Spring is on its way, so yard work and planting will be picking up pretty soon among avid gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts.
We recently discussed Texas Lawn Care in the Winter as a measure to prepare for spring, but there are a few other steps you can take as well to give your yard a boost.
Weed Control
Late winter is a good time to address weeds proactively, as they begin to germinate when the soil temperature reaches around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Granted, a late-season freeze can head that off, but we all know it can begin warming up fairly early here in North Texas.
Pre-emergents are a great choice to stay a step ahead of more aggressive weed types such as crabgrass. Be sure you apply at least 6 weeks prior to any seeding either in your garden or grass bed.
If you’ve noticed any broadleaf weeds popping up early, go ahead and use a post-emergent spray to nip the problem in the bud. As your grass emerges from dormancy, its natural density creates somewhat of a barrier against weeds, but any intruders showing up in late winter should be dealt with immediately.
Cleaning
Hopefully you’ve kept up with lawn cleaning over the winter, without much leftover mess to deal with. But if it’s gotten away from you, now is certainly time to do some yard work to make room for new growth.
Any large-scale pruning that would require a saw should wait until after the last freeze of the season. But dead leaves and stems that are littering the ground become a risk for rot and bugs if left sitting for too long.
Be sure you’re checking flower beds, hedges, gutters, and along your fences for any debris that could be building up in out-of-site spots. If it’s dry and small, you can gather it for mulching or composting, but anything wet should be thrown away.
Fertilizing and Soil Prep
If you’re planning to plant fresh flowers and vegetables this spring, you want to make sure your ground is prepared. This includes pulling out old vegetation and ensuring that your soil is properly balanced.
Soil enrichments include mulch, composting, commercial fertilizers, and various other products you can purchase, depending on the needs of the plants you’re growing. Be sure to learn what your plants will need in order to thrive, so you can make educated decisions about what products to purchase or whether soil enrichment is even necessary.
Most experts suggest that February is prime time to apply your yard’s first fertilizer treatment. For more details, check out Following a Weed and Feed Schedule For Your Lawn.
When your grass emerges from dormancy and begins growing again, it will eagerly soak up the nutrients and minerals available in fertilizer treatments. Again, this is something that should wait until after the season’s final frost, so checking your Texas Almanac for weather patterns can be helpful in your planning process.
Conclusion
With spring around the corner, go ahead and capitalize on those warmer Saturday afternoons to get a leg-up on your lawn care. If you want some assistance for upcoming spring gardening projects, click here for a quote!
