Temperatures are on the rise and your landscape is waking up from its winter nap. With higher-than-average temperatures, we are 20 days ahead of normal spring. Because of this, our commercial landscaping maintenance schedule has been sped up. In this article we will be breaking down everything you need to know about making your landscape ready for warmer weather!

A Fresh Cut

Perennials, ornamental grasses, and other herbaceous plants should be cut back to a few inches above the soil line. This service should be completed before significant new growth has occurred. Timing this right will allow your plants to bloom beautifully in the spring.

Plants that bloom on new growth include:

  • Roses
  • Abelia
  • Witch-Hazel
  • Butterfly Bush
  • Blue Mist Shrub
  • Most Hydrangea
  • Rose-of-Sharon

Crisp Edge

If your beds are looking a little messy, now is the time to add definition with a fresh, clean edge. Our crews use a multitude of tools to work around irrigation, root systems, and electrical wiring on your site. Mechanical edgers, spades, and string trimmers cut down 3- 4 inches to straighten up existing edges or create new beds. This has an immediate impact on the overall appearance of your property and discourages lawn grass and weeds from encroaching on your plants.

Weed Removal

Weeds are an obvious issue to property owners and managers. Removing or chemically treating them as soon as they appear is important in commercial landscaping maintenance. Proper manual removal requires a trowel or weeding device to remove them from the root. Proper chemical treatment requires training and the correct chemical mixture to keep our people safe and kill the weed to its root.  Adding a pre-emergent herbicide during the mulching process will stop weed seeds from germinating.

Fertile Ground

Additional nutrients are not required by all plants, but for those that need an additional boost, spring is the best time to do it. A slow-release fertilizer can benefit most perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and ornamental flowering plants. Our Seasonal Color team specializes in the ground chemistry to create optimal soil conditions for beautiful flower displays.

Mulch

Mulch is one of the most important things you can add to your landscape. This multi-tasker suppresses weed growth, reduces soil erosion, retains soil moister, reduces soil temperatures, and enhances the curb appeal of your property.

During peak season our crews are putting down close to 1,000 cubic yards of mulch a day. We use several mulch blowers along with teams who specialize in hand mulch. The standard is maintaining the mulch to a thickness of 2-3 inches, though this can vary depending on plant life and special requests. The key to application is to avoid piling mulch around the base of trees and shrubs, creating a “volcano.” This can cause the roots to suffocate and create other problems.

Other Reminders for Spring

With Spring services starting early this year, our irrigation team will be reaching out to schedule startups. With warmer temperatures its important to maintain proper soil moisture to encourage optimal plant growth.

In years past, mowing began in the middle of April. With the current weather conditions, mowing may begin a few weeks earlier, depending on the site.

This warm spring sets us up for increased insect activity. As we plan for summer, its important to remain vigilant for insect activity that might create problems.

Our commercial Installation team is quickly booking up for small and large projects. If you want a new patio, firepit, outdoor kitchen, or any other amenities in time for summer, now is the time to reach out!