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Think outside the Boxelder
Maple Madness!
By Chris Leinster - March 16, 2022
Snow is in the forecast, but trees are arriving daily and it's time to get planting! We're expecting a tree shortage this year so if you're looking for something rare or unusual or if you need larger evergreen trees especially, get 'em before they're gone.
I was hunting for Maple Trees today and trials have shown promise for many new Maple varieties proven to perform well along Colorado's Front Range. For decades, Autumn Blaze Maple has been the standard go-to for a fast-growing shade tree with explosive red Fall color. Autumn Blaze is a hybridized version of the more ancient Silver Maple and Red Maple.
Silver Maple grow incredibly fast, but fast growth means weak wood and those tended to break up in strong winds or late, heavy snowstorms after the leaves had appeared. Silver Maple are also shallow rooted, with roots often breaching the surface and killing the lawn under the tree canopy. Silver Maple are no longer in production, but Autumn Blaze combines the best attributes of Silver Maple with the explosive red Fall color of Red Maple.
Many of my Arborist friends complain that Autumn Blaze is still prone to breakage at maturity, and highly susceptible to iron chlorosis due to our alkaline soil (check out our blog on chlorosis). Still, it is the most ubiquitously planted Maple in Colorado and with diligent watering and fertilizing, it should provide shade for generations. But you don't need to limit yourself to Autumn Blaze. Check out these more recent introductions!
Redpointe Maple- This exciting introduction is proving to be perhaps the best replacement for Autumn Blaze, as it shows superior resistance to iron chlorosis! It sports a strong central leader and more refined branching, maturing into an upright, pyramidal form more narrow than AB. You won't sacrifice Fall color as the Redpointe Maple will illuminate your neighborhood with it's fiery red glow!
Highland Park Maple- Properties seem to get smaller each year as developers seek to pack the most houses into the smallest conceivable space. This disqualifies most maple species for these postage stamp properties, but Highland Park is a smaller stature Maple tree perfectly suitable for our modern McMansions. Indistinguishable from Autumn Blaze but only grows 30' by 20' wide.
State Street Maple- Prefer a golden Fall display? State Street Maple is a medium to large shade tree showing superior heat and drought tolerance as well as resistance to iron chlorosis. Stronger wooded and more densely branched, consider State Street for a hardy Maple that performs well in Colorado's harsh climate.
Rugged Ridge Maple- When I ask, "what kind of tree would you like?", the response is often "the kind that won't die!". As the name suggests, Rugged Ridge Maple is one tough Mamba-Jamba suitable for exposed sites in outlying areas like Castle Rock or out on the plains. Fast-growing with golden Fall color. Its hardiness is perhaps due to its ruggedly handsome protective layer of deeply furrowed, corky bark which develops at a young age. This helps prevent sunscald and frost cracking which can plague young Maple in Colorado's harsh winter sun and wild temperature swings (check out our blog on sunscald).
Rocky Mountain Glow Maple- If you've ever encountered a Maple while hiking the lower foothills just west of town, you've likely discovered our native Rocky Mountain Bigtooth Maple! This tree can be found growing into the deserts of Utah and New Mexico, and upwards of 7,000 feet in altitude. Thus, it is perfect for higher elevations or properties where irrigation may not be practical. Slower growing and smaller stature, Rocky Mountain Glow has been selected for its orange-yellow-red Fall color!
Fairview Maple- Looking for a little more Summer variety in your tree canopy? Fairview is a Norway Maple with burgundy leaves! Especially vibrant in Spring, color dulls somewhat in the heat of Summer but will return with a vengeance in the Fall! Maple generally aren't considered for their flowers, but Fairview's small yellow flowers offer a brief burst of interest in early Spring.
This is merely a sampling of the offerings available to gardeners in and around Denver, and Happy Trees couldn't possibly list them all! Production nurseries are constantly tinkering with plant genetics clamoring to be the first to bring exciting new species into being, and the botanists at CSU among other researchers are diligently testing new introductions to prove their usefulness for commercial production. If you're looking for something other than the standard offerings, simply ask what's available and Happy Trees will peruse our vendors for more exotic suggestions. Use "Fall Fiesta" for pricing.
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Read More...
