Posted on April 4th, 2019
Spring has arrived in Massachusetts and us gardeners and homeowners are getting back to work in our yards. After the long, tough winter it’s time to repair the damage to our lawns and start to plan this year’s yard maintenance. At Turf Unlimted we are here to help by providing this list of tips to get you started on your way to a healthy, greener yard.
Mow and Trim
It’s time to bust out that lawn mower again but, before you do, be sure to check the oil and ensure that the blades are sharp. Dull blades can actually damage grass and give them brown, serrated tips. Keep mower height no shorter than three inches. Taller grass in the spring will promote deep root growth and thicken up your grass which can also prevent weeds from germinating. Don’t throw out your grass clippings. Instead, you can set them aside in a compost pile for later use on your gardens or flower beds.
Pruning and Removing Trees
Early spring is the ideal time for trimming and removing trees and shrubs. Pruning should be performed before the dormant period ends and buds begin to open on the branches. Take a stroll around your yard and examine each tree carefully. If it’s a large tree (over fifteen feet) a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to walk under it without hitting your head on any branches. Prune any dead or unsightly branches that take away from the shape of your tree.
If you have any dead trees in your yard it’s a wise choice to have them removed in case whatever killed them spreads to other trees. Diseases such as Dutch Elm and insects like the Emerald Ash Borer can and will jump from tree to tree if you do not take proper precautions and remove the entire tree.
Seed Dead Patches
It’s natural to see dead or brown patches appear in your yard in the spring. This can easily be fixed by first raking the area to loosen up thatch and soil. Then throw down your seed and cover with soil. Water the area two to three times a day. When choosing a grass seed to apply, make sure it matches the current grass type of your yard.
Remove Weeds Carefully
Here in Massachusettes a lot of us have acidic soils which make our yards extremely susceptible to weeds. After having your soil pH checked you can solve high acidity problems with a lime application.
Applying pre-emergent weed killers early can also boost the health and appearance of your lawn. Just because you don’t see any weeds now doesn’t mean they aren’t present. Weeds overwinter as seeds in your yard where they lie in wait for the right conditions to germinate. Weeds tend to be hardier and more resilient than our turf grass and can crowd it out. A pre-emergent can kill these seeds before they sprout, giving your grass access to more space, nutrients, and water which creates a thicker, healthier lawn and preventing weeds from re-growing later.
Get on a Lawn Care Schedule
Lawn care is hard work that requires a lot of time and effort. At Turf Unlimited we have years of experience dealing with Massachusetts lawns and the problems that face them. We know how to turn an “ok” yard into a yard your friends and neighbors will be envious of.
Call Turf Unlimited today at (888) 649-9919 or drop us a message.
For pest-related questions check out our sister site Pest Control Unlimited.
