Landscaping Do’s & Don’ts

Spring has sprung here in Wisconsin, soon it will start showing signs of life. Landscaping do’s and don’ts. After a long winter, it can seem like there is a lot of work to do in your yard. While there is plenty to do. There is also some don’ts.

Spring Landscaping Do’s

1. Start treating dead lawn patches. Rake up dead grass spots on the lawn and loosen up the top layer of soil sprinkle grass seed. Sprinkle top soil over seed. Have lawn aerated to encourage new growth. Followed by very light application of fertilizer. Remember to water daily.
2. Are you adding trees or shrubs? Spring is an excellent time to get them into your landscape so they can establish a strong root system. Make sure to water consistently and add a layer of mulch over the top to retain moisture and soil temperature.
3. Spring is a great time to plant pollinator perennials, like:
Coneflower
Coreopsis
Red trillium
Asters
Black-eye Susan
Butterfly Weed
Wild Sweet William
5. Now is the time to get out and start dividing your perennials, so new splits have time to establish well in new locations.
6. Last but not least, sometimes it seems like there is endless work to be done in the yard, but don’t forget to pause and enjoy what you’ve created!

Spring Landscaping Don’ts

1. Don’t start pruning spring-blooming shrubs and trees in landscaping. Many things may need pruning in spring, but early flowering plants, like lilac, forsythia, viburnum, and quince, shouldn’t be pruned until flowering is finished.
2. Don’t prune your elm trees. Because of such a high risk of Dutch elm disease. Best time to prune elm between end of October and end of march.
3. Don’t work on soil that is too frozen or wet. Walking on, or working in soil that is saturated with water, or just starting to thaw can cause compaction, so let your garden and beds dry a bit before you get into them. If you must get into your garden or flower beds to do some landscaping, lay down a plank of wood to spread out your weight more evenly.
4. Don’t plant your favorite annuals or tender perennials before last frost. You can start hardening off seedling plants during the day, though.
5. Don’t cut lawn too short. It can be tempting to get lawnmower out and cut lawn short to get rid of dry and dead grass, but its still too early. Ideally, wait until its about 3” tall before first cut.
6. Don’t forget to enjoy your landscaping and lovely weather in spring.
Whatever you need to get your spring yard chores done, or if you need inspiration for landscaping design, Valleyview Landscaping can help you.