Staring at a giant list of landscaping and lawn maintenance “to-dos” becomes much less stressful when you break each task down into seasonal lists. Having the right timing for your lawn maintenance is just as important as getting it done! Expert landscaping and lawn maintenance companies time their work with the seasons, weather, and plant cycles of the area. By learning these important timings yourself, you can keep your lawn looking lush and alive throughout most of the year.
Spring
Spring is a major season of growth and renewal for all types of yards. Cool-season grasses are in full growth and many beautiful perennials begin to strengthen before blooming in late spring or early summer. This is when many homeowners are bitten by the gardening and landscaping bug, so take advantage of this and prepare your lawn for the seasons to come!
- Remove winter protection for your perennials, garden beds, outdoor fixtures, and backyard furniture.
- Start mowing your yard and cutting back on the first weeds of the season. Fertilize and sow new grass seed as needed to fill in gaps.
- Fertilize and plant your first garden plants. Most of the Cape Code area sits in growing zone 7, though some plants that thrive in zone 6 will find a great home here.
- Clean and repair landscape fixtures, pathways, and backyard furniture to enjoy in the coming warmer weather.
Summer
Summer is when we enjoy our lawns and gardens to the fullest. The bright, clear weather is perfect for enjoying all the hard work you’ve put into keeping your outdoor space well-kept. Vegetable and flower gardens are in full bloom, and there will be plenty of maintenance to be done throughout the warm weather months.
- Keep mowing and weeding your yard. Take extra care to stay on top of uprooting and cutting back weeds! Apply fertilizer as needed to your garden beds, struggling patches of grass, and patio plants.
- Stay vigilant for intruders into your backyard; everything from insects to small animals can cause havoc to your plants, grass, and furniture. Use eco-friendly insect repellent and keep an eye out for signs of bug infestations in your plants.
- Train and trim plants as they grow. Many plants, such as vines and flowers, require training in order to reach their fullest decorative potential. The summer months when plant growth is in full swing is the best time to do this.
- Paint and stain your outdoor space and furniture as needed. The warm weather of the summer months will allow the paints and stains to dry faster than if you were to paint in the fall or winter.
Fall
Fall drastically changes your yard, but you should keep up with your lawn maintenance all the same. As the leaves begin to change color, switch from a “growth focused” mindset to one of preparation. If you properly prepare your yard for a harsh New England winter, you can minimize the amount of work you’ll have to do in the early spring!
- Fertilize your yard. After a long season of kids, dogs, and guests enjoying your hard work in the backyard, your grass may be left in less than ideal shape. Replenish the nutrients in your yard’s soil to prepare for next year.
- Rake leaves and start composting. Fallen leaves are autumn’s biggest hassle. Staying on top of raking your leaves will prevent them from piling up (both literally and figuratively!)
- Prepare perennials for winter. Flowers and fruits that bloom annually should be bedded down for the winter before the first frost. Doing this keeps them safe during the winter, allowing them to bounce back faster in the spring.
- Prepare your tools for winter! Clean and organize your tools and do a full inventory of what you have before packing them away for the season.
Winter
When the temperature drops, our willingness to go outside and work on all the small fixes our backyard needs drops similarly. Spend the winter keeping an eye on your lawn, outdoor furniture, and any plants you’ve covered for the season. When spring comes, you’ll be well aware of which area of your lawn needs the most attention.
- Avoid damaging your lawn! Winter is one of the worst times for your grass, so do all you can to avoid adding extra strain. When possible, use alternatives to salt to deal with ice and snow.
- Order what you need for spring so that you’re ready to go once the weather turns.
- Check and repair systems and tools. Winter is the perfect time to repair or replace systems that failed throughout the year.
- Research and get inspired for spring. The Internet has a wealth of pictures, ideas, and blog posts that can help you gain inspiration for your next spring project.
If you are looking for a reputable company to help you with your lawn maintenance needs, reach out to us today!