As the winter chill begins to recede and signs of spring start to emerge, it’s time to think about your yard and garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time homeowner, preparing your landscape for the warmer months ahead is an essential task. In Kensington, MD, where the climate transitions from cold winters to mild, blooming springs, the conditions are just right for making sure your yard is set to thrive.
March is a pivotal month in the landscaping calendar for homeowners in the area. It’s the time to start prepping your yard for the new season of growth. From lawn care to garden preparation, there are several essential tasks to ensure your outdoor space flourishes throughout the year. If you’re wondering what to tackle first, don’t worry—this checklist will guide you step by step. So, let’s get your garden in great shape, one task at a time!
Why Prepping Your Yard in March is Crucial
Before we dive into the specific tasks, it’s important to understand why March is such a critical month for landscaping in Kensington, MD. As the mid-Atlantic region experiences a moderate climate, you’ll find that soil conditions in March are generally favorable for plant growth. However, temperatures can still dip at night, which means your plants will need some time to adjust to the increasing warmth of the day.
Spring isn’t just about planting new flowers and vegetables; it’s about creating a strong foundation for future growth. Proper early-season care sets the stage for a lush and healthy yard. Plus, starting early in the season allows you to get ahead of any potential issues that might arise later, such as pest infestations or fungal diseases.
Lawn Care: The First Step to a Lush Yard
A vibrant, green lawn can be the centerpiece of your outdoor space, and March is the perfect time to get your grass ready for the season. Here are some key lawn care tasks to tackle this month:
1. Raking and Removing Debris
Winter storms often leave behind leaves, twigs, and other debris that can smother your grass. Raking up these materials will not only tidy up your yard, but it will also prevent mold or mildew from forming under the organic matter. Removing debris allows your lawn to breathe and receive the sunlight it needs to thrive.
2. Aeration
If your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic, aeration can make a huge difference. Aerating involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively. The soil in Kensington can become compacted after a long winter, and aeration helps to break up that compacted layer, encouraging deeper root growth and a healthier lawn.
3. Fertilizing
As the temperatures warm, your lawn will begin to come out of dormancy. Fertilizing is one of the best ways to give your lawn a head start for the growing season. Opt for a slow-release fertilizer that will provide steady nourishment throughout the spring and summer. In March, a balanced fertilizer will ensure your grass has the right nutrients to grow strong and healthy.
4. Seeding or Overseeding
March is an excellent time to overseed your lawn if you’re looking to fill in bare patches or if you want to thicken up your existing grass. Choose a grass seed variety that’s appropriate for the Maryland climate, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, which are ideal for this region. Overseeding also helps to crowd out weeds as it creates a denser lawn.
Garden Beds: Preparing for Planting
While your lawn is getting its rejuvenation, it’s time to turn your attention to your garden beds. Whether you have flower beds, vegetable gardens, or both, March is the ideal time to prep the soil and ensure everything is set for planting.
1. Clean Out Old Plants
Before you start planting new crops or flowers, clear out any dead plants, old mulch, and weeds that may have accumulated over the winter. This will prevent diseases from taking hold and create space for new growth. In the case of perennial plants, trim back any dead or damaged stems to make way for new growth.
2. Amend the Soil
The quality of your soil will directly impact the success of your garden, so now is a great time to amend it. Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels, and add organic matter like compost or manure if necessary. In Kensington, the soil tends to be clay-heavy, so adding organic material will help with drainage and improve overall fertility.
3. Plan Your Planting
Start thinking about what you’d like to plant in your garden. March is the time to plan for spring blooms, as well as summer vegetables. Popular plants for Kensington gardens include tulips, daffodils, hostas, tomatoes, and herbs. Make a planting schedule and map out where each plant will go based on sunlight and spacing needs.
4. Mulching
Mulch serves many purposes—it helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents weeds from taking over. In March, applying a thin layer of mulch around your garden beds will provide these benefits while also giving your garden a polished, finished look. Be sure not to pile mulch up against the base of plants, as this can cause rot.
Tree and Shrub Care: Giving Your Landscape Structure
In addition to lawns and garden beds, trees and shrubs are an important part of your landscape. March is a great time to check on these plants and ensure they’re ready for the growing season.
1. Pruning
While you can prune certain trees and shrubs year-round, early spring is the best time to prune those that bloom later in the season. This includes many deciduous trees and shrubs. Pruning now encourages new growth and keeps your landscape looking neat and healthy. Just be sure to avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs, like lilacs, until after they’ve flowered.
2. Check for Pests
March is a good time to inspect your trees and shrubs for signs of pests or diseases. Look for discolored or damaged leaves, bark, or branches. If you notice any issues, take action early before the problem spreads. A professional landscaper can help with pest control if you aren’t sure where to start.
3. Fertilizing
Just as with your lawn, trees and shrubs benefit from a little extra nourishment in March. A slow-release fertilizer designed for shrubs and trees can help them get off to a strong start. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage your plants.
Weed Control: Staying Ahead of the Game
Weeds are a year-round issue, but they’re especially prolific in the spring when the weather warms up. To prevent them from taking over your yard, here are a few proactive steps you can take in March:
1. Pre-emergent Herbicide
Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in March can prevent many types of weeds, including crabgrass, from germinating. This treatment is best applied before weeds start to sprout, so timing is important. A professional landscaping company can ensure you apply the herbicide at the optimal time for maximum effectiveness.
2. Hand Weeding
While herbicides can be effective, hand weeding is always a good option for stubborn weeds. Regularly pull weeds by the root to keep them from spreading and competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
For Landscaping Services in Kensington, MD, Contact BAM’s Landscaping Today
At BAM’s Landscaping, we understand how important it is to have a beautiful and well-maintained yard. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tasks on your March checklist, don’t worry! Our team of experts is here to help with everything from lawn care to garden preparation, tree pruning, and weed control. We’ll make sure your yard is prepped and ready for the growing season, so you can enjoy a stunning outdoor space all year long.
Contact BAM’s Landscaping today for professional landscaping services in Kensington, MD. Let us take the stress out of your landscaping so you can focus on enjoying your beautiful home. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let’s get started on making your yard the envy of the neighborhood!
