Falling Waters Community Association

Spring Lawn and Garden Activities

Mar 12, 2001

While the calendar indicates that spring is fast approaching, we know from past experience that our part of Georgia is likely to have freezing temperatures until early April. However, on these nice days when we can?’t resist the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine there are many things that we might all do to get our lawns, trees, shrubs and plants ready.

Lawns - March is a good time to begin planting evergreen grasses (fescue). They need plenty of cool weather to establish their roots before hot weather arrives. Fertilize evergreen grasses with a complete lawn fertilizer, which contains a slow release form of nitrogen. Fertilize summer grasses (Bermuda, Centipede, St Augustine, Zoysia) with a high nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Apply pre-emergent weed and weed grass controls at the beginning of the month or when the Forsythia blooms.

Trees ?– Both ball and burlap (B&B) and container grown trees may be planted this month, However it is not recommended to plant bare root deciduous trees after the leaves come out. It is best to plant trees when the soil is not too wet. Prune only dead, broken or damaged tree limbs on shade and flowering trees. If needed, spring flowering trees (Bradford Pears, flowering cherries, etc), may be pruned after they finish blooming. Fertilize shade trees if you have not done so already. Use one pound of fertilizer per inch circumference of the tree measured three feet above the ground. A 15-15-15 mix is recommended although the more commonly available 10-10-10 mix is also acceptable. Fertilize spring flowering trees after the flower petals fall. Use one pound of 5-10-15 fertilizer per inch circumference of the tree. Again 10-10-10 mix is a good substitute.

Shrubs ?– March is still a good time to plant container grown shrubs and vines. Heavy structural pruning of evergreen shrubs may be done this month. Always prune broadleaf and narrow leaf evergreens so the top is narrower than the bottom to keep evergreens from becoming top heavy and unsightly. Prune deciduous spring flowering shrubs (those which blossom on growth formed last year) like Forsythia, Spirea and Viburnum after they finish blooming. The general guideline is to prune summer flowering shrubs in the late winter and prune spring flowering shrubs after they bloom. Fertilize summer flowering shrubs now with a 15-15-15 fertilizer (10-10-10 is okay) using ?½ pound per three feet of the shrub?’s height. Fertilize all spring flowering shrubs after they bloom. Again use ?½ pound per three feet of the shrub?’s height.

Soil Test ?– If you have never had a soil test done on your yard, now is the ideal time to do it. This will help to ensure that you are getting the best use out of that expensive fertilizer and that you are not putting something on your lawn and garden that isn?’t really needed. All the information is available at the Henry County Extension Office, 86 Work Camp Road, McDonough, GA. They are open 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, phone 770 954-2060.

Note: Always read and follow any instructions and cautions on fertilizers or chemicals that you use on your lawn or garden.