Mesa Lawn Service | April Garden Don’ts

J&D offers Mesa lawn service to help keep your lawn in good shape all year round. What’s interesting about lawn and garden care here in Arizona, though, is that we have to do things at different times of year than our friends in other parts of the country.

For example, in Northern California, it’s time to plant summer annuals such as marigolds, impatiens, and petunias. In Kentucky, it’s time to prune spring-flowering blooms.

But, here in our desert climate, it’s transition month when the temperatures start to get hotter and hotter. We’re mostly concerned with making sure our plants have enough water. And, as far as flowers go, during the end of April we are pulling up our geraniums, petunias, snap dragons and getting ready to plant summer flowers so the roots can establish before the thermostat hits 100+ degrees.

While providing Mesa lawn service, we see a lot of beautiful yards in our area. But, we also see some yards that can use a bit of help. Here are a few critical Desert Garden “Don’ts” when working in your yard this time of year:

1. Don’t prune citrus except if you have to remove dead or damaged branches.
2. Don’t remove more than ¼ of the total plant.
3. Don’t use dull, dirty pruning tools. Remember to disinfect them between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
4. Don’t skimp on soil preparation for flowers and vegetables.
5. Don’t wait too long to fertilize dormant Bermuda grass. The end of April/beginning of May is the best time.
6. Don’t water grass at night when it’s cooler as it fosters the growth of fungal diseases.
7. Don’t mow when the grass is wet. This can also cause fungal disease.
8. Don’t try to repair bird holes in saguaros. Let them scab naturally.

In our experience, it takes a little bit of trial and error to learn the fine art of Arizona gardening.  While there are many “don’ts” when it comes to April lawn and garden care, there are plenty of positive things you can “do”.  At J&D, we are happy to offer our Mesa lawn service to help you keep your yard in the best condition possible all year long.

Call us for a free estimate. It’s never too late to get your yard in shape!