Spring is right around the corner, and avid gardeners around Nashville, TN couldn’t be more excited. After all, spring signals the time when plants begin to emerge and breathe new life into the area. Who wouldn’t feel inspired to work on their garden?

Before you start working on your next landscaping project, however, take note that you’ll need to clean up and prepare your garden for the challenges that spring may present. A little extra preparation can go a long way in assuring your garden stays lush and beautiful throughout the rest of the year. With that in mind, here are a few spring cleaning tips you should keep in mind:

Clean Up Debris

First of all, you should grab a rake or leaf blower and get rid of any debris that may have fallen in your garden. Dead leaves and branches may not seem like much, but they can easily attract unwanted pests that may impact the growth of your plants.

Know Local Pests

There are many garden pests present in Nashville, and spring is when you’ll usually see a lot of activity. Aphids, Buffalo Treehoppers, Spring Azure caterpillars, and the like can easily wreak havoc on your garden if you aren’t careful. Take the time to research on natural deterrents for these pests. Your landscaper should also be able to provide you with useful information to avoid infestations.

Anticipate Plant Growth

When planting new plants and shrubs, do anticipate how large they will grow after six weeks and after six months. If you plant too many plants together, you may find it necessary to dig a few up and move them elsewhere to accommodate their size. There’s also the possibility of too much competition for nutrients that may lead to stunted growth.

Prepare Your Mower

Lastly, prepare your mower. You’ll want to have your blades sharpened by a professional. Additionally, you should raise the blades so you leave grass at least two inches high. This helps protect grass from a variety of diseases and makes it more difficult for weeds to reach the soil.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to do all of these preparations. In such cases, you may want to work with an experienced landscaping company like Acer Landscaping Services. These companies often offer year-round landscaping management services to ensure your garden is the envy of your neighborhood.

Sources:

10 Tips to Prepare your Home for Spring Landscaping, freshome.com

Bugs and Other Insects from the State of Tennessee, insectidentification.org