Spring: my favorite time of year! I love seeing the new buds, blooms and bustling wildlife activity. Here are a few tips for getting your yard in shape- and keeping it there throughout the summer and fall.

1) Pre-emergent
Winter annuals (weeds) rarely get out of hand. However, pesky spring and summer invaders are a completely different story. Crab grass, henbit, chickweed, dandelions, pusley, and broadleaf plantain all seem to run rampant if nothing is done. There are many pre-emergent products on the market, one of the more popular being Preen. Preen works well, and won't harm any perennials or sensitive plants.

I strongly encourage clients and friends not to use a weed barrier or fabric, unless they are laying out stone or gravel. As the mulch breaks down on top of the fabric, it creates a perfect haven for the weeds to germinate in the mulch. Fabric can also keep the mulch from building healthy soil as it breaks down. Instead, apply a pre-emergent a few times a year to keep the weeds from even germinating.

2) Hard Pruning
Hard pruning is best done just before spring breaks through the winter. It’s a perfect time to shape your plants, and also remove gangly branches or obvious winter kill. Ornamental trees should follow the "no crossing, touching, or rubbing" rule. Late winter is also a great time to cut back overgrown shrubs. We will frequently take holly bushes down from 48" to just 12" and let them regrow.

3) Fertilize...

If you're like me, it's been almost impossible the past few weeks to open the news, read an email, or even have a conversation without being reminded of the coronavirus. Now that the World Health Organization has officially labeled the outbreak as a pandemic, it's looking like COVID-19 will continue to dominate the news for the near future. As you strive to stay healthy and deal with these uncertain times, here are a few tips for keeping busy around your home and yard- just in case you find yourself unable (or unwilling!) to leave your house for a bit.