I was hunting for Maple Trees today and trials have shown promise for many new Maple varieties proven to perform well along Colorado's Front Range. For decades, Autumn Blaze Maple has been the standard go-to for a fast-growing shade tree with explosive red Fall color. Autumn Blaze is a hybridized version of the more ancient Silver Maple and Red Maple.
Silver Maple grow incredibly fast, but fast growth means weak wood and those tended to break up in strong winds or late, heavy snowstorms after the leaves had appeared. Silver Maple are also shallow rooted, with roots often breaching the surface and killing the lawn under the tree canopy. Silver Maple are no longer in production, but Autumn Blaze combines the best attributes of Silver Maple with the explosive red Fall color of Red Maple.
Many of my Arborist friends complain that Autumn Blaze is still prone to breakage at maturity, and highly susceptible to iron chlorosis due to our alkaline soil (check out our blog on chlorosis). Still, it is the most ubiquitously planted Maple in Colorado and with diligent watering and fertilizing, it should provide shade for generations. But you don't need to limit yourself to Autumn Blaze. Check out these more recent introductions!
Redpointe Maple- This exciting introduction is proving to be perhaps the best replacement for Autumn Blaze, as it shows superior resistance to iron chlorosis! It sports a strong central leader and more refined branching, maturing into an upright, pyramidal form more narrow than AB. You won't sacrifice Fall color as the Redpointe Maple will illuminate your neighborhood with it's fiery red glow!
Highland Park Maple- Properties seem to get smaller each year as developers seek to pack the most houses into the smallest conceivable space. This disqualifies most maple species for these postage stamp properties, but Highland Park is a smaller stature Maple tree perfectly suitable for our modern McMansions. Indistinguishable from Autumn Blaze but only grows 30' by 20' wide.
State Street Maple- Prefer a golden Fall display? State Street Maple is a medium to large shade tree showing superior heat and drought tolerance as well as resistance to iron chlorosis. Stronger wooded and more densely branched, consider State Street for a hardy Maple that performs well in Colorado's harsh climate.
Rugged Ridge Maple- When I ask, "what kind of tree would you like?", the response is often "the kind that won't die!". As the name suggests, Rugged Ridge Maple is one tough Mamba-Jamba suitable for exposed sites in outlying areas like Castle Rock or out on the plains. Fast-growing with golden Fall color. Its hardiness is perhaps due to its ruggedly handsome protective layer of deeply furrowed, corky bark which develops at a young age. This helps prevent sunscald and frost cracking which can plague young Maple in Colorado's harsh winter sun and wild temperature swings (check out our blog on sunscald).
Rocky Mountain Glow Maple- If you've ever encountered a Maple while hiking the lower foothills just west of town, you've likely discovered our native Rocky Mountain Bigtooth Maple! This tree can be found growing into the deserts of Utah and New Mexico, and upwards of 7,000 feet in altitude. Thus, it is perfect for higher elevations or properties where irrigation may not be practical. Slower growing and smaller stature, Rocky Mountain Glow has been selected for its orange-yellow-red Fall color!
Fairview Maple- Looking for a little more Summer variety in your tree canopy? Fairview is a Norway Maple with burgundy leaves! Especially vibrant in Spring, color dulls somewhat in the heat of Summer but will return with a vengeance in the Fall! Maple generally aren't considered for their flowers, but Fairview's small yellow flowers offer a brief burst of interest in early Spring.
This is merely a sampling of the offerings available to gardeners in and around Denver, and Happy Trees couldn't possibly list them all! Production nurseries are constantly tinkering with plant genetics clamoring to be the first to bring exciting new species into being, and the botanists at CSU among other researchers are diligently testing new introductions to prove their usefulness for commercial production. If you're looking for something other than the standard offerings, simply ask what's available and Happy Trees will peruse our vendors for more exotic suggestions. Use "Fall Fiesta" for pricing.
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2022 Tree Pricing
Prices subject to change. Contracts valid for 30 days.
By Chris Leinster - January 6, 2022
Happy New Year! The past two years have certainly provided extraordinary challenges that have permeated every facet of our society. I am eternally grateful to my employees and customers as we continue to navigate whatever trials 2022 has to offer.
Inflation appears to be our biggest threat this year. The green industry has been hit with unprecedented cost increases that are resulting in higher prices for every aspect of plant production. One of my vendors sent out the following communication warning of what's to come. I think it's important to share that with you here…
Dear Valued Customer:
As we wrap up 2021, we wanted to send you an important update on the market's ongoing product challenges. We continue to see industry-wide supply challenges that are driving product price inflation on many of the products you rely on for your business. We hope our summary of the current situation and expectations for the months ahead will help you navigate these challenges as you prepare for the new year. We will continue to monitor these conditions and update you as the situation changes.
