The onset of spring is always most welcome for many wonderful reasons; warmer weather, birds singing, flowers blooming and the satisfaction that the driveway and front steps won’t need to be cleared of snow and ice for seven glorious months!
Winter, however, cannot just be forgotten and brushed aside quite so easily though. The effects of ice storms, high winds, salt damage and ground frost are readily seen when the snow has melted away. Damaged turf and plants, broken tree branches, pot holes and heaved or sunken interlocking pavers are all typical examples of winter damage that should be repaired in the spring to avoid further damage or hazardous conditions.
Downed trees or broken branches need to be cleaned up and the damaged sections of the tree pruned properly or removed entirely to encourage re-growth and to prolong the life of the tree itself. Leaving the tree’s damage untreated can lead to rot or disease infestations that could even spread to other trees in the vicinity. Having tree pruning or tree removal performed by an experienced, reliable company that provides complete commercial property maintenance is often the best approach to take as part of your spring cleanup.
Areas of turf that have been weakened or killed by snow piles, salt run-off or disease also need to be repaired as early as possible to take advantage of the best growing weather and to enhance your general lawn maintenance program. Turf care repairs can take the form of a simple re-seeding of weakened sections of grass, to a complete re-sodding of the affected area if the damage is significant. Using the appropriate seed mix and replenishing the soil are important factors to take into consideration when seeding is an option. If applying new sod is the desired plan, then the earlier the better to take advantage of the mild temperatures and rainy weather. Best practices for lawn care services should always include these types of restorative work in the spring.
Plant stock that was affected by wind or ice burn, or by salt run-off, can be replaced early too. Think about using salt-resistant plants in areas subject to run-off, and learn which shrubs or small trees should be wrapped for the winter to protect them from the cold and ice in the future.
Finally, the constant freeze-thaw cycles that we experience throughout the winter can wreak havoc on asphalt and interlock stone. Car-killing pot holes, sunken interlock or heaved bricks, and other dangerous trip or fall hazards can appear on roads, parking lots, patios and walkways. These too need to be repaired before they get worse or someone gets hurt in a fall. Lifting & re-laying pavers is a quick remedy, as are the various options for filling or re-paving of nuisance pot holes. In all such cases, a shrewd repair with an eye to safety is always the best option to pursue. Consulting with a professional landscape construction provider will provide you with the best plan to restore your property to its safest and most attractive state.
So, before the truly wonderful weather arrives later on in the spring, take a little time to assess your property for winter damage and arrange to have the necessary repairs completed.
You’ll be glad you did!
