This week it is time to take care of a few yard maintenance activities. The mild spring has led to the grass growing a little earlier than normal.
- Place compost or well decomposed manure around perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and rhubarb.
- Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground in early spring.
- Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.
- Optimize time to fertilize lawns. Apply 1 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. of lawn. Reduce risks of run-off into local waterways by not fertilizing just prior to rain, and not over-irrigating so that water runs off the lawn and onto the sidewalk or street. For more information on fertilizing click here.
- If snow mold was a problem, scratch the surface. If turf damage is severe, seed with Kentucky bluegrass. Lawn mowing tip: set blade at 0.75 to 1 inch for bentgrass lawns; 1.5 to 2.5 inches for bluegrasses, fine fescues, and ryegrasses.
Compost grass clippings and yard waste, except for clippings from lawns where weed-and-feed products or herbicides (weed killers) have been used. - Spread compost over garden and landscape areas. Fertilize evergreen shrubs and trees, only if needed. If established and healthy, their nutrient needs should be minimal.
- If you haven’t had your lawnmower serviced, now is a good time to prep it for the late spring grass growing season.
- For larger cleanup projects, like trimming back brush and trees for wildfire prevention, keep in mind that Deschutes County has free debris disposal beginning May 3rd. For information on yard debris disposal locations and dates click here.