The Daffodils seemed to stall in the regrettably frosty air.  Burgeoning buds appeared deflated, and the stunning lack of green and warmth grew increasingly depressing.  The promise of Spring felt distant as April earned a well-deserved time out.

Every Spring is different.  Every year I complain.  Will Spring ever really arrive?  Will the flowers ever bloom?  Will the grass ever grow?  Rest assured, true Spring will arrive, but until we see a few tell-tale signs, we cannot begin mowing or assessing our lawns, despite what the calendar says.

Grass must first break dormancy.  In other words, it must wake up from its Winter slumber.  When the grass begins to green up, you’ll know it’s awake.

Once awake, wait until temperatures have leveled out, and the chance for hard freezes have passed.  Mowing any earlier when the grass is still somewhat unstable can cause irreversible damage.  Further still, hard frosts can throw our lawns into a freeze-thaw cycle where accurate assessments of issues are next to impossible to make.

Once awake, wait until the grass begins to grow, ideally at least 2″, before mowing.  Mowing earlier can damage the crowns of the blades.  Also, once the grass begins to consistently grow, further assessments and plans can be made to renovate.

Once mowing commences, remember never to remove more than 1/3 of the grass’ length at any given time, except perhaps for the very last mow of the season.

Despite the weather set backs, Spring is technically here, and If you haven’t done so already, contact Sweeney’s today to schedule your mowing, maintenance and lawn renovation services!

Plant of the Week

Photo of Lemon Meringue Baptisia courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers

Lemon Meringue Baptisia

Lemony-yellow flowers bloom in late Spring amongst upright, charcoal stems and bluish-green foliage.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 24-36″ wide.  Prefers sun to partial shade and dry to medium well-drained soil.  Attracts butterflies and is deer resistant.

“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.”

-Zen Proverb

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney