 | Justin Cawyer is the CEO of American Lawn & Landscape Inc., and has been in the landscape industry for 22 years. Starting out as a mowing service, their business has expanded to include everything from landscaping to fertilizing and weed control. For a complete list of services, you can see their ad in Names and Numbers, visit yardsbyamerican.com, or call 620-249-5700. |
Lawn, Garden & Landscaping
2012-11-19 11:27:57
How can I prepare my yard for colder tempatures?
Q- I have some friends that invest a lot of time on their lawn and come spring, it looks fabulous. They credit the work they put into the yard to prepare and protect it for winter. What kind of efforts would you suggest?
A- It is easy to think of winter as an inactive time for our yards but actually, it can be very productive. What you do now can make a huge difference in the beauty of your yard in the spring.
First, think of your yard as a population of plants, trees, and grasses of differing needs. When we address all of those needs, the landscape becomes a ready canvas for new growth.
If you do only one thing to prepare for winter, rake the leaves. Leaves can smother the grass, turning it to a dirt patch over the winter months. If the winter is unusually warm or overly wet, the leaves can rot and breed bacteria that can damage the lawn and other plants in the area.
Next, aerate and fertilize the lawn. The lawn by this time is ready for some nutrients and aerating the lawn will assure it stays well fed. Choose a winterizer type fertilizer for best results.
In the flowerbeds, you will also want to remove dead growth where pest eggs and disease spores linger. Rake up old mulch and replace it with new material.
If you have young trees, protect the tender bark from any gnawing critters by wrapping the stems or trunks with tree-guard products. Young plants are especially tempting to herbivores in winter and our yards can look like a delicatessen of delight!
If you have any evergreens that are exposed or windward facing, consider setting up burlap screens or shelters around them. This is especially helpful for broad-leaved types.
Finally, have a professional come in and evaluate any trees on the property, particularly ones near the home. Weak branches can become heavy with snow and cause real damage that you can prevent with removal.
All of this may sound like a lot of work, and it is, but it is definitely worth the effort. If you have any questions, be sure to consult a professional who can help you get things on track. Enjoy your yard, and the holiday season!