Raw Material Shortages
Demand for many common Green Industry raw materials (plastic resin, wire, printed circuit boards, urea) remains at record highs, thereby driving up product costs. Most indications are that these costs will remain inflated through much of the first half of 2022.
Labor Shortages
Many manufacturers have faced both labor shortages and wage increases.
Freight
Freight shortages and pricing continue to increase lead times and cost for many products – especially freight intensive products such as hardscapes, fertilizer, and plant material.
Landscape Materials Outlook
Based on our assessment of the current situation and industry conditions, we expect continued shortages and/or price inflation on many of the most frequently purchased products within our industry.
We also believe that manufacturers will implement further price increases for 2022 for core irrigation products, PVC pipe, plant material, and hardscape products. We are working diligently with our manufacturing partners to mitigate the impact of these factors and provide you with as much advance notice as possible.
Sincerely,
Jeff Domenick Regional Vice President SiteOne Landscape Supply
The bottom line is that all this is resulting in dramatic price increases for trees for 2022. As of the date of this posting most of my vendors have not yet disclosed wholesale pricing. I will be updating my catalog in the upcoming months. Sadly, I may need to update pricing during the season if cost pressures continue to rise. I will be adding “contract pricing valid for 30 days' for all planting contracts this year. Thank you for your understanding.
Please know that Happy Trees will continue to provide the greatest value in the industry to our customers with our products and services. We constantly strive to find efficiencies with our processes and will price shop our vendors without sacrificing quality.
There's an old adage, "you may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you!". Inflation is the direct result of economic policy, and every bit of it was easily preventable. Please take some time to contemplate how the decisions of our overlords impacts us all, particularly small business owners and low wage earners. Perhaps it's time to reconsider your party allegiances.
Read More...
Inflation appears to be our biggest threat this year. The green industry has been hit with unprecedented cost increases that are resulting in higher prices for every aspect of plant production. One of my vendors sent out the following communication warning of what's to come. I think it's important to share that with you here…
Dear Valued Customer:
As we wrap up 2021, we wanted to send you an important update on the market's ongoing product challenges. We continue to see industry-wide supply challenges that are driving product price inflation on many of the products you rely on for your business. We hope our summary of the current situation and expectations for the months ahead will help you navigate these challenges as you prepare for the new year. We will continue to monitor these conditions and update you as the situation changes.
Raw Material Shortages
Demand for many common Green Industry raw materials (plastic resin, wire, printed circuit boards, urea) remains at record highs, thereby driving up product costs. Most indications are that these costs will remain inflated through much of the first half of 2022.
| We are seeing the highest costs to date on fertility raw materials: Urea costs have increased 238% in the last 12 months and phosphate costs are up more than 100%. Sulfate of Potash (SOP) is up 39% and Muriate of Potash (MOP) is up 200%. | |
| Resin manufacturing capacity constraints, coupled with labor and raw material shortages, have driven plastic resin prices up 210% over the last 18 months, impacting PVC/poly pipe and fittings, storm water drainage pipe and fittings, irrigation rotors and sprays. | |
| Copper costs have increased 45%, impacting irrigation and lighting wire. | |
| COVID-related manufacturing shutdowns and increased consumer demand within the semiconductor industry have created an ongoing worldwide shortage, impacting irrigation controllers and lighting transformers. | |
| Seed crop losses of up to 50 percent due to summer heat and weather conditions are anticipated to continue to drive up costs through the end of the year. | |
Labor Shortages
Many manufacturers have faced both labor shortages and wage increases.
| More than 30 percent of manufacturers report that it’s more difficult to find talent now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, and nearly 80 percent expect to have trouble attracting talent going forward. | |
| Significant increases in service industry wages (including restaurants) are drawing hourly associates away from manufacturing jobs. | |
Freight
Freight shortages and pricing continue to increase lead times and cost for many products – especially freight intensive products such as hardscapes, fertilizer, and plant material.
