May is here! You know what that means – the temps are coming up, grass is greening up, of course those weeds are coming up. Here are a few tips for keeping your lawn in shape this May!
- Change the direction or pattern each time you mow your lawn. Different mowing patterns reduce soil compaction and turf wear from mower wheels.
- Start fertilizing your turf grasses.
- Mulch planting beds to conserve moisture, deter weeds and keep soil cool.
- Once plants have leafed out, make a final pruning to remove winter damage. Always cut the limb or shoot back to live wood. If the damage to the plant is severe, you might consider replacing it.
- Prune spring blooming shrubs such as forsythia and lilac after they finish flowering.
- Prune climbing roses after their blooms fade.
- Snip off dried foliage of early spring bulbs, such as daffodils, and the faded flower stalks of irises.
- Check roses, ornamentals and vegetables for aphids and powdery mildew.
- Check roses for black spot and apply fungicide as necessary according to label directions.
- Watch for bagworms on junipers and other conifers, treat as required.
- Plant your summer annuals, such as petunias, marigolds, salvia and impatiens.
If you would like our help keeping your lawn in shape or to begin your next landscape project, schedule a phone consultation!
This is a fantastic list of tasks to get my May garden prepped for summer! Especially timely with the reminder to fertilize the turf grasses. One question I have for you is – do you have any recommendations for organic or eco-friendly fertilizer options? I’d love to keep my lawn healthy while also being mindful of the environment.
Great tips, Emily!
We have recently started a new landscaping business and this article really helps give understanding to the work that needs to be done even after the winter has passed and the blooming has begun. We are always looking for more education in this particular field, and this post did a great job in explaining some of the key things that one can do to keep their lawn looking its best.
You have true compassion for plant and garden life and this list of simple things that one can do shows that. I really appreciate you taking the time to share this information with those of us who share a similar interest.