Now that we’ve had a few weeks of a new year, who’s ready for spring? The unseasonably warm temperatures these last few weeks may have felt like spring. But that still doesn’t mean it’s a great time to get out in the garden. However, now is the perfect time to plan for what your lawn and garden will need in the coming months. Developing a plant healthcare schedule makes it easier to get ahead of all the important tasks your yard needs throughout the year.

Parts of a Plant Healthcare Schedule

When it comes to lawn and plant care, some of the major categories include:

• Soil health and fertilization
• Tree pruning
• Disease and pest prevention
• Watering
• Lawn mowing

Creating a healthcare schedule isn’t an exact science since it depends on different variables that could change throughout the year. Factors such as moisture retention, pest prevention, and pruning all hinge on unpredictable weather patterns. However, you should still familiarize yourself with the best seasons to perform these tasks. Just keep the weather in mind when the time comes.

For instance, spring is when your grass, trees, and certain plants should slowly wake from winter dormancy. One of the focuses of this season is fertilizing the soil. However, you still need to wait until the ground thaws for it to fully absorb any product. So, don’t just rush out there on the first day of spring and throw some seeds around.

Also, summer is typically the time of year to prevent garden pests like Japanese beetles. However, if you work on limiting grubs in your lawn in the spring and fall then you’re less likely going to have to deal with their adult beetle form.

Timing is crucial when it comes to plant healthcare tasks. It’s important to plan it out so you don’t miss your window.

Spring and Fall Schedule

Enjoy the lazy winter dormancy while you can, because there’s a lot to do in the spring when your plants, trees, and grass come back to life. Many of these spring tasks can be taken care of from March until June depending on the weather in your area. Some of them should also be repeated in the fall as well.

1. Fertilizing. From your grass to your garden and even your trees, test the pH balance of your soil and feed it accordingly. Some slow-release products work best to continue feeding the roots throughout the season. This helps to strengthen your grass and plants so they can make it through harsh weather. The soil must have moisture in it to be able to absorb the fertilizer. Wait until the ground has thawed but don’t wait too long before summer’s scorching heat.
2. Insecticides. Lawns and plants can be sprayed with products that help prevent common pests such as mites, ticks, and mosquitos. Repeat treatments may be needed depending on the level of infestation. Further preventative measures can be taken in the fall to eliminate any overwintering pests.
3. Tree disease. Certain trees are more susceptible to conditions such as scale and other pest-related diseases. Focus on preventive measures if you have these types of trees and keep a close eye on them throughout the year.
4. Weed control. With your lawn and garden waking up, weeds are getting ready to germinate as well. While there are liquid and granule products for your lawn and walkways, you should also use several layers of mulch in the garden to act as a barrier.

Summer Healthcare Schedule

Like the winter, the harsh summer sun may force your lawn back into dormancy giving you a little break from mowing. However, there’s still plenty to do to keep your yard healthy.

1. Watering. While keeping any drought regulations in mind, make sure your plants and grass are getting enough moisture—especially newly planted trees and shrubs. Set any sprinkler or irrigation schedule to water in the morning so the moisture can be absorbed before it evaporates in the summer heat.
2. Pest and disease treatment. If your spring preventative measures are not proving to be enough, you may need to battle some beetles and other bugs in the garden over the summer.
3. You may also notice certain tree diseases whether from drought or pest infestation. Look to the leaves for signs of distress or if any web-like, pest-filled canopies appear in the trees.

Winter Pruning Schedule

While the ground may be too frozen to apply preventative products and the pests and diseases are also dormant, winter is the perfect time for pruning trees. Without any leaves, you can see which diseased or broken branches need to be cut. You can also evaluate the shape of the tree and thin out any crisscrossing branches to improve air and light circulation.

Winter is also the best time to remove a tree if necessary. There are fewer plants in the way and the frozen ground makes it easier for your grass to bounce back.

Professional Plant Healthcare Schedule

One of the best ways to help plan your plant healthcare for the year is to enlist certified lawn and garden specialists to assist you. These professionals have the knowledge and equipment to take on any task no matter the season. Hiring the right company sets you and your yard up for success all year with a solid plan for preventing and treating disease or pest problems.

After an initial consultation, you’ll get an accurate diagnosis of any current issues, a proven solution, and a customized treatment schedule for optimal results.

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