Spring Checklist for A Beautiful Summer Landscape
We may have had a few false starts to spring this year, which is nothing out of the ordinary here in the Pacific Northwest, but winter has seemed to hold on a bit longer. Regardless, spring has officially arrived in full force and summer really is just around the corner. So we understand if you have a bit of spring fever and a sense of urgency to get your yard in top shape with blooming flowers and a vibrant lawn.
To help you get a jump on your spring yard projects, here is a handy checklist of the top things you should do in your yard now to ensure a beautiful and thriving landscape this summer.
- Turn on and test your irrigation system. Check sprinkler heads and drip lines and confirm everything is working properly. If repairs are needed, take care of them now before the dry season comes and your plants and lawn begin to dry out. Consider hiring a pro to inspect your irrigation system for you and have them make any necessary repairs.
Leaving this kind of “yard-work” to a qualified irrigation technician can save you a lot of time and hassle trying to figure things out on your own. This is why we offer Premium Water Management Services (PWMS)—so you don’t have to worry about your irrigation system functioning as it should.
- Look for overly soggy areas in your lawn and garden. This is a sign of poor drainage and if left unaddressed for too long will affect the health of your lawn and plants. You may need to have your lawn aerated and or amend the soil to improve drainage.
- Test your soil pH levels. Improper pH will impact how well your plants and grasses thrive. This is a service we provide and we can also help you identify what nutrients are missing that should be added to your soil.
- Fertilize your lawn and apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent unwanted grasses and weeds before they can germinate. Spring is also a great time to overseed and repair brown or bare spots. Brown spots can be the result of a number of different factors, so you may want to get some expert advice before trying to fix the problem.
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming to encourage new blooms and keep them looking tidy. Once the danger of frost has passed, prune any roses in your yard. Spring is also a good time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs.
- Clear away debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Not only will your landscape appear tidier, but it will also be less welcoming to harmful pests.
- Begin your regular lawn and yard maintenance. Whether you are a DIY weekend warrior, or you hire out this service, follow a regular schedule. A well-tended yard is a healthier yard. Too busy for yard work, or simply don’t want to do it yourself? We offer full-service landscape maintenance so you can sit back and relax.
- Plan your summer yard projects now. If you are thinking of adding any special features to your yard, or maybe even a complete make-over, don’t delay! Landscape designer and contractor schedules fill up quickly in the summer months. Spring is a great time to get on their schedules and start working up your plans.
Every landscape deserves to be lush and beautiful. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, or you would rather hire a pro to take care of all your landscape needs, our experienced designers and crews at Landscape East & West can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to get started on your landscape design.
