As winter gives way to warmer temperatures, your yard and landscape may need some attention before spring arrives. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can take a toll on your lawn, trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Proper preparation ensures your outdoor space thrives throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, assessing and restoring your landscape after the winter thaw can make a significant difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your yard ready for spring.

1. Assess the Condition of Your Yard

Before starting yard work, take a walk around your property to evaluate any damage caused by winter weather. Look for broken branches, compacted soil, moldy patches of grass, and areas affected by ice or salt. Identifying these issues early helps you determine the necessary repairs and maintenance.

2. Clean Up Debris

Winter can leave behind fallen branches, dead leaves, and other debris. Removing these materials helps prevent disease, mold growth, and pests from settling in. Rake up any remaining leaves, clear away twigs, and dispose of plant material that didn’t survive the cold months.

3. Revitalize Your Lawn

Your lawn may look brown and patchy after the snow melts, but with the proper care, it will bounce back. Start by gently raking the grass to remove thatch buildup and allow new growth to emerge. If you notice compacted soil, consider aerating your lawn to improve water and nutrient absorption. Early spring is also a great time to oversee thin areas and apply a slow-release fertilizer to give your grass a healthy start.

4. Inspect and Prune Trees and Shrubs

Cold temperatures and heavy snow can stress and damage trees and shrubs. Inspect branches for signs of breakage or disease and prune any dead or damaged ones. Pruning promotes healthy growth and prevents weak branches from falling during spring storms. For larger trees, consider hiring a professional arborist to ensure proper care.

5. Refresh Your Garden Beds

Once the ground has thawed, turn your attention to your garden beds. Remove dead plants and weeds, and loosen the soil to improve aeration. Adding fresh mulch enhances the appearance of your landscape and helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. If you plan to plant flowers, vegetables, or shrubs, early spring is a good time to prepare the soil with compost or organic matter.

6. Check Your Irrigation System

If you use a sprinkler or irrigation system, inspect it for any leaks or damage caused by freezing temperatures. Test the system to ensure proper coverage and adjust settings for the spring growing season. Proper irrigation is essential for maintaining a lush, healthy landscape.

7. Plan Your Spring Landscaping Projects

Spring is the perfect time to think about new landscaping projects. Whether you’re considering adding flower beds, installing a new patio, or revamping your outdoor living space, planning early allows you to get a head start before peak gardening season. Consulting with a professional landscaper can help bring your vision to life and ensure long-term success.

8. Prepare for Pests and Weeds

With warmer temperatures come weeds and pests that can disrupt your landscape. Applying pre-emergent weed control early in the season can help prevent unwanted growth. Additionally, check for signs of pests such as burrowing animals or insect infestations. Natural solutions, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic repellents, can help keep your yard healthy without harming the environment.

Get Your Yard Spring-Ready with Professional Help

Whether you need lawn restoration, tree trimming, or a complete landscape makeover, professional landscaping services can save you time and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. By following these steps, your yard will be well-prepared for spring, setting the stage for a vibrant, healthy landscape all season long.

 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently issued a warning to rustic log furniture owners recently. Owners of the material are urged to check for signs of insect infestation in their furniture. MDA investigated two separate accounts of insect infestation in wood furniture in 2016. As a result, they are issuing warnings to log furniture owners to check for signs infestation. Insects can live in this kind of furniture for up to two years. While inhabiting the material, pests cause damage to, and threaten the integrity of the wood. Therefore it is important to know the signs of infestation in order to protect your home and furniture from unwanted intruders. If you own log furniture, learn more about why the MDA issues infestation warning for owners of rustic log furniture.

MDA Issues Infestation Warning For Owners of Rustic Log Furniture

2016 Infestations

MDA investigated two separate infestation incidents last year involving rustic log furniture. A piece of furniture ordered from China to Minnesota contained the brown fir beetle (Callidiellum villosulum). In addition, a piece of rustic walnut log furniture had velvet longhorned beetles (Trichoferus campestris) living inside it. Both pieces of furniture were imported to Minnesota from China. Although MDA and USDA are working with importers and customers to ensure all infested pieces are destroyed, some may still end up in customers homes.

Signs of Infestation

Look for these signs of infestation if you have furniture that was manufactured outside the United States:

• Sawdust – sawdust and residue found around your furniture indicates the presence of pests. Check for sawdust resin resting along the furniture and on the floor surrounding the piece.

• Entry/Exit Holes – small holes or tunnels in the furniture are a sign that insects have burrowed through the wood.

• Damaged Wood – wood or bark that is lose or chips easily indicates the wood was previously infested. As a result, inspect furniture before placing it in your home, or before purchasing it, if possible.

Take Action

There are several steps you can take if you suspect your furniture has been infested. Contact the manufacturer, or the retailer you purchased the furniture from. Inquire about the origins of the piece of furniture to discover if you are at risk. In addition, contact the MDA if you are certain your furniture is or has been infested. For more information, call the experts at Dean Bjorkstrand for further assistance with pest control.