Tips for sprucing up your landscape in early spring

Now the winter weather is almost behind us (supposedly!), it’s time to start thinking about how you can breathe new life to your garden as the days begin to warm up. 

1. Clean out the flower beds 

Some gardeners are keen to prep for the warmer weather, and so decide to clean out flower beds at the end of autumn. This is beneficial, as it will reduce the number of insect nests and even lower the risk of plant disease setting in. If you haven’t yet had the chance, make sure you pull out any dead weeds and remove fallen leaves from the bedding, so you have a fresh base to start again. 

Once you’ve removed all of the surface debris by hand, it would be best to use your rake. By overturning the soil, you’ll get rid of any hidden twigs, pinecones and acorns lying beneath the surface. Once you’re happy you’ve eliminated all of the remaining debris, it’s time to add the topsoil. 

2.  Start pruning

Spring is the best time to get pruning! By chopping down branches and buds from trees and flowers, you’ll improve the plant’s structure, boost sun penetration and stimulate the movement of air through the plant. Pay close attention to jagged and dangerous limbs, as they will be prone to insect infestations and disease. 

3. Get rid of crabgrass

Crabgrass is a weed that can be a real nightmare for gardeners, as it’s known to cause thin and bare patches within lawns. The good news is, that if you have just a few areas of crabgrass, it can be easily treated with a specialist crabgrass weed killer. This solution contains herbicides that seep into the turf and prevent new crabgrass growth.

4. Clean decking and patio areas

Give your decking or patio area a thorough clean to start off the new season. Depending on the type of decking you own, you may simply be able to use a bristle brush alongside a specialist cleaning solution. Natural stone paving, on the other hand, is much more durable, which means you can get rid of set-in dirt using a pressure washer. 

5. Fertilise the grass

Add some fertiliser to your lawn to get it looking in tip-top shape. This type of solution takes time to absorb into the soil. A couple of days before you apply the fertiliser, water your grass thoroughly. Once the grass is bone dry, apply the solution. Then, sprinkle some water over the grass for the second time. This step is vital, as it washes the solution off the grass and into the soil.