MARCH 25, 2022 www.qns.com RIDGEWOOD TIMES
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With spring on our doorstep, many homeowners
are looking forward to spending time in their
yards — but not before doing some spring
cleanup.
In a recent survey by TruGreen*, at least one-quarter of
2,000 survey respondents plan to start spring cleanup in
March; April is the second-most popular month. In addition,
a number of outdoor tasks are at the top of homeowners’
to-do lists this year, including: mowing the lawn (46%);
raking leaves (43%); pruning bushes (40%); gardening and
planting trees/shrubs (39%); pest control (39%); and weeding
(37%).
Although spring cleanup can seem daunting - with 68%
of respondents agreeing that their spring cleanup always
feels overwhelming - TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn
care provider, breaks down the list of top tasks to help you
take it one step at a time. You may even be surprised by
how quickly your lawn springs to life.
CLEAN UP DEBRIS
Use a rake to remove dead leaves, sticks, twigs and matted
grass. If left on the ground, this layer of plant detritus
can smother your lawn, leaving dead patches in your yard.
Clearing this debris also makes way for lawn treatments,
if necessary, to further improve your outdoor space.
Pro Tip: To protect your lawn from damage, rake when
the ground is not soft, wet or muddy.
BEAT THE WEEDS
Weeds can be a huge nuisance for homeowners, and it’s
important to fight these off early.
“Although keeping weeds at bay can be an ongoing chore,
partnering with a lawn care specialist, such as TruGreen,
can help alleviate this burden,” says Brian Feldman, director
of technical operations at TruGreen. “Get an expert
assessment of your weed problem and develop a tailored
treatment plan early to help you achieve a weed-free yard.”
Pro Tip: Get a jump on weeds early to prevent them
from becoming stubborn problems in the future.
CUT THE GRASS
After a long, dormant winter, your lawn deserves a
new spring cut, so tune up that mower and get ready to
manicure your blades of glory. Wait until grass is about
three inches long and the ground isn’t soft. Most grass
should be kept at least two inches tall - as longer, thicker
turf helps combat weeds and conserve water in the soil.
Plus, grass that is cut too short lets in more sunlight, which
can give room for weeds to seize the day and germinate.
Pro Tip: Avoid cutting the lawn too short in dry weather.
The grass tends to develop shallow roots, making the lawn
susceptible to drought stress.
“Our survey found that 62% of homeowners will hire a
professional to complete their outdoor spring cleanup,”
said Feldman. “Not only will this help complete all your
tasks, but it can ensure a healthy lawn this spring - and
beyond - by implementing optimal treatments from the
start.”
HYDRATE YOUR LAWN
No matter where you are in the country, lawns need
water. Nearly 48% of survey respondents say they plan to
update their landscaping, so it’s important to water early
and consistently. Natural watering will come from rainfall.
During hotter, drier months, however, you’ll likely
need to supplement nature’s bounty with your garden
hose. Water before 10 a.m. when it’s still cool. Winds also
tend to be calmer earlier in the day, so water soaks into the
soil for grass roots to absorb before it evaporates. Aim for
about an inch of water per week.
Pro Tip: Measure an inch of water by spreading a few
empty tuna cans across your lawn as you water. When
they’re full, you’ve watered an inch.
Survey responses show that 72% of homeowners agreed
their spring cleanup plays a role in improving their overall
well-being. Your investment of time and energy will be
well worth the output.
*Survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of lawn care company
TruGreen polling 2,000 American homeowners with
an outdoor space to analyze their spring-cleaning habits.
— Courtesy of BPT
AT HOME
Four essential spring lawn care tasks
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