| Record levels of congestion in major U.S. ports are contributing to shipping and freight delays. | |
| Container shipping costs from Asia are up as much as 10x since the beginning of 2021. | |
| U.S. freight shipments are up more than 10% and U.S. freight expenditures are up more than 40%. | |
| U.S. diesel retail fuel prices are up nearly 40%. | |
| Driver shortages and high demand now mean there are more than 150 loads waiting to be shipped for every available truck. | |
Landscape Materials Outlook
Based on our assessment of the current situation and industry conditions, we expect continued shortages and/or price inflation on many of the most frequently purchased products within our industry.
| Global resin shortages are expected to limit PVC pipe production and keep costs unusually high. | |
| Irrigation and lighting electronics will be in short supply for the foreseeable future due to ongoing semiconductor chip shortages. | |
| Fescue seed supply is expected to remain constrained through much of 2022. | |
| Plant material in larger than 7-gallon sizes is expected to remain in tight supply going into 2022 and beyond. Items such as large upright evergreen screening material, commodity items (hawthorns, loropetalums, hollies, ligustrums, etc), skip laurels, Japanese maples, and other specialty intrinsic items likely will remain in short supply for several years. Â |
|
Sincerely,
Jeff Domenick Regional Vice President SiteOne Landscape Supply
The bottom line is that all this is resulting in dramatic price increases for trees for 2022. As of the date of this posting most of my vendors have not yet disclosed wholesale pricing. I will be updating my catalog in the upcoming months. Sadly, I may need to update pricing during the season if cost pressures continue to rise. I will be adding “contract pricing valid for 30 days' for all planting contracts this year. Thank you for your understanding.
Please know that Happy Trees will continue to provide the greatest value in the industry to our customers with our products and services. We constantly strive to find efficiencies with our processes and will price shop our vendors without sacrificing quality.
There's an old adage, "you may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you!". Inflation is the direct result of economic policy, and every bit of it was easily preventable. Please take some time to contemplate how the decisions of our overlords impacts us all, particularly small business owners and low wage earners. Perhaps it's time to reconsider your party allegiances.
Happy Trees Pro Winter Preparation Tips!
How to get your trees ready for Winter's wrath...
By Chris Leinster - October 10, 2021
Winter Watering- Winter is creeping in and you will soon be shutting down your irrigation system. Did you know that roots continue to grow even if the leaves have dropped from the tree? It's important to keep some moisture in the ground over the winter months. A hard freeze with bone dry soil can be very stressful on your plants. With our dry air your soil can dehydrate in just a few days.
Keep checking your soil moisture and drag the hoses out to water as necessary, probably not more than once every other week. This advice is appropriate for all of your landscape plants, even your lawn! This is especially true for your mature evergreen trees like Pine and Spruce. You don't need to water if the ground is frozen or if there is snow on the ground. Be sure to disconnect your hose from the spigot after watering to protect from freeze damage, and you may want to drain the water from your hoses as well.
Winter Wrap- Young trees are susceptible to sun scald over the winter months. Sun scald dries out the trunk, splitting the bark and potentially killing the trees. Please winter wrap your young trees to shield the vulnerable trunks from desiccating winter sun. You can learn more about winter wrap on my blog:
http://happytrees.co/blog/16966/How-to-prevent-sun-scald-
And see a video here!- https://youtu.be/5s4hlWEWCew
Unable or just don't want to bother? Happy Trees now offers this service for a $75 trip charge. Includes all 2021 Happy Trees! Additional trees $5 each.
Tree Tying- Many upright trees, especially evergreens like Juniper and Fastigiate Spruce, are susceptible to damage from heavy snow loads or ice storms. Multiple stemmed trees such as Serviceberry or Columnar Buckthorn can have this problem too. Wrap the trees loosely with twine or tree ties that can be purchased at any big box store or your local garden center. You're not cinching the trees tightly. The idea is to loosely wrap the trees to give the branches support so they don't splay open under heavy snow loads.
Follow this link to watch a very poorly made video of me tying a tree!-
https://youtu.be/r44aHmdQIYw
No time or just don't want to get poked by Juniper needles? Happy Trees now offers this service for a $75 trip charge. Includes all 2021 Happy Trees! Additional trees $15 each.
Snow Removal- Heavy snow loads can snap branches or bend trunks of young trees over to the ground. Trees are particularly vulnerable if early snows strike before the leaves have fallen, or with late spring snows after leaves have emerged. Throw on the snow boots and gently shake the snow off your young trees during heavy storms if snow accumulates on the branches and twigs.
