Spring Landscaping Do’s and Don’ts
It’s the season for landscaping! Spring is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your yard and get things ready for summer. While you’re sprucing things up keep these landscaping do’s and don’ts in mind.
Do Wear the Proper Landscaping Attire
Even though it’s getting warmer outside, you might not want to wear shorts, a tank and sandals while landscaping. Keep yourself protected from bug bites, stings and weed whacker debris by wearing:
- Loose, long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Closed toed shoes
- Gardening gloves
- Wide brim hat
Also, don’t forget to wear bug spray. This bug spray breakdown can help you choose the right product for the job.
Don’t Wade Into Unclear Areas
After months of wintry weather and rain there may be a few spots in the yard that are as overgrown as a jungle. Like the jungle, there could be something hiding in the untamed areas that you don’t want to come across. Play it safe by using a rake or another long-handled tool to clear the area first.
Do Clear Vegetation Away From the Home’s Exterior
There are a number of good reasons why a homeowner would want to prevent plants from growing up against their house. From a pest perspective, you never want branches and bushes to touch the walls or roof of a home because it provides extra access points. Vegetation could also conceal insect activity around the exterior of the home.
Don’t Buy Infested Plants
During the spring garden centers are filled to the brim with every type of plant imaginable – including bug-infested plants. Nurseries and garden centers take many precautions to control bugs, but customers have to be on the lookout for plants that are infested or show signs of insect activity. Check out this post on identifying infested plants so you know what to look for.
Do Level Out the Lawn
A healthy, maintained yard is going to be less susceptible to destructive pests like army worms. Lawn maintenance can also play a role in mosquito control. When you’re cutting the grass aim to keep it about 1.5-2 inches long. That height is tall enough to protect grass from heat, drought and weeds but short enough to keep insects from hiding in the lawn. It’s also important to level out any low spots where puddles can form and give mosquitoes a place to breed.
Don’t Choose Just Any Grass
If you plan to seed or sod your yard this spring choose your grass carefully. Many grasses only grow well in certain environments, and each variety has unique sunlight and watering needs. Choose a grass that’s well adapted to your local climate and soil. It may be best to conduct a pH test on your soil before making a selection.
Do Use Native Plants
No plant is guaranteed to survive when it’s put in the ground, but some have a better chance than others. Native plants that grow naturally in your area are going to have the best survival rate. A local nursery is a great resource for finding native plants. The USDA hardiness zone map can also provide guidance on selecting plants that are most likely to thrive in your area.
Don’t Let Water Leaks Keep Flowing
A leaky outdoor faucet doesn’t just jack up your water bill. It can also provide insects with a much needed water source. If the leak is bad enough it could also create a puddle where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Did you find an infestation during your landscaping? Are ants overrunning your lawn? Have insects already started to devour your garden? Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. can help you control yard pests before they become a major problem. Call us today to schedule an inspection with an expert pest technician.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/spring-landscaping-dos-donts/