Spring Landscaping Tips for the Kansas City Area!
Updated: Mar 6
Spring ushers in long-awaited warmer temperatures and the urge to want to get outside. Here is a simplified guide for how you can prep your landscape for the spring and coming summer.
Start by taking a closer look at your trees and shrubs.
This is the most effective start to your spring landscape clean-up. Look for that might be damaged or ill-looking from the harsh winter weather. Smaller ornamental trees and shrubs can be pruned by hand. We recommend that larger trees and hedge rows be pruned and removed by a professional. For an easy guide on pruning click here.
Test your soil!
Your landscaper or a professional soil testing service company may need to do this. The most nutrients and microbial action occurs in your first 3-6 inches of soil. We highly recommend soil testing every 3-5 years to ensure your soil has the proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. Click here for a reference guide to all University extensions in your state that offer soil testing. Click the following link for an extensive guide for Missouri.
Fertilize your lawn or Incorporate Bio-Based soil amendments.
The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but chemical fertilizers and granular fertilizers only allow the sod in your yard the nutrients to look greener for the following season.We will always recommend some slow-release fertilizer, but your grass will only be as good as the topsoil underneath. Holganix has been the leader and forefront of 100% organic soil amendments for the last 10 years.
Click to read more about Holganix and how they are reshaping the agriculture and lawn care industry!
If you fertilize, ensure it's at the optimum time of the year for your type of grass. Not all grasses should be fertilized in spring. Some cool-season grass varieties do better when fertilized in fall. Unsure what type of grass you have? Contact your lawn care professional to help you identify what's in your yard.
In most cases, it's not a problem with your sod or turf! It all boils down to your soil health.
If electing to fertilize, it's important to know the exact square footage of your lawn and to read the entire labeling and instructions. Using too little or too much fertilizer can harm your yard and cause damages that will need professional help. Several university studies show that under-fertilized turf can lead to a thin turf stand resulting in soil erosion and unwanted soil runoff.
State and local governments can limit when what kind, and what amount of fertilizer you can apply. Professional, licensed lawn care companies must follow state, local, and federal regulations.
Your trees and shrubs need some nutrient care as well! Most plants, trees, and shrubs will benefit from proper fertilization with a slow-release product just before your top mulch dressing is applied.
Control The Weeds.
Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control for weeds such as crabgrass.
Add a minimum inch-thick layer of fresh mulch in plant beds and around trees. Don't let the mulch touch tree trunks and never let the mulch accumulate to more than a 3-inch depth. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, keeps roots cool in the summer, and insulates them in the winter. Mulch will add organic matter to the soil as it decomposes over time.
Your irrigation system.
Your irrigation system needs to be activated in the springtime. Most landscape companies provide this in their maintenance packages. We recommend calling your lawn care professional and requesting an irrigation activation and service check-up on your system.
Not enough time in your busy schedule?
Allcat has multiple streamlined outdoor divisions to assist and provide solutions to all our homeowners on the best treatment and care for your home all year long.
Give us a call today to get a free quote: 816.800.4003