Tree stake removal and disposal- If your trees were planted this year, please leave the tree stakes and supports in place through the Spring growing season. They can be removed in late June/ July. If your tree was planted last year or prior, you may now remove the stakes. They will usually wiggle out of the ground. If they break, pound what's left into the ground and bury it.
Happy Trees now offers this service! $75 trip charge includes all Happy Trees.
That's about all you need to know to keep your Colorado trees happy and healthy through our harsh winters. No landscape company can warranty against winter storm damage, so please protect your investment and follow our guidance! Call or reply with whatever questions you may have, or to schedule for our services.
https://www.facebook.com/HappyTrees.co/
https://nextdoor.com/pages/happy-trees-llc-westminster-co/recommend/
Thank you for your consideration of Happy Trees and call or reply with whatever you may need!
New trees arriving daily!
Including large caliper and hard to find varieties!
By Chris Leinster - March 31, 2021
Spring is a time of tremendous transformation. As the soil warms up plants begin pushing out flower and leaf buds and plunging their roots deeply into the soil. Grass blades and Dandelions sprout from the ground and millions of tiny insects awaken to start crawling all over the garden and buzzing about in the air.
It's a time of amazing transformation in nurseries and garden centers up and down the Front Range as well, as convoys of tractor trailers begin delivering truckloads of trees and shrubs filling up display beds and storage lots. It's a flurry of activity that's dizzying to watch, as tractors rumble about unloading thousands of trees and organizing them neatly into assigned rows. Contractors begin piling into the nurseries as well, plucking newly arrived trees off the lots nearly as soon as they get off-loaded.
The great news for the consumer is that inventories are filling up and we have a great selection of trees from which to choose. This includes large caliper 3-4' trees that will be difficult to source as time goes by. Many outlier varieties are stocking up as well. While most standard or popular trees are being dug in mass and stored for shipment later in the season, lesser known or rarely used trees will sell out and may not be available until next spring.
Fruit trees, for example, are spring dug and delivered and stocks will typically not be replenished through the summer. As a result, if you're considering planting large caliper fruit trees now is the time to act! I currently have 2 to 2-1/2' caliper Plum, Peach, Apple, Pear, and Cherry in several assorted varieties, and some limited 3' as well. These should be considered for their ornamental flowering and leaf attributes as well as for their delicious fruits! I even have grafted 4-varieties-on-one-tree available in espalier form in both Apple and Pear! They are a bit of a hobby requiring pest management and of course, harvesting, but well worth the effort and you will be rewarded. Once they're gone, they're gone till next season, so plant yourself a fruit tree and enjoy the benefits of harvesting your own orchard.
I have a bumper crop of Oak, Maple, Ornamental Pear, Linden, Honeylocust, and Catalpa in larger sizes up to 3-4'! These monsters will provide instant privacy and shade, and many can easily reach your roof line upon planting. We need open access and sometimes tractor access to get these planted, but if you have the space and the budget we can add these titans to your landscape. Large caliper shade and ornamental trees are in short supply later in the season, so if you need monster trees don't delay and call Happy Trees today!
Under-utilized and lesser-known trees are now arriving as well. We'll see shipments of common trees throughout the summer, but the boutique trees can be hard to find once the spring rush is over. Make your yard stand out from the neighbors' Oak, Maple, and other ubiquitous trees with the addition of an exotic Yellowwood or Pagoda Tree! Sweetgum, Tulip Tree, European Mountain Ash, Horsechestnut, and Kentucky Coffeetree can all find space in our suburban landscapes but somehow get passed over for traditional tried and true standards. If you're one who prides herself on her yard, transform your home into your own private botanical garden with the addition of one or more of these exceptional specimen trees.
Regular Pine and Spruce will be plentiful throughout the summer, but the hybridized versions may disappear as the weeks go by. Got a narrow space between houses that needs screening? Fastigiate Spruce or Arnold Sentinel Pine might be just the tree you need. Want the ultra-symetrical and electric blue "Baby Blue Eyes" Spruce? There are currently plenty of perfect trees in stock, but better hurry before they sell out.
