Get your yard ready during the quieter months before the summer arrives so you can have time to actually enjoy it once the warm weather hits. To help you get started, here are some simple tips for prepping your yard for the summer.
Take an Inventory of Your Garden Tools
When it’s still too cool outside to dig into the garden beds, it’s a good time to get into the garden shed and take inventory of what needs sharpening, maintenance, or if you need some new items for the season. Having your garden equipment prepped and ready for the summer will make your life much easier whenever you have to perform maintenance in the garden.
Remove Weeds and Clean Up Garden
Rake away dead branches, leaves and other debris left over from the winter. Try to remove as many weeds as possible and pull them up holding tightly towards the base so you can remove their roots too. The goal is to get the soil free of weeds and debris so you can have a blank canvas for replanting.
Aerate Lawn
The heavy winter snow can leave the lawn and soil very tightly compact, which makes it difficult for water and the necessary nutrients to reach the grass roots. As a result, the grass blades can struggle to grow. That’s why aerating the lawn is recommended. You can rent an aerating machine to do it yourself or hire an expert to do it for you. This is especially important to do around areas that have a high amount of foot traffic.
Rake Well and Dethatch
That thick layer of dead looking grass that’s nestled around the lawn is the thatch layer. Though it’s beneficial for protecting the lawn during the winter, it can prevent growth if it’s not removed during the spring. If your thatch layer is thick, it will reduce the oxygen and nutrients as well. To remove it, use a heavy duty rake or hire a landscaping company.
Apply Generous Amounts of Grass Seed
Grass seed can help thicken and revitalize your lawn. Before you purchase it, ask your garden expert which is best for your location, amount of sunlight, and always read the labels carefully to follow the appropriate instructions. Remember that grass seed can take up to 3 weeds to grow, so watch it carefully and water it daily without oversaturating it.
Prefer to spend your free time doing something else? You can give us a call at Hansen Lawn & Gardens for expert lawn care and maintenance in Ottawa whenever you need it!