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MILWAUKEE/NARI OFFERS EARLY SPRING GARDENING TIPS TO HELP HOMEOWNERS PREPARE FOR WARMER WEATHER
March 25, 2010

MILWAUKEE, WI – Although winter-like weather can extend through the early spring in this area, landscapers and family gardeners are beginning to prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Preparation is the key and members of the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the area's leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years, are also planning ahead and offer these spring landscape tips to help homeowners create the optimal effect of their landscape all summer long.

Early Spring Clean Up

Preparing the garden for spring is essential to keeping away insects and disease, said Tom Ball, President of Ground Affects Landscaping, Inc., of Sullivan.  “Clearing away debris from planting beds and raking the lawn to de-thatch is a must.  When you remove the dead thatch layer of grass, you open the soil and make room for fertilizer to reach the roots.”

Ball added, “This is true for tree and perennial beds as well.”

Homeowners should also review their landscape for any damage to trees and bushes that winter left behind, as well as any pruning of ornamental perennials.  Trimming away dead branches or plant material early in the season will allow the plant, shrub, or tree to rejuvenate before the growing season begins, Ball added.

Lawn Repair and Care

Feeding and fertilizing is important to return the lawn to its pre-winter lush and green appearance. Most crabgrass herbicides are found in combination with lawn fertilizers, so crabgrass prevention and spring fertilization can be done at the same time.

Early treatment of areas damaged by road salt is also important.  Laying gypsum is the most common way to neutralize road salt that has crept onto the landscape and begun drying out the lawn.  Gypsum loosens heavy clay soil, allowing air and water to more easily penetrate, to promote grass and plant growth.  The result is a more porous soil that is easier to work with and allows a better circulation of air, water, and other nutrients.  This creates strong, vigorous root systems.  It also adds vital nutrients, including sulfur and calcium to the soil.

Gypsum can be purchased at lawn and garden centers or recycled from old drywall boards, according to Pat Ziegeweid, head landscape architect for Trees on the Move of New Berlin.  “Road salt can really take a toll on a lawn,” Ziegeweid said.  “Spreading gypsum early in the spring will strengthen the soil and prevent later problems.”

“Now is also the time to over seed any bare spots,” Ziegeweid said.  “If a large area of lawn is damaged, sod can also be laid down in the springtime.”

Planting

“Spring is a good time to plant trees and shrubs,” said Mike Schenning, landscape architect with Breezy Hill Nursery, Inc., Salem.  “Once the soil is thawed for digging, many varieties of trees and evergreens can be safely planted.”

Schenning added that homeowners should wait for warmer weather, especially warmer nights, before completing other planting.  In Wisconsin, mid to late May is usually the best time to begin.

Planning Ahead

Early spring is also a great time to begin planning for any changes in the landscape.  “It’s good to get a head start, especially if a multi-stage project is desired,” Ball said.  “If you plan ahead before the growing season begins with early planning and budgeting, work can begin right away and chances are you will be able to enjoy the new landscape all season long.”

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI - the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council's goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry's growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation's largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071.