It’s time to take these snow-free days to get outside and inspect the landscape, with a drama-free forecast for the end of the month (so far, that is — it’s Colorado so anything can happen). Long-lasting snow on lawns and landscapes can be blessing (moisture) or curse (because it can promote critter damage). Evaluate and act now that everything’s melted off.
LAWNS
• Voles, often called meadow mice, create tunnels and runway systems through lawns and fields. Most damage occurs during winter under the protection of snow. Voles gnaw on tree bark or roots of many types. The best control methods (legal in Colorado because voles are defined as non-game wildlife) are trapping, repellents, baits, tilling, fencing them out and eliminating their habitat by mowing tall grass. More:
• Rabbits seem to be in high numbers already. Make plans now to keep them out of the landscape. Fencing works best, because repellants aren’t 100 percent reliable and have to be re-applied often. More:
• If you had active, growing, grassy weeds in your lawn last year, such as crabgrass, goosetailgrass, barnyardgrass and foxtail, their seeds actually dropped last fall — and by the thousands. They germinate each spring when soil temperatures warm to 55 degrees and above. Pre-emergent products put down before mid-April (times vary) will prevent the seeds from germinating and growing this season. Use these products at the first sign of forsythia blooming, or sooner. And if you use such products, consider the non-chemical pre-emergent corn gluten. More:
• Good cultural practices, which help give your lawn a fighting chance to keep weeds at bay, including mowing high, watering appropriately and fertilizing.
• Lawn weeds are much easier to dig when the ground is moist. Get a jump on them early, before they take hold and flower. Don’t forget to pull them out of mulched flower beds and pavement cracks.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Finish shrub and tree pruning this month before bud break. Prune diseased, dead, damaged, and crossed branches. Pruning improves fruit tree flowering and the size, shape and pest problems on fruit and other deciduous trees. Use sharp pruners, and if your tree has (we’re talking to you, owners of flowering crabapples), dip tools in household bleach, ethyl alcohol or use household spray disinfectants between each cut.
• Check to see if tree canopies are touching the house or structures or interfering with pedestrian or automobile traffic.
• Safety is the top priority for homeowners when it comes to pruning large trees. Consult a licensed, reputable tree company to prune your large trees. Find a company with certified arborists at isa-arbor.com.
•The common rule of thumb for general shrub pruning is to remove a third of the older stems each year so the tree is on a three-year renewal cycle. More:
• Spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac, quince and forsythia can be pruned right after they bloom.
• Many tree companies are sending postcards and letters about treating ash trees for emerald ash borer, the Asian insect that has devastated ash trees in the Midwest and was discovered in Boulder County in fall 2013. While it is prudent to have a plan in place should EAB be found in surrounding counties, if it isn’t within 15 miles of your location, you don’t have to treat your trees. And if someone tries to hard sell or scare you, show them the driveway. More:
• If you’re in or near Boulder County, there’s a handy decision guide on what to do about the pest at
VEGETABLES
• for planting outside later in May. This includes peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, okra and tomatillos. These plants can also be purchased later in May at garden centers and plant sales — check and see whether they’ll do pre-orders.
• Bare-root perennial vegetables have arrived in garden centers. Asparagus, rhubarb, and horseradish are delicious and fun to grow. Plan carefully to plant these, because they need sun and space, and they won’t want to be moved once they’re established.
• If your soil is workable (meaning not too wet) and has warmed to 45-50 degrees, plant some peas and potatoes. Be prepared to cover new plantings with row covers or frost blankets on cold nights.
• Try different types of peas this year — snow, shell or snap. Watch out, though, because birds like them too, especially as young seedlings. Use row covers for protection until the plants are up and growing several inches.
• Using certified potato seeds for planting, instead of potatoes from the produce aisle, will reduce disease problems. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart and cover with 3 inches of soil, adding more soil as they grow.
EVERYWHERE
• Only work in the soil when it is dry. Moving or working in wet soil compacts it, meaning air and water can’t penetrate.
• Bare-root plants, including roses, trees and shrubs, can be planted now through early April if the soil is workable. Take care preparing the planting hole: Dig wide, not deep.
• If you need to transplant or move existing roses, do it now, while they are still dormant. Pre-dig the planting hole and water the rose the day before. It’s OK if soil falls off during the move. Trim off broken roots and reduce the upper stems. Mulch well, water and cover stems with evergreen boughs or burlap until new growth has started.
• Cut back ornamental grasses now to allow new growth to get started. Wearing gloves, tie the bundle of grass, then use sharp hedge shears or trimmers (not a string trimmer) or a chain saw for monster-sized grasses. Cut low, to 6 inches above the ground. If the center has died out, it’s time to divide the clump.
