March marks the beginning of spring on Louisiana’s Northshore, and with warmer weather on the horizon, your lawn and garden will soon wake from their winter slumber. It’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and prepare your landscape for a vibrant growing season. Here’s a list of essential chores to tackle this month:
1. Tidy Up the Landscape
Winter storms can leave debris like fallen branches and leaves scattered across your yard. Start the season with a clean slate by:
- Raking up dead leaves and thatch from your lawn.Removing any leftover mulch or decayed plant matter from flower beds.
- Pruning dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees.
2. Prepare Flower Beds
March is the ideal time to prepare your flower beds for planting. Steps to take include:
- Weeding: Remove any winter weeds to prevent them from competing with new plants.
- Refreshing Soil: Turn the soil to aerate it, and mix in compost or soil conditioner for added nutrients.
- Adding Mulch: Once planting is done, apply a fresh layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Apply Fertilizer
Your lawn needs a boost to thrive during the growing season. On the Northshore, many lawns consist of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia. Apply a slow-release fertilizer tailored for your grass type in mid to late March, after the last frost. This ensures nutrients are readily available as the grass begins to grow.
4. Test and Adjust Your Irrigation System
Spring means increased watering demands. Test your irrigation system to make sure it’s working efficiently. Check for leaks, clean sprinkler heads, and adjust timers to ensure even coverage. Remember, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering.
5. Start Mowing
As the grass starts growing, it’s time to bring out the mower. Be sure to:
- Sharpen your mower blades for a clean cut.
- Adjust the mowing height to avoid scalping the grass. For most warm-season grasses, aim to remove no more than one-third of the blade length.
- Bag or compost the clippings if you notice a buildup of thatch.
6. Control Pests and Weeds
Preventative measures now can save you headaches later in the season:
- Weed Control: Apply a post-emergent herbicide to target any weeds that have already sprouted. Spot treatments work well for localized problems.
- Pest Monitoring: Keep an eye out for signs of chinch bugs, mole crickets, or other common pests. Treat infestations early to avoid damage to your lawn and plants.
7. Plant Seasonal Flowers and Shrubs
March is a great time to add color to your landscape. Consider planting hardy annuals like petunias, snapdragons, and pansies, or early blooming perennials. For shrubs, choose species that thrive in Louisiana’s climate, such as azaleas, gardenias, or camellias, for a touch of Southern charm.
8. Prepare Vegetable Gardens
If you’re growing vegetables, March is the time to:
- Start warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors or in a greenhouse to transplant later.
- Ensure proper spacing and soil preparation to encourage healthy growth.
9. Edge and Define Beds and Pathways
Clean, crisp edges give your landscape a polished look. Use an edging tool to define borders between your lawn and flower beds, pathways, or other landscape features. This not only improves aesthetics but also helps contain mulch and prevent grass from encroaching on planting areas.
10. Schedule Professional Services if Needed
If the task list feels overwhelming, or you want professional-grade results, consider hiring a landscaping service. Companies like Legacy Landscape Group specialize in lawn care and maintenance, flower bed installs and maintenance, and irrigation maintenance, taking the guesswork out of maintaining your Northshore landscape.