Prepping Your Yard for a Little Curb Appeal!

Year after year the seasons change in New England and since we no longer plow snow we are chomping at the proverbial bit to start our spring lawn care. Lately it seems that our seasons are starting earlier and earlier here up north. Being located in the Connecticut Valley has its benefits as we are protected by mountain ranges on both sides. If you have not hired a professional to handle your yard work here are a few tips that we recommend to give your lawn a head start.

First, remove all sticks and debris that are scattered on the lawn and in flower beds. Cut back any of the winter perennials like Ornamental Grasses, Hydrangeas, Ferns, or Black Eyed Susan’s. Annual wildflowers like Zinnias or Sunflowers should be left up over the winter to allow them to drop their seeds and cut back in the spring. Prep your flower bed with weed control before you cover with late spring mulch or stone.

Any leaves that have piled up on the lawn or in flower beds should be removed before they suffocate the lawn and rot the grass beneath. De-thatching the lawn with a rake if that’s all you have or with a pull behind thatcher is always a good idea. Removing the old dead thatch from the previous mowing season and harsh winter will help your lawn to breath and receive full nutrients. Lastly after everything is cleaned apply a fertilizer and pre-emergent to help stop weeds from germinating and giving your lawn an early boost.