves its mark on your lawn with debris, bare patches and a garden that could use some love. Following a solid plan as early as possible after winter is not only going to save you time and work later, but it will set your lawn and landscape up perfectly for the growing season ahead.
Follow these tips and your lawn will get back on track in a snap, improving your chances to have the best landscape on the block:
- Check your equipment: From hand tools, equipment, the mower, trimmers and your irrigation system, do an inventory to see if anything needs fixed or replaced.
- Put on a sharp blade. Check the blade of your mower and see if it needs a sharp one. A dull blade rips grass rather than cutting it, making it susceptible to water loss and infection.
- Get out the rake: Everything from leaves to branches to dead grass has accumulated since November, so rake it up and remove it all. As an added tip, spread a thin layer of aged compost on your lawn for a mineral boost.
- Clear out the weeds. Put on your gloves and pull out all the weeds you can find.
- Re-seed bare spots. Loosen bare patches from the surface to 2 to 4 inches down then level the soil. Spread grass seed, compost or fertilizer over the patch, then tamp it down before watering as needed.
- Aerating your lawn helps oxygen, water and nutrients get to the roots and improve the health of the grass. An easy way to aerate is to use a soil conditioner you can attach to your garden hose and spray the lawn.
- Put a few inches of mulch around the base of plants, trees and shrubs to improve the look and health of your garden and lawn.
- Remove the dead stuff. Prune dead tree limbs and trim up shrubs.
- Fertilize after the first cut. Don’t put fertilizer down until after your first mow. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer you use to ensure you’re not using too much or too little.
- Mow to the right height. Cut your lawn to a height of 2 1/3 to 3 ½ inches and mow regularly so you aren’t cutting more than 1/3 of the lawn per mow. Frequent mowing and keeping your lawn a bit high makes the turf tough and can push out weeds. Plus, it helps retain moisture through summer heat.
These are some of the tips that will help you get your lawn cleaned up and ready to show off once the spring sun peers its head. Stay tuned to Snappy’s web page for more tips to get you ready for the spring.
And don’t forget, as you begin to mobilize for spring, get all your mowing and lawn care maintenance and parts at Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment. Call us at 419-879-1196 or stop by our store at 2120 N. Dixie Hwy.
