Your Yard Matters
The grips of winter have finally loosened its clenched fists of ice and snow. A time when one is ready to rejoice until they realize that although the lingering sting of winter was gone, it left behind bitter evidence of grit, broken branches, garbage, and t-posts; another bump in the road on the path to relaxing in your hammock with the long awaited Sangria. No matter how long or short, snow or no snow, windy or not, there is always work to be done as soon as the winter season is over. With little threat of any more major snow storms or plummeting temperatures, it is time to let in the warmth, check the damage and right those wrongs.
Take a walk around your yard and take notes as to what needs to be done. If it looks relatively good, think about what could be done. There is quite a bit of yard work that can only be done in the spring. Look at lawn quality, bed conditions and Hardscape conditions. Prioritize... what is most important to you and how much time and/or money you want to spend at this time. For example: if grass is a big concern to you then spring is the time to top dress and seed or sod. Temperatures are cooler and success rates are higher. Fall is also a good time to fix or repair your lawn if one chooses to wait. Consider these suggestions for a healthy yard and peace of mind.
Remove winter preparation materials:
- Burlap can be taken off of shrubs and/or snow fencing, dried and put away inside for future use if still in good condition.
- Snow wrap can be cut off of conifers and disposed of; this material deteriorates with prolonged exposure to the sun and unfortunately, can not be re-used. You should then gently loosen the bound branches being cautious not to cause damage.
- Rose collars can be removed and stored for future use, and the mulch or peat moss spread out in the garden. Any broken or dead branches can be pruned back to the strongest outward bud. This will decrease risk of mould and crowding.
- Wooden stakes can be removed and stored indoors if in good condition.
- T-posts and snow fence can be rolled up and stored under the deck or in the shed if burlap has been removed. If the t-posts do not come out with ease, wait until theground is softer.
- Tarps can be taken off of fountains and birdbaths. A good scrub and some fresh water are recommended… those Robins will be thirsty! Be sure to allow the tarps to dry fully before putting them away inside. Mould will cause damage not only to the tarp, but can spread if kept in an area with moisture such as a garage or basement
Yard Clean-up:
- Sweep up any grit on walkways and driveway. This will minimize the risk of a slip and fall and save your floors from being scratched by any grit being tracked in.
- Pick up any branches from both the lawn and garden beds so that growth is not inhibited. This goes for any leaf piles left from the fall as well.
- Prune any dead or broken branches.
- Cut back any perennials that were left for winter interest.
Call your lawn care providers for topdressing, seeding, sod, de-thatching, aeration, fertilizing, soil amendments and/or mulch. A strong, healthy lawn is your best organic way to fend off weeds, insects and disease. Your lawn care professionals will be able to set up a program that will be right for your individual needs.
*Most lawn repairs should be done in early spring or mid fall when temperatures are
cool.
Written by: Dianna Dawson 2008 |
