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Fall-planted bulbs are already pushing up through the mulch, golf courses are opening, and temperatures are rising steadily. Spring is an exciting time in Minnesota. The melting ice and bright rays of sunshine serve as a welcome sign that it's time to put away the mittens and winter boots and prepare for another beautiful Minnesota summer.
Minnesotans are ready, even eager, to tackle yard chores. But not so fast! It is still a little early to get down and dirty in the yard. Here are a few don'ts and dos for early spring chores.
Before: A warm April spring day
After: Days later, snow on the ground and freezing temps
Most backyard chores should be put on hold until the threat of snow has passed. As you may be aware, early spring often comes with highly fluctuating weather patterns.
If you're still compelled to work outside, you can do a few things.
FIX DRAINAGE ISSUES. Did you happen to notice puddles where they shouldn't be during the spring thaw, such as walkways and driveways? Drain tile and catch basins can be installed to encourage water to go where you want it to go – away from steps, walkways, foundations, and hardscaping.
MULCH AND TOP DRESS. First blow leaves and other debris out of the plant beds. Fluff the existing mulch lightly to see how much remains. A mulch depth of 3 inches is ideal. Top-dress the mulch if necessary. Remember to pull mulch back from the bases of trees to prevent mold and decay.
TREAT APPLE SCAB. Did your crabapple tree turn brown and drop its leaves suddenly mid-summer last year? If so, apple scab was likely the cause. Apple Scab can be managed with a foliar spray or trunk-injected fungicide - but these applications need to happen in early spring, right as the buds are breaking. If you have concerns about your crabapple trees, contact a certified arborist.
No matter how carefully we put our gardens and landscapes to bed for the winter, winter always manages to win out. Here's what you can do now to fix damaged spots.
SNOW MOLD. Deep snow insulates the ground and often creates conditions where fungus, or snow mold, grows over the winter months. Gray snow mold (also called Typhula blight) is caused by Typhula spp., while pink snow mold (also called Fusarium patch) is caused by Microdochium nivalis. The best way to tackle snow mold is to let the lawn dry, then rake the areas before any fertilization is done. You can read more in-depth, but the short version of how to fix is to apply new grass seed over the patches. That's it. Easy.
DAMAGE FROM PLOWS AND ICE MELT. The damage done by de-icing materials and snowplows should be taken care of as soon as the warmer temperatures of spring arrive. These areas will require a little TLC, fresh soil, and seed or sod. Don't just throw down seed or sod and call it done.
There will be plenty of time to get your spring chores done. Temperatures in the 60s and 70s this time of year are like found money. Just enjoy the time guilt-free, and spend it walking or biking around the lakes or along our trails.
Here are some fascinating ways in which nature positively impacts our physical and mental health, providing you with even more reasons to invest in your outdoor space.
You may think those wiggly worms in your soil are helping your garden, but not so fast. Some species of earthworms, such as the Jumping Worm, can negatively impact soil and plant health.
Landscaping is the most natural way to keep your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter.