Helpful Springtime Tips
Spring is here! Even though it's the second longest season, for many landscape professionals it feels to be the shortest since we have a limited amount of time to set up our clients’ landscapes for success. They need to be ready to withstand the stresses of the summer heat and nurtured to meet garden goals over the long term.
The first thing to do is remember to reprogram the timer. Set the time forward and optimize your watering schedules for the warmer temperature. With the amount of rain we’ve gotten this winter, mandatory water restrictions have been lifted across Southern California. So, check your local DWP or water company for an updated watering schedule.
Spring is also the ideal time to install or refresh mulch. Mulching at 3- to 4-inch thickness is not only a super water saver, but it also helps control weed growth in planter areas. Mulching in combination with pre-emergents will make landscape maintenance easier on your teams.
Another very important item to be proactive about in spring is pest management. The warming weather welcomes all sorts of landscape pests. Take inventory of your landscape plants and identify the most common pests that can affect them from spring to fall. For example, roses are one of the favored plants for aphids to populate on.
I can go on and on about spring services and I’m sure you have other services I didn’t mention that you offer to your clients. As you know there is a short window of opportunity to get maximum results.
~Ivan Salazar, 2023 Channel Islands Chapter President