I am using our article space for a few weeks to bring up yard and tree tips that may prove useful to the readers as they get back to working in their yards.
One of the things I have noticed this year around town is sod appearing amid the piles of plowed up snow. Often these large pieces and chunks can be placed back into the section of grass from where they came and in time be just fine. If not, these areas of grass where the sod got plowed up need to have some topsoil and seed work. The challenge is that it takes some time for these sections to mature and match the surrounding lawn.
Another tip is to make sure you adjust any ropes, straps or twine that may be around your tree from last year. Perhaps it was a tree that needed added support over the winter or a new tree you planted in the fall. While staking and tying it off are important, loosening, adjusting and perhaps even removing it soon is just as important. Remember the translocation of water and nutrients is now happening. “Sap is up” I often hear customers say. My response is yes, it is. Remember rope, straps, and twine that once was loose may now be choking or cutting into the soft bark of young trees. So many trees needlessly suffer or die from forgotten support systems. (Check out the picture on our website of a tree I recently took a picture of near our Hayden Starbucks).
Another tip is to rake up those loose leaves and dispose of them. Leaving them lay around can spread overwintering insects that effect fruit as well as leaf diseases like Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot. Keep in mind that beneficial insects such as pollinators do as well. Discretion is needed depending on what is planted in your yard. For this reason, I promote a good fall cleanup, especially where roses and fruit trees are concerned.
More next week and as always, for further questions, quotes and consultations, give us a call.