Ah spring finally, time to clean up and put winter behind us.

Lawns- Seed applied early spring has a great chance to germinate and take hold before summers heat and stress arrives. Keep in mind, if seeding that if you are planning to use a crabgrass preventer,it will inhibit the germination of new grass seed. unless you use a product that contains tupersan. The crabgrass preventer should be applied when the forsythia are  in flower. Otherwise the lawns will benefit from a feeding in early spring. Keep in mind our grasses are cool season grasses and benefit from feedings in cool weather spring and fall. Summer feedings are usually not necessary unless you are using an organic like Milorganite or Restore. Dandelion and other broadleaf weed controls may be applied as the weeds begin to actively grow, Example: when you see the dandelion flowers, you know they are in active growth. This usually early to mid April.

Early spring is a good time to put on amendments like lime or gypsum as there is still some  freezing and thawing of the ground that helps work the amendments into the ground. Lawns in our area tend to be slightly acidic so a liming every few years may be needed. A soil test can determine your lawns needs for lime and fertilizer and the Union County Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office in Westfield (908-654-9852) can tell you how to take samples and how to send them in.

Gardens- This winter was rough on many plants. There was a lot of wind and cold temperatures. There was a lot of breakage due to heavy wet snow. Many plants have lost their shape from the excess weight. Most will regain on their own but some many need some pruning to help them shape up again. We are already starting to see some signs of winter burn from the cold and winds. Most of these brown leaves will fall and drop on their  own but you may need some selective pruning as well. 

This winter had a lot of moisture so check around shrubs and other plants for settling and refill as needed and also replace any mulch that has washed away. Shrubs and perennials should have a light mulch covering to hold moisture and protect roots. Shrubs can be fed using a granular fertilizer in early spring. 

Planting shrubs and other ornamentals can be done in late spring. Ground is usually too damp to do much in early spring. 

While out in the landscape, watch for two insect problems that have been prevalent on ornamentals. The first are scales, which is an insect which hits many different shrubs, growing on the stems and branches. There are many different types- some are white and almost powdery, while others may appear hard and shiny. They can be controlled when temperatures are over 40 degrees F with horticultural oils.

The other insects are called weevils and again hit many different ornamentals. The adults cause a notched appearance to leaves. This damage is very noticeable on broadleaves, like rhododendrons or hollies. The grub or larval stage does the greatest damage by chewing and destroying the plants root system. The insect can be controlled by using a systemic insect control containing “Orthene” in Mid may and repeating two more times at monthly intervals. Use care with all pesticides and read the directions completely before using.