Springtime lawn, garden chores essential for landscape health

By Mark Deloach CONTRIBUTOR

As South Carolina enters the warm season, it’s crucial for residents to focus on maintaining the health and beauty of your lawn and ornamental landscape. Here are some valuable suggestions to help you overcome common challenges during this time of year and keep your outdoor spaces vibrant and thriving.

Water wisely: Proper watering is essential for warm season grass and ornamental plants. Water deeply and infrequently, aiming for one inch of water per week. Deep watering promotes strong root growth and resilience to drought. Consider investing in an automatic irrigation system with a rain sensor for efficient watering.

Fertilize appropriately: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for warm season grasses to provide essential nutrients. Follow recom- mended application rates and frequencies to avoid over-fertilization. For ornamental plants, choose a balanced fertilizer based on the N-P-K ratio indicated on the package. Pest and weed control: Monitor your lawn and landscape for pests and weeds, which thrive in warmer temperatures. Apply insecticides or herbicides as needed, following instructions carefully. Seek advice from local experts to find the best solution for your specific needs. Consistent treatments of problem weeds will reduce the likely hood of spreading.

Mowing and maintenance: Maintain the proper mowing height for your grass type, usually between 1.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on your specific turf type. Sharpen mower blades regularly to ensure clean cuts and prevent diseases. Remove spent flowers and prune damaged branches from ornamental plants for healthy growth.

Mulching and soil care: Mulch around ornamental plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer, keeping it away from plant stems to prevent rot and provide adequate airflow. Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH balance, amending the soil as necessary. Making proper soil amendments such as organic top dressing or liquid soil enhancements are ideal for the lawn this time of year.

Taking care of your warm season lawn and ornamental landscape is essential this season. By following these suggestions, you can ensure the health and beauty of your outdoor spaces. Seek guidance from local gardening professionals for customized advice. Embrace the beauty of the warm season and enjoy your thriving lawn and landscape. Mark Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.