We can feel spring coming in Loudoun County. The days are getting longer. We wake up to birds singing and wind down the day with spring peepers. Green leaves are sprouting from fall bulbs. It’s a beautiful time of year in Northern Virginia. We’re starting to dream of lush green lawns and leafy landscapes soon to come. That means it’s time to enrich our lawn and landscapes with fertilizer treatments for many of us.
When Should I Fertilize My Lawn?
Early spring is an excellent time to fertilize as soil temperatures warm up and your lawn wakes up. An early spring application boosts blade and root growth as the season begins. Follow up with a late spring application to keep grass lush and healthy during the summer growing season. Your landscaper can help you find the right balance of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Formulas and amounts depend on grass type, soil type, and other conditions.
Should I Fertilize Trees and Shrubs?
Early spring is also time to fertilize trees and shrubs. Nutrients help growth and are especially beneficial for newly planted trees and shrubs. The Clemson Cooperative Extension identifies several signs your shrubs or trees may not be thriving:
- Discolored leaves (including pale green and yellow)
- Smaller than normal leaf size
- Earlier than usual fall coloring and leaf drop
- Low annual twig growth
- Twig or branch die-back
Early spring fertilization, tailored to your soil and plant varieties, can help shrubs and trees stay healthy and vibrant. You may need a unique formula with micronutrients in addition to the usual nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Your landscaper will check for iron, magnesium and other mineral deficiencies. Unlike mulch, which goes in a relatively small area around the tree, we apply fertilizer to the entire root zone area. You can fertilize your trees and shrubs even if you’re not fertilizing your lawn. Trees and shrubs are delicate and expensive, so it’s essential to work with your landscaping team to find the right formula and apply it correctly.
Other Early Spring Lawn and Landscape Care
Enriching the soil with fertilizers is at the top of our list as we gear up for the growing season. Some other steps that can help promote a healthy lawn include:
- Pre-emergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass and other weeds.
- Lime application to improve pH.
- Mulching helps plants and trees retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and control weeds.
Fertilizing for Spring Growth? Hire the Pros
When done right, fertilizing is delicate, thoughtful work. Over-fertilizing or trying to guess what your lawn needs can do more harm than good. Start with a soil test to determine the type of fertilizer, levels, and timing.
- It’s essential to find the right mix of nutrients. Tailored formulations avoid imbalances that can damage your lawn.
- Applying fertilizer carefully at the correct levels avoids runoff and protects local water supplies.
- Keep fertilizer off hardscaping to waste and harmful runoff.
The Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service team includes fertilizer pros who can help you determine precisely what your lawn and landscape need. We also have the knowledge and experience to apply it correctly to enrich your lawn, trees, and shrubs and avoid potential damage. Our Complete Lawn Care program includes fertilization, weed control, lime application, and insect management. Our Total Landscape Care program keeps ornamental grasses and shrubs healthy and beautiful with fertilization, insect control, and disease prevention. As the sun warms the landscape, we’re dreaming of a gorgeous growing season, with a lush green lawn and healthy shrubs and trees. Now is the time–let’s get spring started right.
