Why are seasonal cleanups so important in Virginia?

You can always tell when Mother Nature is ready to flip that switch and bring in a new season when you live in Virginia. If you see cherry blossoms, peonies, and magnolias bloom, then you know Spring is here. Whereas if you see those Poplar trees turn yellow or the Red Maples start to shed their vibrant scarlet leaves, you know Fall is right at your door. 

The change of seasons can also bring things you need to accomplish in your yard. That’s why seasonal cleanups are the perfect time to give your yard what it needs to be ready for the upcoming season. This is where our knowledgeable team can help you identify the best ways to cut down on maintenance and help you have that perfect curb appeal throughout every season.

EKG Lawn Services want to share the best seasonal cleanup tips for Mosely, Midlothian, and Chesterfield, VA

Why are seasonal cleanups so crucial in the Fall?

Don’t you just love to look at the fall foliage as it sweeps across the Blue Ridge Parkway or Sherando Lake, which are just a few of the beautiful areas in Virginia during the fall season? But, as spectacular as that may be, it also tells us that it’s time to get our yard ready before the cold weather comes to town.

One of the first things you will need to do is remove all the colorful autumn leaves that have found your lawn. Now you may wonder why I should get rid of the leaves as they are the perfect accent with amber, orange, and vibrant red leaves to all the Fall decorating on the front porch. 

But to be honest, having leaves left alone on your lawn can cause damage as it will hold in moisture and create mold and damage to your yard. The best way to remove those leaves is with a dethatching rake. The great part about this type of rake is that it will help clean up the leaves and eliminate any thatch forming in your lawn.

Another thing to think about in the Fall is aeration. Aerating your lawn is a great way to open up the soil and give it the nutrients it needs to jumpstart the following season, not to mention helping it recover from those hot summer days. By allowing the soil to get the oxygen it needs, you are helping it have a healthy growing season. Now you may want to do overseeding after aeration as it will provide the seeds the quick access to the soil and give it a more robust root system. 

What are the best tips for seasonal cleanups in the Spring?

When you live in Virginia, there are many signs to tell you that Spring is in the air. It could be the scent of the Hyacinth or Magnolias lingering in your yard. Or the Cherry Blossoms that are bursting from every branch. Unfortunately, it could also be that the cold weather took its toll on your Hickory tree. But, no matter what is happening in your yard, one thing is sure seasonal cleanups are your time to give your yard some TLC!

Let’s look at the flowering shrubs we all love and how quickly they bloom at the beginning of Spring. Well, did you know that your hard work from last year when you pruned them after they bloomed is the reason you are having such a spectacular yard? Always remember that you never want to remove more than a third of the plant, and always let the blade guide you so that you don’t remove too much.

Seasonal cleanups are the perfect opportunity to bring the nutrients your yard may need, especially since we are always trying to get that lush green lawn. One way to do this is to fertilize your lawn. When you fertilize, you are helping your lawn to get out of dormancy faster and provide a healthier growing season.

You should use a slow-release fertilizer as it will gradually make its way into the lawn and help the root system become stronger. Never fertilize if the soil is below 55 degrees, as you wouldn’t get the best results.

Another part of seasonal cleanups is trying to tackle weeds before the season even gets started. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to apply a pre-emergent herbicide and eliminate those dandelions, chickweeds, and Bittercress? 

Well, as much as pre-emergent herbicides will get into the soil and stop weeds from germinating, there will always be those weeds that just won’t go away, and that’s when you add a post-emergent herbicide that will kill those annoying weeds on contact. So what you always want to do is try to stay ahead of weed control which will help cut down on the overall maintenance of your yard.

Are you looking for a quick way to give your yard a clean, crisp appearance before the Spring and Summer fun begins then mulch will bring outstanding results? Mulch is one of the greatest gifts you can give your yard as it checks all the boxes to get your yard ready for a healthy growing season. 

One of the advantages of mulch is that it helps to retain water, balance the temperature of the soil and block out the sunlight, which helps to keep those weeds out of your yard. Now, if that isn’t enough, it also will accent the exterior of your home with its variety of colors and textures.

Why should a  professional lawn maintenance service handle seasonal cleanups?

The key to maintaining a healthy yard is identifying what your yard may need to be ready for the upcoming season. That’s where our reliable team can jump into action and bring you superior lawn maintenance services. So whether it’s mulching, lawn care, aeration, overseeding, shrub maintenance, plant design, lawn care, or seasonal cleanups, our knowledgeable team here at EKG is ready to give you that perfect curb appeal – always with heart!