To keep the garden looking good all year long, you have to maintain it according to the season. And to help bring out the beauty of your garden regardless of the season, check out our maintenance tips below:
Spring Season Garden Maintenance
For the Lawns
Once the snow has melted, you have to apply fertilizer to the soil to encourage plant growth and maintain the health of existing foliage. Remove any dead plants and replace them with new ones. If crabgrass starts springing up, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to discourage growth. You may also revive the lawn by aerating the soil.
Caring for Plants and Trees
Start by re-mulching the base of trees and shrubs and trim the foliage. You want to get rid of dead, yellowed, or diseased branches, dead plants, etc. Remove unwanted debris on the soil by raking the groundcovers and water the plants. Prune the shrubs to maintain their shape.
If you have perennial plants, you want to divide them carefully so that each plant has enough room for it to grow. Trim the vines and prune the trellises and arbors.
To maintain the shed, the deck or the patio furniture, check for cracks and apply a sealant. Move the furniture out of storage and have them repainted and cleaned. Lubricate all the hinges, latches during the spring season, and check the wiring or fixture. Replace broken fixture and have the electrical wiring repaired if needed.
Summer Season Garden Maintenance
For the Lawns
It’s best to let the grass grow a little taller so the soil holds more water during the summer season. Alternate your mowing patterns to keep the grass even and in the right length. During the mornings, water the lawn, rake the groundcovers to remove debris, and dried leaves.
Caring for Plants and Trees
Check your plants for pests or disease. Water the trees and plants several times per week and remove as much weed as you can. Trim the hedges to remove the new growth and prune the shrubs and blooming plants. If your garden has a lot of herbs and flowering plants, we recommend cutting the herbs and flowers in the morning.
Fall Season Garden Maintenance
For the Lawns
Refresh the lawns during mid-October when the temperature is starting to cool down. Fertilize the soil, rake the leaves and water the plants a couple of times per week. Mulch regularly if you have newly planted conifers. Remove rotten, fallen branches, leaves and fruits. You can use these as composting materials.
Caring for Plants and Trees
If you have perennial plants, cut them about six inches above the soil and do not overcrowd them. If there’s crowding, replant the perennials. Start planting spring-flowering bulbs so you can expect beautiful blooms during the spring.
Winter Season Garden Maintenance
For the Lawns
As the winter season sets in, treat the lawn to a light dose of nitrogen fertilizer to keep the soil fertile. Mow the lawn before the heavy snowfall starts and do not walk on the lawn if it’s dormant or frozen. You can sprinkle salt or kitty litter on the frozen lawn to melt the ice.
Caring for Plants and Trees
If you have evergreens in the garden, water them twice per week. Trim any fruit-bearing trees you have and spray with dormant oil. Wrap the trees with tree protecting guards to keep rodents away. Finally, wrap the tender shrub foundation with burlap.