The spring is a very eventful time for your landscape plantings. Most of us look forward to seeing new green growth beginning for a new year. Emerging from winter dormancy into a time of growth and development is critical for the outdoor plant life. Nice green growth is pleasing. We must be prepared to find that winter cold, wind, and exposure may result in damage to some plants. Extent of injury may vary by plant type, by location and by plant vigor prior to winter. It may winter kill, frost injury, frost cracks, or injury from animal activity.

Snow mold may be found in areas of turf which have been wet and under a snow cover for much of the winter. Turf usually recovers from this disease gradually as new growth develops. A very light raking to permit air movement may help recovery.

Spring balanced fertilization is valuable for turf to have available nutrients which will result in healthy growth and color. As soil temperatures rise in spring, the growth rate of your lawn increases, so long as there is sufficient water. Normally water is plentiful in the spring.

The spring growth period is also a good time to gain control of turf and landscape weeds. A pre-emergent weed control material is scheduled for this time to manage annual grasses such as crabgrass. Broadleaf weeds in active growth can generally be effectively managed during this period.

For shrubs and trees we may recommend a dormant oil spray treatment for certain selected plants to gain early control of some insects and mites. As growth develops, we want to check plants for winter injury and perhaps recommend pruning out damaged twigs or branches. One insect which appears early in the season is the winter moth. Most deciduous trees and some spruces are susceptible to this insect pest. It can actually begin feeding during the bud expansion stage. It seems to cause the most injury to cherry, blueberry, ash, oak and crabapple.

Since the spring season is subject to so much variation in temperatures and rainfall there are many situations which could occur in your lawn, as well as your trees and shrubs. Regular observation and proper fertilization and cultural practices will keep your property healthy. If you notice something not looking as it should, let’s check it to see if something may be needed to correct a problem.

Contact Greener Lawns to Request a Quote or call 978-470-3111