Spring has sprung! We survived a long, snowy winter and our lawns deserve a serious round of applause. Let’s pamper our properties by giving them a proper spring cleanup. This will give you greener grass and larger, healthier plants and flowers. A little TLC goes a long way!

The first thing you want to do is remove any foreign objects from your lawn. These can be products that got stuck in snow piles and ended up on your property. These items include chipped asphalt or concrete, driveway stones, sand or salt, and more. For the debris you cannot pick up on your own, you can use a common leaf blower to dry out your lawn and remove anything that will harm its growth.

Once you’ve done that, check your property for any brown or dead-looking areas, which can be known as snow mold. To combat this, gently rake the affected area to remove the top layer of dead grass, which increases airflow for the newly uncovered area.

Then, proceed to your plants and shrubs. If you notice anything that looks out of place, prune and remove them to keep any further diseases from spreading to your plants. Pruning also stimulates the plant and promotes further healthy growth. Below is one of the more common diseases you should look out for.

Black Knot

Black Knot is a widespread fungal disease that appears as a black, uneven, raised growth engulfing the stem or branch. This growth opens up the healthy stems and branches and allows additional pests to enter and cause further harm. The best way to prevent this is to remove any infected stems and make sure to dispose of them properly. These Black Knots release spores that may spread to other plants so be careful when removing and disposing of!

Remember, the birds are chirping, colors are brightening, and the temperature is rising, so spring cleanups should be fun! Once you feel as though you’ve completed your spring cleanup, start thinking about new plantings or any new projects you’d like to start. If your spring cleanup seems like it could use some professional help, call the crew at Stone Hill Landscape! Summer isn’t far behind, maybe a new fire pit, pergola, or putting green is the upgrade your property and family needs. Check back for our next blog on how to choose the right plants for your property!