Planting at this time has additional advantages. Trees that are transported and planted while still dormant will "wake up" in your yard. This avoids the transplant shock that can sometimes (but rarely) affect trees planted during the heat stress of summer. You'll instantly enjoy the display on spring flowering trees and they will achieve a full season's root establishment. Happy Trees delivers and plants trees throughout the summer and even through October, but if you have tree planting in your future why not do it today? Give Happy Trees a call and have a great day!
Read More...
It's a time of amazing transformation in nurseries and garden centers up and down the Front Range as well, as convoys of tractor trailers begin delivering truckloads of trees and shrubs filling up display beds and storage lots. It's a flurry of activity that's dizzying to watch, as tractors rumble about unloading thousands of trees and organizing them neatly into assigned rows. Contractors begin piling into the nurseries as well, plucking newly arrived trees off the lots nearly as soon as they get off-loaded.
The great news for the consumer is that inventories are filling up and we have a great selection of trees from which to choose. This includes large caliper 3-4' trees that will be difficult to source as time goes by. Many outlier varieties are stocking up as well. While most standard or popular trees are being dug in mass and stored for shipment later in the season, lesser known or rarely used trees will sell out and may not be available until next spring.
Fruit trees, for example, are spring dug and delivered and stocks will typically not be replenished through the summer. As a result, if you're considering planting large caliper fruit trees now is the time to act! I currently have 2 to 2-1/2' caliper Plum, Peach, Apple, Pear, and Cherry in several assorted varieties, and some limited 3' as well. These should be considered for their ornamental flowering and leaf attributes as well as for their delicious fruits! I even have grafted 4-varieties-on-one-tree available in espalier form in both Apple and Pear! They are a bit of a hobby requiring pest management and of course, harvesting, but well worth the effort and you will be rewarded. Once they're gone, they're gone till next season, so plant yourself a fruit tree and enjoy the benefits of harvesting your own orchard.
I have a bumper crop of Oak, Maple, Ornamental Pear, Linden, Honeylocust, and Catalpa in larger sizes up to 3-4'! These monsters will provide instant privacy and shade, and many can easily reach your roof line upon planting. We need open access and sometimes tractor access to get these planted, but if you have the space and the budget we can add these titans to your landscape. Large caliper shade and ornamental trees are in short supply later in the season, so if you need monster trees don't delay and call Happy Trees today!
Under-utilized and lesser-known trees are now arriving as well. We'll see shipments of common trees throughout the summer, but the boutique trees can be hard to find once the spring rush is over. Make your yard stand out from the neighbors' Oak, Maple, and other ubiquitous trees with the addition of an exotic Yellowwood or Pagoda Tree! Sweetgum, Tulip Tree, European Mountain Ash, Horsechestnut, and Kentucky Coffeetree can all find space in our suburban landscapes but somehow get passed over for traditional tried and true standards. If you're one who prides herself on her yard, transform your home into your own private botanical garden with the addition of one or more of these exceptional specimen trees.
Regular Pine and Spruce will be plentiful throughout the summer, but the hybridized versions may disappear as the weeks go by. Got a narrow space between houses that needs screening? Fastigiate Spruce or Arnold Sentinel Pine might be just the tree you need. Want the ultra-symetrical and electric blue "Baby Blue Eyes" Spruce? There are currently plenty of perfect trees in stock, but better hurry before they sell out.
Planting at this time has additional advantages. Trees that are transported and planted while still dormant will "wake up" in your yard. This avoids the transplant shock that can sometimes (but rarely) affect trees planted during the heat stress of summer. You'll instantly enjoy the display on spring flowering trees and they will achieve a full season's root establishment. Happy Trees delivers and plants trees throughout the summer and even through October, but if you have tree planting in your future why not do it today? Give Happy Trees a call and have a great day!
12 Tips to get your yard ready for Spring
It's that time of year again!
By Chris Leinster - March 24, 2021
As the seasons turn from winter to spring you may have some home maintenance tasks to accomplish. If you live somewhere like Wisconsin where the winters can be long and frigid, getting your yard clean and ready may be at the top of your list. It's finally time to pull those weeds, plant new flowers, prune your shrubs and trees, and get your home looking its very best for the sunny months ahead. If you are ready to start on your outdoor to-do list but don't know where to start you came to the right place. We gathered tips from experts to help you prepare your yard for spring.
