As we enter the month of March, spring and an increase in warm weather are top of mind for most of us. Unfortunately, at the beginning of February, legendary groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted that we would be in for another few weeks of winter weather. Though this is not always a reliable prediction, it seems to be holding up with the winter storms raging across the nation.  The tradition of determining the length of winter by that of a groundhog seeing its shadow is one that we have long looked to for insight into the weather to come, even if just comedically. Before talking a bit about spring yard preparation let’s dive into how we started using these furry animals as a weather catalyst.

The holiday has evolved over the years as it has been adapted and embraced all over the world by different cultures. As the legend goes, local newspaper editor, Clymer Freas came up with the idea for the first Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney during the year 1887. He pitched the idea to a group of businessmen and groundhog hunters known as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and successfully convinced them to go along with it. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerges from its hole and sees its shadow, it gets scared and scurries back into its burrow, predicting six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, the prediction is that there will be an early spring. Starting as something that was only celebrated by a few, now thousands of visitors flock to this site in PA every year to enjoy this spectacle. 

Now let’s talk a bit about what you should be doing to prepare for the start of the spring season and capitalize on the time left till prime vegetation season. While we may still have a few weeks of winter ahead of us, it’s never too early to start getting ready for spring. Formatting a solid plan with actionable goals is the best way to keep yourself on track and organized. By taking care of your trees and landscaping now, you can help ensure that your property is healthy, beautiful, and safe for the upcoming season. As I have said in previous blogs, planning and preparation are key to the success of any landscaping project. Refer to my previously written blog post- Summer Renovation Success: The Ultimate Guide for some of my favorite tips. 

Spring is a great time to prepare your lawn and landscaping for the growing season. This can include fertilizing your lawn, planting new flowers or shrubs, and adding mulch to your garden beds. In taking steps to prepare for spring, now is also a great time to be looking through different nurseries and plant catalogs to decide what kind of plants you’d like to grow this year!  According to the EPA, the prime growing season begins during the last frost of the spring and ends in the first frost of the fall. A little bit of preparation and knowledge of grow cycles can help ensure that your landscaping looks beautiful all season long.

Spring is also a great time to get ahead of any maintenance that needs to be done on your yard such as brush clearing or overgrown tree pruning. Taking care of these improvements in advance allows you to focus more on the actual projects you’d like to see on your property. Typically, the backbone work of a project, clearing areas for improvement, can take long periods of time. Don’t find yourself starting a project at the start of summer, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your new yard.

While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare our homes and properties for the changes that spring brings. As a tree removal company in New York, we understand the importance of taking care of your trees and landscaping during this transitional season. contact us today for an inquiry into your next landscaping project. Fully licensed & insured. Over 25 years of experience in our community. Free, no-obligation estimates: (845) 878-7888. Service areas include Western, CT; Dutchess County, NY; Putnam County, NY; Westchester County, NY.