Spring is just around the corner, and for most of us, the very thought of warmer weather brings a sigh of relief. Spring also means that it’s time to begin ramping up for the lawn care season soon to follow. Now is the time to begin “preparing” your lawn for the spring and summer growth season.
As the landscaping comes back to life, take note of these landscaping tips:
- Rake your lawn regularly to eliminate fallen leaves, branches and other debris that have accumulated over the cooler months and allow your lawn to breathe and take in more sunlight.
- Preventive care for crabgrass and broadleaf weed control should be done year round. Keep in mind that the time for applying pre-emergent treatments does not match the schedule for applying fertilizers containing nitrogen for most of the turfgrasses used for lawns in South Carolina. When using pre-emergent treatments for the lawn in the fall and spring, the air temperatures need to be 65 to 70 °F, but not higher than 85 degrees F. Temperatures generally reach this range around March 1 for the coast and low country area. Perform a second application nine weeks after the first application to provide season-long control. In the fall, apply pre-emergent treatments in September.
- Fungus, grub and mole control treatments may be needed.
- Regrow browning lawn areas with lawn seeding, lime, core aeration, or dethatching.
- Edge ornamental beds and add pine straw or natural colored mulch to enhance its appearance and improve the garden’s soil and environment.
- Prune damaged or overgrown trees, bushes and shrubs on your property that are located between the sidewalk and your home.
- Regarding “street trees”, which are trees that are located between the sidewalk and the street, please remember that the pruning of these trees should not be done by the homeowner, but instead by the Urban Forestry Division at the City of Charleston Department of Parks. Click HERE for important information on these trees and their maintenance and pruning.
The above winter lawn maintenance tips will help your lawn look great and assist in maintaining its property value.
