In case you missed your chance to hear Josh’s presentation Prep for Spring, we have pulled a few highlights from his presentation for you here.
Spring Prep
Spring is a great time to get your spring planting ready and installed. If you are deciding to plant something new or just maintain your existing landscape.
There is some debate as to whether spring or fall planting is best the answer is both are best depending on what plants you’re installing.
Trees and shrubs are great both spring and fall but perennials should only be planted in the spring they have a hard time getting established late season and you can have a lot of loss.
Do you have mulch debris built up around your plants and windows?
Are your downspouts washing away your planting beds?
Yellowing plants. If your plants/trees are yellowing, it does depend on the species, but most trees and shrubs around here can benefit from a cup or so of Holly-tone around the base
Check for dieback i.e., dead ends on the ends of branches etc.
Liquid fertilizer can be a great option for spring once plants start to flush out. Bio plex is amazing and can be bought locally
Spring is a great time to dead wood or thin out shrubbery
Cut back grasses and perennials but don’t cut them back to the crowns i.e., too low
If you have a lawn guy doing your mulch, be afraid if you see him approaching your plants with hedge shears! They tend to cut way too far back
One of the biggest problems I see is when a landscaper or mulch guy continues to pile up mulch around the house and just keeps adding and adding it so it builds up on the root ball of your plants and against your siding causing water infiltration issues and girdling cuts off air circulation and can rot the trunk of your plantings and cause surface growing roots. You want your roots to go down and not out
Make sure your mulch guy should suggest removing the excess mulch before pulling the trigger. Thicker isn’t better
It’s also a good time to see what isn’t thriving and replace dead plants and fill other areas (keep in mind some plants are still dormant right now)
Lighting check - reset timers for lighting, and look over bulbs
Outdoor Space Prep
Never salt natural stone or concrete. It destroys the surface. Try calcium chloride, fireplace ashes, or sand
For wet set applications - check your pointing. Water can get into cracks and cause heaving for pavers
Dry laid applications - check your polymeric sand. It's an easy fix and will keep you from weeding unless you already let it go too far
Water features - drain and clean. Check plumbing lines
Retaining walls - look for leaning, separation and erosion
Pressure washing - if the patio is dry laid do not hold the pressure washer directly to the patio. It will blow out the polymeric sand
Use a nontoxic masonry cleaner to be purchased at home depot or Delaware brick. read the directions the stuff is toxic no matter what it says on the package
Polymeric sand. Make sure to buy the good stuff, techno-seal from Delaware brick. I'm sure it’s available at other locations like paver dealers
Use these tips to Prep for Spring and get an early start on your dream backyard!
Of course, sometimes our properties need more than a tidying up or maintenance,
