Spring is Almost Here!

 

We want you to be ready. Below you will find helpful hints on how and when spring services should be performed. The top three important services we want you to be knowledgeable about are: Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Control, Spring Mulch, and Spring Clean-ups. These hints will help you perform these services properly. Or click the contact us buttom to request our professional crews to perform your spring servcies.

 

 

Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Control

 

We recommend applying your pre-emergent crabgrass control mid-March.  The key is to apply before the crabgrass germinates. When the soil temperature at the surface reaches 55°F for four or five consecutive days, crabgrass begins to germinate. Seeds germinate best from early spring to late summer. Crabgrass continues to grow until midsummer when days become shorter. A pre-emergent is vital to controlling crabgrass as the crabgrass reproduces by seeds in the ground.  Preventing those seeds from germinating helps keep crabgrass in check.  Keep in mind that due to the large of amount of seeds produced it can take a couple seasons of pre-emergent control before the crabgrass is completely taken care of.  Typically, crabgrass is controlled well in the first year and the second season catches the remaining crabgrass plants.  If you would like more information about crabgrass you can go to http://www.northeastipm.org/bmps-for-school-ipm/pests/crabgrass/

 

Spring Mulch

 

If you already have mulched landscaped beds, this spring you might need to consider to re-apply a new layer. Traditional mulch breaks down over the course of a year. It is vital to re-apply it annually, and spring is a prime time to do so. Benefits of mulching include:
•    Protects soil from erosion
•    Holds moisture allowing for less frequent watering
•    Prevents Weed Growth
•    Maintains even and healthy soil temperature
•    Gives a new and fresh look to landscape
The recommended depth of mulch is 3-inches. In most cases, you only need to install a top-dressing of 1-inch each spring. For more information on mulching please visit
 https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/?cid=nrcs143_023585
 

Spring Cleanup

 
Best done prior to the start of the mowing season, spring cleanups keep your lawn and landscape free of unwanted debris. Spring cleanups include trimming grasses and most perennials, along with blowing leaves and other debris out of the beds and disposing of raked up leaves & debris. You benefit from cleaning up your landscaping in many ways. By removing all leaves, you encourage your perennial plants to start their growing and budding. Furthermore, it allows for mulch to be easily installed and gives an aesthetic appeal to your landscaping.