February Yard To-Dos | TLC Incorporated | Lawn Maintenance Tips

February 1st, 2013

1 min read

Pruning―Except for maples and birches, now is a good time to prune trees. If limbs are more than an inch in diameter, use the three-step method for removing branches. Make the first cut on the underside of the limb around 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk. Cut about half the thickness of the branch. Go to the top of the limb, and cut off the limb halfway between the underside cut and the trunk. The resulting stub should then be cut within 1/2 inch of the trunk.

Lawns―Winter weeds are evident in dormant warm-season turf now. Apply spot applications of post-emergence herbicides or hand pull to control. When selecting a post-emergence herbicide such as Purge, Weed-Stop, or Weed-B-Gon, make sure you follow label directions, and that the product is approved for your particular grass type. Otherwise you may injure or kill it.

Cut branches―When forsythia, quince, star magnolia, and saucer magnolia buds show a touch of color, they are easy to force into bloom indoors. Cut branches, taking care not to destroy the natural shape of the plant. They should be in full bloom several days after you place them in a vase of water indoors.

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Bob Carr

Bob Carr is the founder and president of TLC Incorporated, which he started in 1981 as a small residential lawn sprinkler and irrigation business in Maryland. Over four decades later, he leads a team of specialists serving the Mid-Atlantic region with lawn irrigation, outdoor and holiday lighting, and yard drainage solutions. Bob's approach is built on transparent pricing, quality installation, and treating every customer with respect.