Last modified: 2022-09-12 | Approximate reading time 
4 mins
Of course, it is with delight that you welcome spring after such a difficult winter. If this magnificent season brings with reason its share of small pleasures, it also brings with it many essential tasks to accomplish to prepare its land well for the arrival of good weather. But what are they?
Preparing your ground for spring
Cleaning surfaces
With all the organic materials that settle on the pavers, cement or natural stones and that remain on these surfaces during all winter months, it is certain that their cleaning will be essential to remove the dirt embedded in them. To do this, use a pressure washer. Although the use of a garden hose can do the job, the use of a pressure washer will certainly give better results.
For your sidewalks, driveway or patio, the cleaning may have removed some of the polymer sand between the gaps between the slabs or pavers. If this is the case, add more and wet it so that it solidifies and can effectively fulfill its role of protection against weeds.
Pruning of trees and shrubs
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While it is possible to prune trees throughout the year, it is sometimes recommended to wait until early spring or winter to do this type of work. Trees that produce edible flowers or fruits should ideally be pruned during these periods.
Note that the same recommendation applies if your pruning project involves an area of more than 20% of your tree, regardless of its variety. In fact, if you have an apple tree, pruning it in early spring is essential to ensure that a good amount of sap circulates inside the tree and that it can result in a successful apple crop.
For your trees and shrubs to grow well, it is essential to prune them in accordance with certain basic rules. The first and probably the most important of all: never amputate branches more than a third of their length.
Second, clean your tools after trimming a shrub. To do this, use a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol (in equal parts). Although this kind of precaution is often ignored, it is an essential measure to prevent the spread of disease from one tree to another. To avoid injuring your eyes, bring a pair of goggles. Finally, remember to cut all damaged or diseased branches at the base.
Need more information about pruning your trees and shrubs? Take a look at our article Tree Pruning: Why, When and How?
Cutting perennials
Some perennial varieties can be pruned in the spring, as is the case for hydrangeas or grasses. Be sure to do so as early as possible during the spring. Otherwise, the new foliage will grow by mixing with the dead leaves, which will complicate your work. As an indication, perennials should be cut to a height of 4 to 5 inches. Instead, ornamental plants should be cut when they reach 2 or 3 inches in height.
Are your plants very large? Divide them, you can use the extra plants to better garnish the rest of your flowerbeds. This will allow you to complete your landscaping at a low cost.
Turf maintenance
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When it comes to maintaining your lawn, let's start by reminding you of the importance of aerating it well when spring arrives. To accomplish this task, you will need to cut your lawn very short. Wait until it has reached a height of 10 cm to do so if there has been planting or 5 cm if any.
Once mowed, pass with an aerator on the surface of the turf with cross-movements. The use of this circular and spiked device will create small holes on the surface of the turf and thus promote the entry of air and water inside the ground.
To make your lawn look beautiful, be sure to remove the bag from your mower when mowing. This will allow the turf residues scattered on your land to act as a natural fertilizer and feed your soil.
If certain areas of your lawn are damaged, remove and reseed. To sow, prioritize hot days and take care to add about 1/2 inch of compost to the soil. You can also buy peat moss that you will lay by following our recommendations on the subject.
Then, don't forget to have fertilizer on the ground when seasonal temperatures are stable and warm enough. Finally, to prevent weeds from proliferating on your lawn, treat them. However, if you have just planted your new lawn, wait a few weeks before doing the treatment.
Want more information on the price of peat? Check out our article Landscaping project: the cost of peat moss.
Removing winter protections from your shrubs
As shrubs need to breathe when the summer season arrives, you should soon remove their protections. Otherwise, they could be affected by heat and dry out. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to do so before the first swelling of the buds to avoid damaging them.
Do your trees have guardians? If these allow young trees to take root well, it is advisable to remove them during the spring, one year after planting. This gives the trees the chance to strengthen their roots in the soil.
Cleaning and maintaining your flowerbeds
Photo: Pexels
As a good amount of dead leaves will litter the soil of your flowerbeds, you will need to remove them with a small rake. Then, to ensure that your flowers have the winning conditions to flourish, add fertilizer to your flowerbed and make sure to re-soil the roots that would have risen during the winter. Finally, if you had mulch on your soil, it is high time to replace it with brand new ones if it has too deteriorated or to add it if necessary.
Keep in mind that mulch plays a primary role in aerating the soil and controlling its moisture level, as well as providing effective protection against weed growth. Be aware that applying compost or fertilizer and a layer of mulch over it is a good condition for growing your favourite flowers!
Thinking of designing new flowerbeds? Read our article 5 tips for arranging your flowerbeds and you'll find the inspiration you need!
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