You will see daffodils or budding trees, when spring is almost here. This signifies the arrival of a new season. These are signs that your lawn needs preparation for the growing season. The precise timing of spring lawn care depends on your region’s climate. If you are in a location where there is still snow, then proceed, when you are extremely confident that the snow season is over. The following are the top 3 lawn care essentials you need this spring.
Weed Killer
Appropriate care of your lawn makes it possible for the preferred plants to flourish. However, weeds often grow alongside these beautiful plants, which is why weed killers are essential for lawn care. It is important to purchase nonselective herbicides, since they are able to get rid of any type of weed. The selective herbicides, however, will only remove specific types of weeds. The great thing about herbicides is that, although they are harmful to weeds, the desired plants, usually, go unharmed. Avoid physically removing weeds because it can strain your back as well as your legs. It will also require strenuous pulling and digging. Instead, use a chemical weed killer, which will only require that you spray the unwanted plants.
Mulch
Mulch breaks up clay, which increases the consistency of your soil. It also helps improve the transport of water and air through the soil. Mulch contains nutrients that helps nourish the soil and enhances its ability to retain water. It keeps the topsoil layer insulated, which helps keep it cool, during the spring and summer months. Best of all, it gets rid of weeds and make it easier to pull them out.
It is important to remove any weeds or water, before applying mulch to your lawn. Any grass, under your trees, should be replaced with mulch. Fortunately, mulch has the ability to imitate the manner in which trees grow in nature. In all planting areas, use two to four inches of mulch. Fine mulch shouldn’t be applied more than two inches deep. Coarse mulch, on the other hand, can be applied as far as four inches deep. You can purchase mulch in bulk size or in a single bag. To determine the amount of mulch you need for your lawn, calculate the volume of mulch by multiplying the depth by the area. Then, divide by twenty-seven.
Fertilize your Lawn
Although fertilizing your lawn involves a huge investment in time and money, it is well worth it. It is frustrating for any homeowner to see dense and luscious grass grow in one area of the lawn, but vague and thin grass in another area. This is usually due to the absence of nutrients in the less vibrant portion of the yard. Natural occurrences are the common causes of this imbalance seen in the lawn.
Fortunately, fertilizers are available to help resolve this common problem. It will create a more uniform growth, allowing the entire yard to look thick and lush. Thick grass not only improves the look of your yawn, but it also prevents soil runoff. When the lawn is fertilized, the soil is also less likely to become lost, when rain or storms arise. Pests will also less likely damage the lawn. Fertilize your lawn, once your grass begins to turn green. If you apply the fertilizer too soon, you will run the risk of feeding weeds and creating fertilizer runoffs. Additionally, the grass will begin to grow, before roots have begun to sprout. Lightly apply fertilizer and choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. By applying fertilizer correctly, you are sure to have a lawn that will grow healthy and vibrant, for years to come.
Lawn Mower
Whether you have a riding lawn mower or a walk behind mower, you should start mowing your lawn, once the ground is dry enough. The grass should be long enough as well. When mowing, be sure to not cut the grass too close. This will cause sunlight to reach your soil, which can promote the growth of weeds. Furthermore, the roots will not develop efficiently. This can make them more prone to drought. Also, be sure to service your lawn mower. You should tune-up your lawn mower, at least once a year. Change the oil, the spark plugs, and clean the air filter. This will improve its performance and extend the life of the engine. Also, regularly sharpen the blade, using a grindstone, bench grinder, or file. When sharpening the blade, it should be kept at a 45-degree angle. Finally, give your lawn mower a good cleaning. Clean the outside, using a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse it off with a water hose. Remove any debris that is caked up in the lawn mower and around the blade.