March ushered us to April’s doorstep without so much as a peck on the cheek before retreating into the shadows of a confused and fickle season.  We welcome April, perhaps with a bit more exuberance, as we distance ourselves from Winter, comfortably putting a few weeks between us.  We are ready for Spring, but the question remains, is Spring ready for us?

The question is a bit difficult.  Sure, the calendar says it’s so, and we’ve had a few pleasant, temperate days, but it’s just not enough.  The landscape is still reeling from the long, hard winter, our lawns have yet to break dormancy, and the soil has yet to achieve consistent, compatible growing temperatures.  To boot, the upper most layer of soil is a saturated, muddy mess.  Attempting much more than a Spring Clean Up, is simply irresponsible and will cause undue stress and harm to a landscape that is still healing.  Lawn renovations, which most likely, will be needed by most, will have to wait.  Seeding, at this point, is sadly a waste of time and money.  Soil temps are nowhere near where they need to be, and if the seed could magically germinate, chilly temps and frost would kill it.  The same can be said for plantings.  It’s too early, and the weather is far too volatile.  Patience is not only a virtue, it’s an absolute necessity at this point.  According to the University of Illinois, the last frost-free date is estimated to be May 10th.

As we stare out the window at our battered, bare, and colorless landscape, take a deep breath, and allow nature to begin the healing process before we attempt to reconcile, renew, and renovate.  While we wait, schedule a Spring Clean Up, and consider adding or replenishing mulch, and if you haven’t done so already, sign up for our weekly or bi-weekly (every other week) mowing or maintenance programs.  For the moment, this is all we or anyone can do for our landscapes.  Be a good steward, and when Spring has firmly dug in her heels, you and your landscape will be ready to take on the world.

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another.  The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”  

–  Henry Van Dyke

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney