Ask The Expert: Gardening
TIME TO GET TO WORK by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions
W
e’ve had some cool mornings and are probably in store for a few more. Nevertheless, spring is approaching! We know everyone’s in the process of freeze damage repairs, plant replacements, and general damage control from the past couple of months. So let’s focus this article on information that should be helpful in the preparations of your own lawn and landscape for this spring season. Texas winters can have you looking at a lawn full of weeds about now. If so, and you’re not ready to call the chemical
company just yet, then let’s get to work! For immediate results, find a point and spray post-emergent (add some color
so you can track what you’ve covered as you go). Your first pre-emergent should
have been down a few weeks ago. If not,
don’t waste time back-tracking. Stick with the spray treatments (most retail sprays are going to be recommended on a
bi-weekly basis) and consistent bagged
mowings. As the grass starts to turn, train it to a conservative watering schedule, consistent chemicals, and mowing.
It’s simple, but the consistency is KEY. Do this, and you will see results. If things weren’t cleaned up in late fall, then get it all cut back, reshaped, and ready for that spring growth. If you haven’t taken the time to remove the old mulch before adding new for the last couple of growing seasons, then do so this year. Make sure you cultivate the bed soil and add fertilizer while it’s exposed. Our soil can get hard over the course of a year. Turning it over and allowing oxygen and nutrients to really penetrate is always a good idea. If you’re buying new mulch, consider your plant needs, sun exposure, and soil conditions. Color typically dictates
Your first preemergent should have been down a few weeks ago. If not, don’t waste time back-tracking, stick with the spray treatments... what direction people go, but there are so many other benefits to consider than just aesthetics. There’s a lot going on this time of year when it comes to spring landscape prep. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, then you’ve probably already got a plan in place. If not, get on it or call a professional before it’s too late.
EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM
40 | ARGYLE LIVING | APRIL 2021
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