Spring can either be perfectly sunny and beautiful with progressively warmer temperatures until summer or full of unexpected weather surprises. As we’ve seen recently, heavy snows and blizzards can happen anytime during the spring months. And you never know when one of those massive spring blizzards is going to roll in. This makes it hard for your lawn and landscaping to create strong and established growth patterns, no matter how much you stay on top of your Denver sprinkler system repair and maintenance efforts. You need to find ways to get your lawn to bounce back as fast as possible. Here are a few simple tips to help you give your landscaping the assistance it needs.

Pick up Debris

The first thing you should do after any heavy snowfall or blizzard is to walk around your yard and look for debris and fallen branches. The heavy snow that blankets your trees and lawn can easily cause even the healthiest branches to break or crack. Once this happens, you’ll need to remove the damaged growth as soon as possible.

If the branches are small and on the ground, you should be able to pick them up on your own. Simply drag them to a staging area where you can break them down and place them into a sturdy trash bag for your waste removal company. But if the branches are large or still attached to the tree, your best option is to call a tree trimming company. They’ll be able to safely remove those damaged branches in no time.

Inspect Your Sprinkler System

If you made sure to retract the sprinkler heads prior to the blizzard, the system should still be safe and in good working order. But accidents can still happen. Head out to your lawn and inspect your sprinkler system for damage. Make sure the sprinkler heads are still firmly and completely retracted. Then, turn the system on when the weather warms up and make sure everything is in good working order.

If the spray patterns look off or you notice one or two heads not behaving as they should, schedule an inspection as soon as you can. The sooner you get your system inspected, the sooner you’ll be able to rely on your sprinklers once again to keep your yard hydrated and healthy. 

Check on Your Trees and Shrubs

The most vulnerable part of your yard isn’t the flowers growing in your garden bed. Those can be replaced or replanted easily. Instead, it’s your trees and shrubs. Those tall shade-giving plants catch the brunt of the storm. The heavy snow and ice collects on their branches and puts tons of strain on the trunk. Even if the branches don’t crack or break, they can still be damaged.

After the storm, inspect your trees and shrubs for any signs of damage. If you notice broken or cracked branches, make a plan to get them removed quickly. And if you see signs of potential damage, inspect it regularly. Keep an eye on the damaged area and call your tree service if you notice any changes. Letting damage sit can be okay if it’s not extensive, but if it gets worse, you risk introducing the tree to pests, disease, mold, and other fungal growth that can infect the rest of your yard.

Keep Weight off the Grass

Frozen ground may seem safe to use normally, but it’s not always a good idea. Though heavy weight won’t crush the roots when the ground is cold or frozen, it can cause the blades and new growth to break under the weight. If this happens over a large enough spot, you’ll start to see underperforming growth once the weather improves. 

Make sure to remove any lawn furniture or heavy items off the lawn while it recovers. This way, your grass will be able to rebound quickly without having to deal with new or excessive damage during the heart of the growing season.

Plan on Fertilizing After the Thaw

Fertilizer is a great tool for your lawn if you use it appropriately and adding some after a blizzard can help your grass recover faster. Once the ground thaws and you’re ready to start watering like normal, add a small amount of fertilizer to your lawn. If you’re not sure what kind to use, consult with your landscaping team or ask for advice at your local gardening supply store. 

Using too much at once or using the wrong type of fertilizer can put strain on your grass and essentially give the roots and blades a chemical burn. Once the burn happens, the only way to let your grass recover is to let it heal on its own or spread new seed in the damaged spot. It can take months before your grass will be back to normal.

Let the Grass Get Taller at First

After the storm, your grass will start growing again. And you’ll likely feel tempted to trim it down like normal. Don’t. Instead, let the grass get a bit taller than you ordinarily would. By giving your grass the opportunity to grow taller before you cut it, you’ll give your lawn the signals it needs to produce continual growth during the warmer months. After a few weeks of letting your grass get taller than normal, you’ll be able to start trimming it back to your preferred height without concern.

Be Mindful of Your Pavement

Snow and ice buildup can make paved walkways dangerous slipping hazards. For most people, the temptation to use ice melt is great. It powers through the buildup and eliminates the slipping hazards. But it can damage your lawn and landscaping. Pay attention to your lawn as you clear your walkways. Use a landscaping-safe ice melt or let the sun do the job for you.

Keep These Tips in Mind

If you’re worried about your lawn and landscaping after the last blizzard, implement these tips as soon as you can. And if you need help or notice damage to your sprinkler system, contact our team to get it repaired fast.