By Sarah Browning, Extension Educator in Lancaster County
After waiting all winter for a new growing season to start, when spring finally does arrive, it seems to hit us hard and fast. Then before we know it, spring is gone and we’re in the middle of summer.
There are many tasks to accomplish in the spring landscape. To help you develop a plan and not get behind or miss your “window of opportunity,” here’s a quick rundown of common landscape projects listed in order of attack.
Shade and Fruit Tree Pruning — Complete pruning before flower buds open, ideally by late March. Wounds close fastest when pruning is done right before new growth begins and disease spread is limited. Do not use wound dressings.
• See “Pruning Fruit Trees” at https://go.unl.edu/fruitpruning
Lawn Aeration — It is the best way to alleviate soil compaction, improve soil texture, reduce thatch and prepare for overseeding. Aerification can begin once the lawn is actively growing, often as early as late March through late May for Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue lawns.
• See “Getting Your Lawn Ready for Summer – Aeration” at https://go.unl.edu/aeration
Lawn Seeding — How does your lawn look this spring? If it’s thin after last fall’s drought, some overseeding may be needed. Seeding can begin in mid– to late–April, through May 15. Provide good seed-soil contact through aerification. If seeding can’t be done before May 15, then wait until fall to overseed.
Careful selection of a preemergent herbicide is necessary for your seeding to be successful. Mesotrione is the active ingredient in Scott’s Turf Builder Triple Action Built for Seeding and is one of the most common homeowner products in stores for new seedings.
• See “Establishing Lawns From Seed” at https://go.unl.edu/lawnseeding
Planting Vegetables and Ornamentals — Many gardeners are excited to start planting their vegetable gardens, but planting too early is not a good idea. Base planting decisions on soil temperatures. To view current soil temperatures, visit Crop Watch at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soiltemperature.Review the publication below for ideal soil temperatures for germination of each vegetable type.
• See “Vegetable Seed Storage and Germination Requirements” at https://go.unl.edu/germination
Preemergent Weed Control — The recommended time to apply preemergent herbicides for crabgrass and other annual weed control in eastern Nebraska is April 20 to May 5.
Lawn care companies with many properties to maintain often begin applications earlier using products with a very long residual. Homeowners who have the flexibility to apply preemergent at a specific time should wait to make their application and get the longest residual control from their product.
Pruning Spring Flowering Shrubs — Early flowering shrubs — such as forsythia, lilac, mockorange and weigelia — should be pruned right after they finish blooming. Spring–blooming shrubs flower on the previous year’s wood. Pruning during winter or early spring removes blooming wood and will reduce or prevent blooming this season.
White Grub Control — “When should I apply control for white grubs?” Mid- to late-June.
Hopefully these tips will help you develop a manageable spring to-do list easier and get your landscape off to a good start this year. Happy spring!
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