How Commercial Landscapers Near Me Tackle Spring in Elmhurst, IL

Spring is here! Warmer temperatures coax plants out of hibernation, and the work begins on creating a beautiful landscape. Here’s how commercial landscapers near me tackle spring in Elmhurst, IL – here’s everything you need to know!

Damage Control

Winter can wreak havoc on a landscape, especially in dry winters with little snowfall – when plants become dehydrated during winter, they are more susceptible to damage. A thorough spring property inspection will identify winter damage to plants and grasses.

As snow melts, it becomes very obvious where the snowmelt goes. Spring is the perfect time to address drainage issues to prevent damage to buildings, parking lots, and pedestrian areas.

Spring Cleaning

Not all leaves drop in the fall! Some cling to trees and shrubs well into the winter months and they – along with broken branches and twigs – can litter the ground after strong winter winds. This debris must be cleaned up before planting, lawn care, or hardscape work.

Soil Testing

Soil testing is the most important element of healthy lawn and plant care. Soil testing must be done annually, because pH balances and nutrient levels can change over the years. Your landscape plants will only thrive if they are provided with the right conditions for vigorous growth and a healthy root system! Once the soil has been tested, it can be amended to correct pH balance and restore any nutrient deficiencies.

Tree and Shrub Care

Trees and shrubs are hardy, but their branches can succumb to heavy snows. Always have broken branches professionally removed due to the hazards of tree pruning. Trees and shrubs can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer before applying mulch around their base.

Lawn Care in Spring

Once the soil has been tested, a landscape professional will know exactly what type of slow-release fertilizer to apply. It’s important to note that not all grasses need to be fertilized in spring (for example, cool-season grasses) so don’t be surprised if your commercial landscape company doesn’t fertilize your lawn until mid-June.

Mowing will begin once the first growth has reached about 3” in height.

Spring is also the most important time when it comes to weed management. Applying pre-emergent weed control will minimize crabgrass and broad-leaf weeds. The best way to prevent or minimize weeds is to ensure that grass is healthy.

Overseeding any bare areas or installing sod is also done in spring (if it wasn’t done in fall); the warm temperatures and moisture of spring will help new grass to establish a healthy root system.

Planting Beds

Any debris should be removed prior to adding mulch and planting annuals. Spring is also the perfect time to repair or replace edging materials to give the planting beds a spring-fresh look.

A one-inch thick layer of mulch is applied in spring. Mulch helps shelter plants from fluctuating spring temperatures, helps lower watering needs, and makes planting beds look neat and tidy. As mulch decomposes, it also adds valuable nutrients to the soil.

Irrigation System

The irrigation system needs to be inspected every spring to ensure that each sprinkler or drip head works perfectly, and that there are no leaks in the system. Malfunctioning or broken irrigation systems should be replaced in spring to prepare for the hot, dry months of summer.

Water Features

Water features such as ponds need to be cleaned and inspected in spring to ensure that filtration and pump systems work, and that all debris is removed.

Hardscapes

Thoroughly cleaning hardscapes in spring will prevent staining from fallen leaves. Spring is the perfect time to repair or replace broken pavers and cracked asphalt or concrete.