With winter coming to an end and temperatures begining to rise, it’s important to start preparing your Gainesville landscape for success in the months ahead. Many perennial plants including Roses, Hibiscus, and Azaleas produce more dense and desirable growth when they are selectively pruned back to remove older growth. Also, lawns can be much more dense and lush with the right amount of detailed attention now as we enter growing season. With the proper seeds sewn in the next couple weeks, you will reap a beautiful and low-maintenance Gainesville landscape throughout the rest of Spring and Summer.
Fertilization Program
Although plants and lawn benefit most from a stuctured lawn food program, spring is the most important feeding of the year. Plants used in landscaping, such as St. Augustine grass, should be fertilized around the beginning of March to provide nutrition as the growing season starts. Much like your body when you wake up, your Gainesville lawn is coming out of dormancy. Nutritionists regularly tell us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day to get started right, and your landscape is no different. When plants and grass come out of their winter slumber, they need some nutrients to help them bounce back and who doesn't?
Mid February Landscape Prior to Landscape Cleanup
Planting Annuals
Planting annuals in the spring is a great way to enhance the color of your landscape, as well as provide curb appeal that will separate your yard from the rest of the neighborhood. If you are a homeowner, be sure to plan out your landscape with a Landscape design before planting so that you can place the plants in order to achieve your desired results. Without a proper plan in place, many yards end up looking haphazard and unorganized in spite of the beautiful plants and flowers that are planted.
Late April After new plantings and landscape rennovation
Landscape Management
Another thing to think about as you prepare your landscape is the maintenance required for each plant. Know what each plant requires before taking action so that you know how much time and resources are needed for upkeep. Required maintenance may include:
- Irrigation or Sprinklers
- Extra fertilization
- Different levels of sunlight
- Pest control
- Extra Pruning/Trimming
For detailed information about the required maintenance for common regional plants, a great resource is the University of Florida IFAS Extension web page. Have fun preparing your landscape for success!