You've probably seen it before: a period of warm spring-like weather followed by a late frost that kills or damages many plants in the landscape. You can minimize damage to smaller plants by covering them with cloth or plastic, especially at night, but remove any covering as the day warms.
Lawn grasses and larger plants like trees and shrubs have adequate food reserves to help them re-grow after a killing frost. However, repeated frosts can deplete these food reserves and eventually kill plants. Keeping your lawn and landscape healthy will help it withstand damaging weather.
As spring arrives with balmy breezes and colorful blooms, it's tempting to get carried away with planting. Better to start with a sketched plan that outlines your goals - whether it's establishing a small bed or redoing your entire landscape. A plan helps you visualize the desired results, focus your efforts step by step, and keep track of the plants you intend to use.
Spring is a popular time to install trees and shrubs in the landscape, but fall is actually a better time. If you do choose to plant in the spring, choose container-grown plants for best results and avoid balled and burlapped (B&B) plants.
Here are some planting suggestions that will help your new trees or shrubs become established:
Spring rains are normally sufficient for a healthy lawn and landscape, but if you do need to water during a dry spell, remember to water deeply so the moisture penetrates four to six inches into the soil. The point is to help plants establish roots deeper into the soil, making them sturdier and more drought resistant. In contrast, shallow-rooted plants are more prone to injury from soil compaction and temperature extremes, and they absorb fewer nutrients from the soil.
Early spring is the time to apply pre-emergent herbicides to your lawn and landscape. Applications made now will help reduce many of the summer annual weeds that appear later in the growing season. As with any product, when choosing and using a pre-emergent herbicide, carefully read and follow the label directions regarding weeds controlled, safety for specific plants, application rates and methods, watering requirements, and any other safety precautions.
Plant pests tend to increase with the temperatures, so now is the time to check your lawn and landscape plants for harmful insects and plan appropriate control strategies. Some of the pests expected to become more active in the Southeast are scale, lace bugs and aphids. Educate yourself on these and other invaders in your specific area so you can optimally time your control measures.
As you head into the mowing season, make sure mowers and other cutting implements have been sharpened, and lubricate all tools with moving parts. Make sure all your safety equipment - eye protection, gloves, work boots, and first aid kit - are readily accessible and in good shape.
Rainy days are an opportune time to update or fine tune your landscape plan and re-pot containerized houseplants. You might attend one of the local spring garden and patio shows for good landscape ideas.