Winter weather can often make us overlook some of our outdoor upkeep duties. Who wants to be outside any longer than necessary when it’s cold, windy, wet, or snowy? While we can’t blame you for wanting to stay inside where it’s warm, but we can at least give you five easy (and quick) things to do to your lawn to get a head start on spring. Take advantage of a warm(er) winter day (or two) and get your yard prepped with these 5 simple tasks:
1. Stop Avoiding the Leaves
Once the snow has melted, you may find that those leaves you ignored during the fall are still there. Take this chance to go over your yard and remove any and all of them. Rotting leaves are not only a mess, but they can kill your lawn if left for too long and give unwanted bugs a place to hang out.
2. Give Fleas & Ticks the Flick
Most people think that wintertime means no fleas, ticks, or other crawling creatures. While this can be true if you live in an area that gets a “true” winter (i.e. very cold for two to three consecutive months with a good chance of snowfall), areas that are more unpredictable –like Kansas City– may not stay cold enough to interrupt the life cycle of fleas and ticks. Taking a warmer day during January or February to have your yard sprayed for fleas and ticks can help break that life cycle and get you well on your way to a bug-free spring and summer.
3. Trim Things for a Fresh Start Come Spring
Trimming wayward leaves, twigs, and branches now can save you a lot of time later. A little here and a little there can add up to a lot if you save it all for spring. Besides, trimming some of those branches can help other branches receive more sun (aka nutrients). Another plus of wintertime pruning — keeping your yard trimmed, neat, and cleared of debris can help reduce your flea and tick population (see #2). They love to live in dark, moist areas.
Related Read: 4 Simple Tips for Winter Pruning & Snow Maintenance
4. Keep up with Wild Weeds
Pulling weeds may seem like more of a spring/summer chore, but trust us, your lawn can benefit from having the weeds removed during winter as well. If you get a day where the snow is gone, and the ground is thawed, take some time to spray or pull those pesky little plants so they won’t have a chance to germinate later.
5. Give Your Plants a Fertilizer Feast
Springtime is like morning for your yard. It’s been sleeping all winter long, and when it wakes up, like you, it wants something to eat. February is a great time to toss around some fertilizer so your grass and other plants can wake up to a delicious feast to fill it up for the season.
6. No Time? Call the Professionals at Custom Lawn & Landscape
If you’re wondering when in the world you’ll have time to prepare your yard for spring, don’t worry! That’s why we’re here! Plus, having professionals perform a spring checkup will take out the guesswork and ensure your yard gets the care and nutrients it needs for the upcoming season.
Regardless of the season, there’s always some type of something that you should be doing to keep things looking and growing their best. Call Custom Lawn & Landscape today to book your spring maintenance appointment and get the best looking yard on the block!
