When we think of a spring cleanup at Huron Landscape & Maintenance, here are the first things that come to mind.

• ​Cutting down any perennials or ornamental grasses left over from last year.
• Blowing out and collecting any leaves that might have collected around plants.
• Pruning back certain shrubs like roses, smooth hydrangeas or spireas. For most shrubbery it is best to wait until July after flowering and the spring growth spurt.
• Cleaning up bed edges by fixing metal and plastic edging, or cutting new edges if needed.
• Weeding, top dressing mulch, and using pre-emergent to prevent future weeds. 

​   Other companies might offer core aeration, fertilizing or over seeding as part of a spring cleanup package. Maybe these are services that are important to you, but maybe not. When hiring a landscape contractor, it is important to make sure you have a good understanding of the work that will be done. When everyone is on the same page before the job has started, it can eliminate headaches after the job is complete.

   As the weather warms up in Michigan, snow melts and lawn damage becomes quite noticeable. Near pavement, there might be areas where a snow plow driver plowed a little too far or ruts were caused from someone sliding on ice and driving through the lawn. Sometimes, as the lawn comes to life, there are large patches that just don't seem to fill in. The wet spring season can turn these areas into mud-pits and major eyesores. When fixing these problems, there are a few options for mulch to help keep new grass seed moist for quicker germination. Each material has pros and cons and are ideal for certain situations.

   Penn mulch is pelletized,  recycled green paper with added fertilizers; typically a small amount of nitrogen to help get the grass seed going. It is spread by hand and is the most hassle free of the options. Its color helps blend areas into the existing lawn. Once wetted, it spreads out and is mostly undisturbed by wind or heavy rain. It does have a tendency to dry out more quickly than straw and it's higher price per square foot means it is better suited for small areas and patch work.
​   Loose straw is a tried and true method for keeping grass seed moist for germination. It is cheap and effective. Its ability to retain moisture makes it by far the best option if planting grass in the middle of the summer. Once the turf has reached two or three inches, it can be mowed through and will decompose. Some people dislike loose straw because it has a messier appearance than penn mulch or straw mats, but the end product can make it worth the wait.
​   Straw mats price falls in between penn mulch and loose straw. The main problem with straw mats is that it seems no matter how much effort is put into making sure the mat is flat against the ground, loose ends find a way to stick up and get caught in lawnmowers. The twine takes a long time to decompose and once the grass is established, it is hard to remove the mat without ripping up grass seedlings. Mats are still a good choice for larger areas because it guarantees the straw will not be blown or washed away. Furthermore, if planting grass on a slope, mats could be the only feasible option.
​   No matter what type of grass seed mulch is used, it is important to make sure the seed stays moist for two to four weeks after planting. Grass seed is typically blended so when the first sprouts are seen, most likely not all of the varieties have sprouted yet. Keeping the entire area moist will ensure the turf comes in full and beautiful. If unsure if the seed needs to watered, it is best to check the soil with your hand. Grass seed is not planted deep so even the surface should be moist. This could mean daily watering during hot and sunny weather.
​   Lawn patching jobs are usually simple and quick. Filling in these spots can make the lawn more aesthetically pleasing and prevent weeds from filling in the area. Huron Landscape & Maintenance would be happy to help you with your Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor lawn restoration project this spring. With the right seed and application, you might have a beautiful lawn where you thought it was never possible.   

   One of the biggest nuisances to the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area landscape is the Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica). Not only is this tree not aesthetically pleasing, but it is an invasive species that spreads like wild fire. If left to it's own devices, it can turn garden beds into brambles in a short amount of time.
​   Buckthorns are easy to identify. They have gray bark, pointed, oval shaped leaves and thorns that can stick out up to two inches from their branches. In the fall they will produce purple/black berries. Where there is one Buckthorn there are usually many. Cherry or Plum trees can be misidentified as Buckthorns. Fortunately, Buckthorns are one of the very last trees to lose their leaves. They also have minimal color change causing them to stand out in a sea of orange and red come late October. Lastly, Buckthorn leaves have curved veins while Plum and Cherry leaf veins are straight..     

   ​Once the tree has been positively identified as Common Buckthorn, the best course of action is to have the tree removed. Simply getting rid of surrounding saplings will help clean up garden beds but as long as the tree is present, the berries will continue to be dropped around the tree and spread about by birds. These trees do not typically grow taller than twenty-five feet. This means as long as the problem is taken care of in the beginning stages, it is relatively affordable. Not only will Buckthorn removal make your yard more attractive and hassle free, it will help your neighbors and the Ann Arbor areas ecosystem as a whole.