Spring

Spring is an ideal time for planting in almost all areas of the country, as warming temperatures and regular rainfall makes conditions ideal for plant establishment. Make sure you wait until the threat of frost is over before planting. Early spring is a good time to make sure your irrigation or sprinkler system is in good working condition, and that your lawn tools and equipment are ready for the upcoming busy season. It’s also time to stay ahead of the weeds. Turning your compost and mulching will help keep the weeds down. And remember, any season is the right time to make sure your shrubs and trees are properly mulched in order to moderate temperatures, maintain soil moisture, deter weeds, and enhance the attractiveness of your yard. However, avoid mulching directly around the trunks of trees and ornamental plants, as this can lead to rot.

 

Summer

In most parts of the country, summer means lawn watering. This is important to avoid drought stress, but also to avoid over-watering, which can be as detrimental as drought. Light, infrequent, shallow watering can create poor root systems, bringing up roots and damaging your lawn. The key to proper watering is to maintain a strict schedule and constantly keep the soil wet through deep watering. In this Northeast region, lawns bask in the cool, wet spring conditions, growing vigorously in April and May. Since conditions are rarely ideal, find a convenient time to water your lawn and stick to it. Sporadic watering can be more dangerous than not watering at all. As temperatures quickly increase in June, cut back on watering and gradually create longer intervals between thorough, deep waterings. This will allow your lawn to naturally adjust to the drier temperatures. Sudden changes from moist to dry conditions coupled with high temperatures can injure or kill grasses. Follow these tips and your lawn will stay healthy and lush throughout the summer. And remember, any season is the right time to make sure your shrubs and trees are properly mulched in order to moderate temperatures, maintain soil moisture, deter weeds, and enhance the attractiveness of your yard. However, avoid mulching directly around the trunks of trees and ornamental plants, as this can lead to rot.

 

Fall

Fall is also an excellent time to plant in many parts of the country. If you do plant, make sure you water new plantings well if rainfall is scarce. Also, take care to sufficiently water your lawn as it prepares for its dormancy. Be sure to aerate and overseed your lawn at least 45 days before the first frost of winter Don't forget to plant bulbs in the fall, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth, for a bright, beautiful spring display. And remember, any season is the right time to make sure your shrubs and trees are properly mulched in order to moderate temperatures, maintain soil moisture, deter weeds, and enhance the attractiveness of your yard. However, avoid mulching directly around the trunks of trees and ornamental plants, as this can lead to rot. When mowing for the final time of the season, cut with your mower blade at a lower setting. This will help to inhibit winter disease activity and stimulate new growth and a green lawn in the spring.

 

Winter

Winter is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs in most parts of the country. Many plants have lost their leaves, making it easier to see their framework and decide which branches to remove. However, do not prune plants that bloom in the spring, as you could remove next spring's flowers. Prune these plants after the blooms fall off in the spring. In most parts of the country, you might need to water your lawn, even during dormancy, if it doesn't rain for three to four weeks. This time of year is ideal to get lawn equipment repaired and ready for spring, and many repair shops might even offer winter discounts during what is typically a slow time of the year for them. For lawns in colder regions, be careful when applying ice melting products to sidewalks. This could potentially burn your lawn.