What needs to be done for spring yard work?

Spring is here. I went on a cruise for seven days, and when I got back, the deciduous tree in my yard was beginning to leaf out.

I’ve seen people out already working in their yards. What’s a good plan for spring yard work?

Do clean up.

Rake up the leaves, branches, and other debris from the lawn and beds that have accumulated during the winter.

Pull weeds.

They’re only going to get bigger. The weeds at the bottom of the photo dry up and the seeds pop out when you touch them. Don’t use pesticides. Children and pets who live in homes where pesticides are used are more likely to develop cancer. If you don’t have time or have physical limitations, hire someone to help you.

Apply organic mulch to control weeds in beds.

Avoid weed cloth if you can. Ants gather right under it.

Prune shrubs and trees.

Cut back branches that have been damaged during the winter and remove any dead or crossed branches. Don’t prune azaleas, rhododendrons, and forsythia in the spring, if you want to have flowers. Spring flowering shrubs set their buds for flowers last summer. Prune azaleas and rhododendrons after flowering in the spring, and no later than July 4. If you prune later, you’ll have greatly reduced flowering the following spring. However, you can prune the “sprouts” on azaleas: gangly shoots that rise above the shrub. The shoots can be pruned back any time of the year; they usually don’t have flower buds. For pruning trees, see this guide from Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland County.

Cut back perennials and divide them if needed. Cut back ornamental grasses.

You can cut a perennial back when you see new growth at the base of the plant. You can cut it back to about 12 inches above the ground.

Sweep walkways and other hard surfaces.

If you have moss that grows on your driveway like I do, pour vinegar on it to remove it or use a pressure washer.

Compost debris and clippings.

Fortunately, the city where I live now takes away yard waste for composting. It’s a big help.

Check your fence.

See if any damage has occurred over the winter that needs to be repaired. Also, check the surface of the fence to see if you need to stain or paint it this year.

Check your hoses.

See if you need new ones or if repairs are needed.

Wait to start watering your lawn until the weather gets warm and dry.

Lawns should be watered in the early morning to reduce the length of time the grass blades are wet to help reduce disease problems. Lawns need about 1 inch of water per week on clay soils and 1½ inch on sandy soil. Water deeply and infrequently, which stimulates a deep a root system.

Don’t cut the lawn too close.

Remove about a third of the blades at one mowing.

Make a plan for your vegetable garden.

If you live in a mild area like me, you can plant the cool weather vegetables now: broccoli, beets, potatoes, radishes, collards, lettuce, peas, and turnips.

Best wishes with your yard work. Again, get help if it’s too much for you.