Page 16 - Hawaii Renovation - March 27, 2022

16 HAWAII RENOVATION
MARCH 27, 2022
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With spring on our doorstep, many homeowners are
looking forward to spending time in their yards — but not before doing some spring cleanup. In a recent survey by TruGreen, at least one- quarter of 2,000 survey respondents plan to start spring cleanup in March; April is the second-most popular month. In addition, a number of outdoor tasks are at the top of homeown- ers’ to-do lists this year, in- cluding: mowing the lawn (46%); raking leaves (43%); pruning bushes (40%); gar- dening and planting trees/ shrubs (39%); pest control (39%); and weeding (37%).
Although spring clean- up can seem daunting — with 68% of respondents
agreeing that their spring cleanup always feels over- whelming — TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, breaks down the list of top tasks to help you take it one step at a time. You may even be surprised by how quickly your lawn springs to life.
CLEAN UP DEBRIS
Use a rake to remove dead leaves, sticks, twigs and matted grass. If left on the ground, this layer of plant detritus can smother your lawn, leaving dead patches in your yard. Clear- ing this debris also makes way for lawn treatments, if necessary, to further im- prove your outdoor space.
Pro Tip: To protect your lawn from damage, rake
when the ground is not soft, wet or muddy.
BEAT THE WEEDS
Weeds can be a huge nui- sance for homeowners, and it’s important to fight these off early.
“Although keeping weeds at bay can be an ongoing chore, partnering with a lawn care specialist, such as TruGreen, can help allevi- ate this burden,” says Brian Feldman, director of techni- cal operations at TruGreen. “Get an expert assessment of your weed problem and develop a tailored treat- ment plan early to help you achieve a weed-free yard.”
Pro Tip: Get a jump on weeds early to prevent them from becoming stub- born problems in the future.
CUT THE GRASS
After a long, dormant winter, your lawn deserves a new spring cut, so tune up that mower and get ready to manicure your blades of glory. Wait until grass is about 3 inches long and the ground isn’t soft. Most grass should be kept at least 2 inches tall — as longer, thicker turf helps combat weeds and conserve water in the soil. Plus, grass that is cut too short lets in more sunlight, which can give room for weeds to seize the day and germinate.
Pro Tip: Avoid cutting the lawn too short in dry weather. The grass tends to develop shallow roots, mak- ing the lawn susceptible to drought stress.
“Our survey found that
62% of homeowners will hire a professional to com- plete their outdoor spring cleanup,” says Feldman. “Not only will this help com- plete all your tasks, but it can ensure a healthy lawn this spring — and beyond — by implementing optimal treatments from the start.”
HYDRATE YOUR LAWN
No matter where you are in the country, lawns need water. Nearly 48% of survey respondents say they plan to update their landscap- ing, so it’s important to wa- ter early and consistently. Natural watering will come from rainfall. During hot- ter, drier months, however, you’ll likely need to supple- ment nature’s bounty with your garden hose. Water
before 10 a.m. when it’s still cool. Winds also tend to be calmer earlier in the day, so water soaks into the soil for grass roots to absorb before it evaporates. Aim for about an inch of water per week.
Pro Tip: Measure an inch of water by spreading a few empty tuna cans across your lawn as you water. When they’re full, you’ve watered an inch.
Survey responses show that 72% of homeowners agreed their spring clean- up plays a role in improv- ing their overall well-being. Your investment of time and energy will be well worth the output.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
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