For most of us in Wisconsin, spring always seems to be long overdue.  Some years, it feels like we move from winter right to into summer, causing yard work to get behind.  Forego the unneeded stress and headache of trying to get everything done on your own by contacting Heritage Hill Nursery.  We’ll set up an individualized spring cleanup service that’s tailored to your specific needs.  We’re here to help if you let us. 

Dates do fill up quickly, so if you think you might be interested, it’s advisable to call soon.  

Perennial Care

As the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw, you’ll notice the early risers trying to poke their way through the layers of mulch.  You can help these new plants along by moving the ground cover to the side, allowing the stems easy access to the warmth of the sun.

Unfortunately, spring in Wisconsin doesn’t necessarily mean that the cold has moved on.  Therefore, keep extra mulch handy in case there’s still the possibility for frost.

Any perennials that needed dividing last season can safely be divided and transplanted to a new location. Pull any remaining weeds from last season and top-dress beds with freshly shredded mulch.  

Shrub Care

Uncover rose bushes as the weather warms but be ready to recover them if the temperature is supposed to drop significantly. 

If pruning wasn’t done last fall, go ahead and prune. However, it’s important however not to prune any shrub that produces an early flower such as lilacs.  Pruning early flowering shrubs before their finished blooming for the season won’t kill the plant but will result in a flowerless shrub.

Pruning doesn’t have to be a scary task; stop by the nursery and pick up a free Heritage Hill Nursery pruning guide (HHN offers pruning services as well).  

Any shrubs that need to be transplanted can safely be done at this point. Pull any existing weeds and top-dress beds with 2-3” of shredded mulch. When spreading mulch, be sure to taper away from the base of the plant. Too much moisture can weaken the outer layers, making the plant susceptible to disease. 

Any shrubs that need to be transplanted can be safely done until the buds begin to open.  

Tree Care

Doing an annual tree inspection and taking corrective action if needed can help maintain overall stability. During the inspection, pay close attention to the base. If there is some critter damage, the tree will heal itself and be fine. 

However, if a large section or a complete ring of the bark has been removed, it’s likely that the tree will eventually die due to disease vulnerability.  

Broken branches, branches that are rubbing against each other, and branches growing at weird angles should be pruned.  

When temperatures consistently stay above 40 degrees, apply the dormant spray to crab trees to control overwintering pests.  Make sure to remove any winter protection from around the trees such as cloth, plastic tubing, stray, etc. At some point, before the temperatures get too high, redress existing mulch with at least 2-3” of freshly shredded mulch (Heritage Hill Nursery has several types to choose from). When spreading mulch, make sure to taper from the base outward.   It’s extremely important to not have a thick layer of mulch right up against the tree. Not only does mulching add beauty to the overall look of your yard, but it also helps the tree retain its moisture.

Lawn Care

Dead spots?  No problem! When the ground has completely thawed, rake the area with a hand rake, removing dead grass and breaking up the top layer.   Amend the existing soil with good topsoil, (Heritage Hill nursery sells bagged topsoil) making sure to overlap from the dead areas into the healthy.  This overlapping will help blend the area together.

If you’re not sure what type of grass seed to use, stop by HHN and speak with a knowledgeable staff member.  They can show you which type will work best for your lawn and if you provide the sq. footage that’s being repaired, they can calculate how much seed will be needed for the job. 

For even coverage, use a handheld seed spreader. Lightly rake the seed into the top of the soil with just enough to cover; don’t “overwork” the area.

Afterward, to protect it from the hungry birds and the hot sun, lay down a covering of choice.   At HHN, we use straw and can provide you with enough for the job.

Next, water the area completely by using a sprinkler. Keep the newly seeded area moist, but not saturated. Mow around the area until the seedlings have reached a mature height.