We can only pretend that the view out the window is an endless expanse of white sand beach for so long. With less than three weeks to go until the first day of spring, we’re asking what’s with all that white stuff still on the ground? Of course, we realize it will go away…eventually! In the meantime, despite the frozen precipitation that still lingers all around us, there are some Minnesota lawn care questions we can address now.
Q. How will all this snow and bitter cold affect my lawn this spring?
We’ve heard this a lot this year. The fact is, cold weather and snow combine to keep vital nitrogen elements from leaving your soil. What that means is that you could have a really lush and healthy yard this spring. You can start the season right by planning ahead now for pre-emergent crabgrass treatments, spot seeding, irrigation start up and other lawn care needs, such as mowing.
Q. What is snow mold?
First, snow mold is nothing like a jello mold. But seriously, snow mold is a fungus that appears as patches of dead grass concentrated in circles three to twelve inches in diameter. It damages or kills grass after snow melts, typically late in the winter. Snow mold is caused by a lot of snow covering your lawn for a long time (like it has this winter); or fertilizing too late in the season the previous autumn; or because there is over two inches of dead grass (or thatch), beneath the lawn. If you have snow mold the easiest and most natural way to eliminate it is with light raking. However, if you’d prefer, you can ask your Rock Solid lawn care pro to apply a fungicide to treat it.
Q. Is it too late to trim my trees?
No. You’ve still got a few weeks left to do some trimming, since the best time to prune trees is in late February and early March while they’re still dormant. The worst time is in the spring, when they’re beginning to bud. You should prune to remove dead branches, improve your tree’s structure or to alter size and shape. Be sure to call your Rock Solid lawn care experts if you need help.
Q. Is it too early to be thinking about an irrigation system?
It’s never too early to think about irrigation. In fact, now is a great time to talk with an irrigation specialist about installation. The Rock Solid crew would be more than happy to come out, take a look at your yard and give you a no-obligation estimate. If you’ve already got a system, it’s time to think about scheduling an appointment for spring start up, which includes activating the water supply, calibrating the control panel, installing a new battery for back up, and adjusting all heads.
Got questions about your lawn, a landscape project or your irrigation system? Call the pros at Rock Solid at 763-398-0739, shoot us an e-mail or even post to our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you. (After all, we can only make so many snow angels!)
