What to do now for healthy spring growth

Even though it’s cold outside and your yard looks dormant, it’s actually a good time to think about its springtime debut. The work you put in now will help set the foundation for a healthy green lawn and garden. Here are a few tips to consider doing now.

Apply a Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Fight weeds before they even begin to sprout with a pre-emergent herbicide like Preen Weed Preventer. Spread this on bedding areas and water in to prevent weeds for up to three months. Doing this now will help to ensure pesky weeds won’t take over in the spring.

Fertilize

This is a good time to replenish your soil’s nutrients that may have seeped out over the winter. Use a slow-release fertilizer like this one from Milorganite to help it wake up strong in the spring. The non-burning slow-release nitrogen feeds up to 10 weeks and the iron delivers a long-lasting green. 

Prune trees and shrubs

Late winter is an ideal time to prune shrubs and most trees while they are still dormant. Pruning helps promote healthy growth in spring and keeps plants looking their best. Use high-quality pruning shears or loppers to remove dead or damaged branches and shape them for optimal growth. This set from Fiskars includes both a stainless steel lopper and pruner, plus hedge shears to make yard work easier and more comfortable.

Clear the Lawn

Even though you made an effort to clean up leaves over the fall, it’s very likely some have blown your way and piled up, especially in corners. Do not let leaves accumulate on your lawn. If they become wet and thick, they are more apt to invite disease. Rake them up with a strong, reliable rake like this one from True Temper. The handle features a comfort grip texture for better control and dual tines for a clean sweep. And while you have the rake out, loosen any areas that have matted-down grass to allow soil to dry out to prevent lawn disease.

With some planning and winter maintenance your yard will be off to a great start to looking good in the springtime. Come in to find all these tools and more at Ace Hardware of Fort Collins on Harmony.