Time to clean up after winter. Remove any leaves from beds and lawns, and prune dead branched from shrubs.

Now is the time for Dethatching the lawn. Dethatching is a lot like thoroughly raking the grass, removing debris, dead grass, and fluffing up matted turf. It is best to Dethatch prior to application of spring fertilizer.

April is also the best and only time to prevent crabgrass. If crabgrass is a problem, apply a pre-emergent weed control product specifically designed to prevent crabgrass.

It is time to mulch. Edge the beds, install your mulch, and sprinkle Preen over the mulch to prevent weeds.

Time to start mowing the lawn. Once per week is the way to go. Set the mower to cut the grass at 3 inches or higher. Keep those blades sharp, it really makes a difference. I sharpen my mower blades at least weekly.

If crabgrass was a big problem last year, a 2nd application of crabgrass control this month should help. Fertilize the lawn if needed.

Prune any shrubs that have already flowered.

Fertilize shrubs. I like to use Holly-tone for all the evergreens, including Azaleas, Rhododendrons, etc.

Mowing, mowing, mowing. If weeds are present in your lawn, now is a good time to apply broadleaf weed control. If you had grubs last year, now is the time to apply grub control. Fertilize the lawn if needed.

Hopefully, you can mow a bit less frequently in July, maybe every 10 days. Set your mower as high as possible to try to keep the lawn from burning. Shear or clip your hedges and non-flowering shrubs. Take a vacation.

See July.

The most critical month for lawn maintenance. It is time to stage your lawn for the following year. It is time to Aerate your lawn. Ideally, you will overseed the lawn right after the Aeration. September is the most important time to fertilize a lawn. 

Test your lawn's pH level. Apply lime if required.

Start mowing the lawn at a shorter setting. By the end of September, the lawn should be well under 2 inches.

Leaf removal begins. It is always best to stay ahead of it by doing a little every week.

Last chance for fall clean-up. Those leaves will damage your lawn if they are allowed to remain on the lawn all winter. Mark your driveway for the plow truck. Split and stack your firewood, and cover it up.

Winterize your power equipment. I like to change the oil and use StaBil in my gas before storage.

I like Central Mass Nursery in Lunenburg. They seem to have the best stuff locally.  Weston Nurseries in Hopkington is also a top quality supplier. I find that it is worth the trip.

Landworks will help you by locating, delivering and installing shrubs, trees and perennials...just ask!