Q: What is the best time for lawn seeding and improvement?
A: While both spring and fall are both good for seeding, fall is the best. This is because in fall there is less weed competition and newly planted grass will have two cool growing seasons before needing to face the heat of summer. Fall is similarly the best season for weed control as the weeds are collecting reserves for the winter lending herbicides to be more effective.
Q: What spring yard projects should I focus on first?
A: After fall, your lawn will no doubt have amassed a collection of leaves and debris, so it is best to start off by raking your lawn. If your lawn has areas of more matted down grass (a symptom of snow mold), you should rake the area more vigorously to loosen up the flattened grass. Another priority would be to sharpen your lawnmower blade every season.
Q: Should I knock heavy snow off my shrubs?
A: Yes! Trees and shrubs can be damaged by the weight of heavy snow loads. This is, as most things are, easier said than done. You will want to remove snow in a way that does not risk damaging the plants, often a household broom will do the trick. Keep in mind that most branches more easily bend up and down than side to side.
Q: What can I do if my lawn is developing a thick thatch layer?
A: Generally, once the thatch layer exceeds ½-inch thick, a number of problems will arise. The best way to prevent this accumulation is core aeration. Once per year is the standard core aeration timeline, but for lawns with ½-inch or more of thatch, we recommend twice per year in spring and fall. prevalent. You can leave the soil cores on your lawn to break down on their own. If you have any bare spots, overseed them with a similar seed mix.
Q: How can I prepare my lawn for winter?
A: First, make sure your grass is cut short enough to prevent it from snow mold, a 2 to 2-1/2-inch height is sufficient. It is best to gradually lower the cutting height of your lawn of the final few cuts than to switch to the shorter height right away. Second, rake away any last-minute debris accumulations. Third, switch to your winter fertilizers which are usually higher in potassium which helps with disease prevention and winter durability. Finally, after its last use of the season, service your lawnmower and add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
Q: Do I have to water in winter?
A: In Colorado, you should only water when temperatures are above 40 degrees F. It is best to water at mid-day so that the water will have time to soak in before temperatures drop at night. If your lawn develops a layer of consistent ice, stop watering until the ice is gone. Windy conditions require additional watering to prevent the faster drying of sod and plants. Keep an eye on weather conditions and water during dry periods, without snow cover, a few times per month.
Q: How to landscape on a slope/hill.
A: Trying to landscape on a hill or slope can be one of the most challenging issues facing residential designs. Here are a few tips for landscaping on a hill or slope:
- Find Appropriate Plants for a Slope
Select trees and plants with a deep network of fine roots, this will help reinforce the structure of the slope. - Protect Surface Soils
Combine spreading and deep-rooted plants to protect your surface soil. - Plan for accessibility and maintenance
Include paths to access your yard horizontally and vertically so that you can provide continued maintenance.
Q: Does landscaping increase property value?
A: Absolutely! Professional landscaping not only enhances the curb appeal of your property but also adds the value of your home. Don’t just take it from us, we asked a local expert to weigh in on the subject.
“Landscaping is an excellent approach to improving your property,” said Tara Tooley, Broker for The Group Real Estate in Fort Collins. “You get a 100% return on investment and you get to enjoy your beautiful yard.”
Tooley mentioned that when a front or back yard is professionally landscaped, the home value increases due to the expanded amount of square footage that can be enjoyed. When looking to resell the property, a landscape can add anywhere from 5-12% increase to the home’s original value. If you do the math, that’s roughly a $20,000+ addition to your selling price tag. 👏
For more of Tooley’s advice, check out these five landscaping renovations that really pay off!
Q: When is the best time for pruning and trimming?
A: Winter is the best time for pruning and trimming because trees are dormant. It is also safest to separate shrubs and trees during winter. With the structure of the tree more visible during winter, it is easier to spot potential issues, such as poor structure, overgrown limbs, and branch attachments, and remove them.
Q: Should I mulch in the winter as well as spring?
A: Yes! While mulching in the spring makes your yard visually appealing and maintains moisture during the summer, we recommend that you also mulch during the winter. Winter mulching provides insulation for your soil; however, be sure that you do not create a mulch volcano around trees as this can adversely affect root systems. A mulch depth of 1.5 to 2-inches is recommended for winter months, anything much thicker may trap excessive moisture and cause root rot.
Ready to winterize your yard or start planning additional landscaping value for your property? Call the All-Terrain Landscaping team at 970-304-1183 to talk more.