Spring is the most important season for your North Alabama landscape. The decisions you make now set the tone for the whole year. Here's a complete checklist to follow from late February through May.
February–March
- Wait to prune spring-blooming shrubs (azaleas, forsythia) until after they bloom
- Prune summer-blooming shrubs and crepe myrtles in late February
- Clean out beds of dead material from winter
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach 55°F (typically early-mid March)
- Top-dress bare spots in lawn with quality soil
April
- Fertilize warm-season grass once it's actively growing (soil temp 65°F+)
- Plant warm-season annuals after last frost date (typically April 1–15 in Hartselle area)
- Apply fresh mulch to beds (2-3 inch layer)
- Check and test your irrigation system before the dry season
- Plant balled-and-burlapped or container shrubs and trees
- Divide and transplant perennials that are getting crowded
May
- Begin regular mowing once grass reaches 1/3 above target height
- Watch for disease and insect pressure (especially on roses and boxwoods)
- Plant warm-season vegetables and container gardens
- Start your regular irrigation schedule for newly planted material
Pro Tip: Mulch Early
Apply 2–3 inches of fresh mulch in early spring. It conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and dramatically reduces weed pressure all season long.
Need help with your spring cleanup or landscape refresh? Call Pro-Scapes at 256-778-2253 for a free estimate.