1. Don't forget to water your trees, plants, and lawn
Did you know that trees, shrubs, and grasses start stretching their roots into the soil before any evidence of growth appears above ground? For this reason, be sure to drag out the hoses and water trees, garden plants, and even your lawn if precipitation is light and the ground is dry. Winter watering will help kick your landscape off to a healthy start. -Happy Trees
2. Add outdoor planters to your front porch
Welcome the arrival of spring with container gardens planted with beautiful spring flowers. Adding outdoor planters to your front porch will dramatically increase your curb appeal. This attention to detail is an inexpensive way to create a fabulous and lasting first impression. -Adorn Planters
3. Think about the pollinators
Remember that flowering weeds like dandelions are an important early food source for honeybees and that some "wild" areas in your landscape can provide season-long support for a variety of native pollinators. -Masterson's Garden Center
4. Make a plan for planting, soil prep, and cleaning
Planning, soil prep, and cleaning are the keys to an upcoming gardening season. Have a good plan. Visit your local gardening experts for advice and recommendations on which plants/flowers perform best in your area, region, and hardy zones. It is best to shop locally. Clean and sharpen your garden tools and equipment for maximum performance and safety. Also, clean out your beds of weeds, old plants, and debris. -Brian J. Wheat, Owner, Lafayette Florist Gift Shop and Garden Center
5. Increase your curb appeal with shrubs
One easy way to increase curb appeal is to use medium-sized shrubs with shallow root systems to plant in front of your home's foundation. Known as house huggers. These shrubs hide unsightly cement, give your home the appearance of being "grounded" in the landscape, and act as a great backdrop for smaller flowering perennials. This creates layers of visual interest and charm that frame your home's best qualities. We recommend Boxwood, Inkberry, Deutzia, Weigela, Viburnum, Juniper, or Spruce for the job. -Rolling Green Nursery
6. Use your garden to support local wildlife
If you want your lawn and garden to support local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and pollinators, consider planting native plants that encourage these beautiful visitors. Expanding your gardens to include more native plant varieties and increasing your garden's footprint can results in less lawn, meaning, less lawn maintenance. -American Native Plants
7. Turn your yard into a flowering bee lawn
Pollinator populations are plummeting worldwide due to habitat loss, declining food sources, and pesticide use. The good news is that planting native flowers helps local bees, butterflies, and moths, and turning your entire yard into a flowering bee lawn really helps. You can mow and walk on a bee lawn just like turfgrass, and you'll be serving up a buffet of nectar and pollen for foraging wild and honey bees. -Minnesota State Horticulture Society
8. When pruning your trees, follow these rules:
- The leaf is the tree's food factory, so try not to remove more than 25% of leaves in any given pruning.
- How and where you make the pruning cut is much more important than when winter, spring, summer, fall.
- Make smaller diameter cuts if possible. Trees seal over wounds (pruning cuts) by adding new growth, so smaller cuts close faster.
9. Select plants that flourish in your climate
Maximize your yard's potential by selecting plants that will flourish in your climate. Research your USDA growing zone before you shop. This will help you design a drought-tolerant, water-wise, or low-maintenance landscape ideal for your zone. - Alder & Oak plants Simple l Good l Plants
10. Cut back native perennials
What is the best spring care for the native perennials in your yard and garden? Woody perennials do best if they are cut back in late spring, leaving a good amount of stem intact, since that's where the new growth will form. Most other native perennial wildflowers can be cut back to ground level soon after the snow melts. These dead stems and leaves have served their purpose over the winter months in providing cover and catching snow, which protects the roots from frost damage. Clearing out most of this dead matter in the spring will help the ground warm sooner, and make your garden look tidier. -Steve Sykora, Everwilde Farms
11. Keep a gardening journal
One of my favorite tips to get the garden ready for spring is to begin by reviewing your gardening journal from last year. This is a helpful way to plan for the coming season that enables you to review past weather patterns, frost dates, watering schedules, plot arrangements, and more. So you can get a jump on the coming season with a fine-tuned plan that reflects the unique ins and outs of your own gardening space. And if you don't keep a gardening journal already, now's a great time to start! -Gardener's Path
12. Let the professionals help out
Prepare your outdoor space for dinner parties and good times and leave the nutrient-dense edible gardening to us! Soil is the soul of the food you grow, but a raised bed can be a real bummer. Planted Places did the work and now you don't have to sacrifice soil. Come for the nutrients, stay for the yoga! Get Planted! -Planted Places
Originally Published on Redfin
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