Winter is ending in Metairie, and our yards need care before spring. As February ends, we’ll guide you through key maintenance steps. These tasks will help your lawn thrive in the coming months.
Key Points
- Rake and remove fallen oak leaves and pine needles from St. Augustine grass to prevent grass suffocation before spring growth.
- Test soil pH through LSU AgCenter kits and amend with lime or sulfur based on results.
- Prune frost-damaged branches from crape myrtles and tropical plants like hibiscus when threat of freezing has passed.
- Inspect irrigation systems for winter damage and reprogram controllers for spring watering schedules.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach 55°F to prevent spring weed emergence.
Clean Up Winter Debris and Dead Plant Material
Metairie’s mild winters still leave debris that needs attention. We’ll clear fallen oak leaves, pine needles, and broken twigs from our yards. Raking up matted leaves on St. Augustine grass prevents fungal growth and ensures a healthy spring.
Now’s the time to prune damaged branches from crape myrtles and trim frost-bitten tropical plants. Pruning crape myrtles in late winter helps them grow well in spring. We’ll also cut back monkey grass and remove brown fronds from sago palms. Cleaning garden beds of storm debris gives our landscapes a fresh start for spring.
Test and Amend Your Soil
Our soil’s pH and nutrient levels need testing for our Gulf Coast plants in Metairie. We’ll use an LSU AgCenter-approved kit to check if our clay-heavy soils need lime or sulfur.
Knowing our soil’s composition, we can make necessary changes to our yards before spring. Adding organic matter like compost and manure enriches the soil and provides nutrients for spring growth.
Soil Testing Basics
Testing your soil at winter’s end is key for spring success in Metairie’s humid subtropical climate. Collect samples from 6-8 inches deep in several spots, mixing them for an accurate reading.
Avoid sampling when the soil is too wet or near your house foundation. Also, don’t test areas where fertilizer has recently been applied.
Check your soil’s pH level, which should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for most Louisiana lawn grasses. You can send samples to the LSU AgCenter Extension Office or use a home testing kit. They’ll tell you about nutrient levels and what amendments you need for ideal spring growth.
Improving Ph Levels
To balance your soil’s pH in Metairie, start by looking at your winter soil analysis. Our local clay soils tend to be acidic, which can limit nutrient availability for spring growth. If your pH is below 6.0, we’ll need to add lime to raise it.
For our Metairie lawns, we recommend applying pelletized limestone at about 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet. If your soil is too alkaline, above 7.0, we can lower it by adding sulfur or organic matter like pine bark. Spread these amendments evenly across the yard and water them in well. Since our humid climate affects how quickly these materials work, we should plan on retesting the soil in about three months.
Prune Trees and Shrubs Before New Growth
Late winter is the perfect time for Metairie homeowners to tackle pruning tasks before spring’s growth cycle begins. We’ll want to focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches from our crepe myrtles, live oaks, and azaleas. Let’s use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts at 45-degree angles to guarantee water damage prevention and promote healing.
| Plant Type | What to Remove | Best Tools |
|————|—————-|————|
| Crepe Myrtle | Suckers, crossed branches | Loppers, hand pruners |
| Live Oak | Dead wood, water sprouts | Pole saw, pruning saw |
| Azaleas | Old blooms, leggy stems | Hand pruners, shears |
Remember that our humid climate means faster spring growth, so we’ll want to be thorough but careful not to over-prune. For mature trees over 15 feet, it’s best to contact a certified arborist to affirm proper pruning techniques and safety. Late winter pruning of crepe myrtles leads to fuller blooms and stronger branching during the growing season.
Inspect and Repair Irrigation Systems
After guaranteeing our trees and shrubs are properly pruned, it’s time to check our irrigation systems before Metairie’s hot season begins. Let’s start by running each zone to identify any broken heads, clogged nozzles, or leaking pipes that may have occurred during winter. South Louisiana’s clay soil can shift during freeze-thaw cycles, potentially damaging underground components.
We’ll want to adjust our sprinkler heads to guarantee proper coverage and prevent overspray onto sidewalks or driveways. Since we’re entering our rainy spring season, now’s the perfect time to test our rain sensors and replace batteries if needed. Don’t forget to reprogram our controllers for seasonal watering needs – Metairie lawns typically need more frequent watering as we move from March through May.
Consider implementing drip irrigation systems in plant beds and gardens to maximize water efficiency while minimizing waste and evaporation.
Remove Winter Weeds and Apply Pre-Emergent
While winter weeds like clover and chickweed are still visible in our Metairie lawns, we’ll need to remove them before they set seed and spread further. Let’s tackle these unwanted visitors and prevent summer weeds from taking hold by applying pre-emergent herbicide at the right time.
For best results in our southeast Louisiana climate:
- Pull or spot-treat existing winter weeds when soil is moist, after a light rain
- Apply pre-emergent when soil temperatures reach 55°F, typically in late February or early March
- Water in the pre-emergent with about ½ inch of water within 48 hours of application
Regular soil disturbance from pulling weeds can actually trigger dormant weed seeds to germinate by exposing them to light.
Prepare Garden Beds for Spring Planting
Spring gardening in Metairie begins with well-prepared beds during our mild winter. We’ll use those 60-degree days to get our beds ready for warm-season veggies and flowers.
First, we’ll test our soil pH and adjust it if needed. Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil, between 6.0 and 6.8. We’ll mix in composted leaves and aged manure, 8-12 inches deep.
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|——|———|——–|
| Soil Test | Early February | Send to LSU AgCenter |
| pH Adjustment | Mid-February | Add lime or sulfur |
| Till Soil | Late February | When soil isn’t wet |
| Add Compost | Early March | 2-3 inches deep |
| Install Irrigation | Mid-March | Before planting |
We’ll also raise our beds 6-8 inches to improve drainage. Proper soil drainage is key to prevent root rot and keep plants healthy in our humid climate.
Service Lawn Equipment and Tools
Before the busy lawn care season, we’ll service our equipment for Metairie’s intense growth. Our subtropical climate means constant growth, so well-maintained tools are crucial.
Here are the key maintenance tasks:
- Clean and sharpen mower blades, replace the air filter, and change the oil. Dull blades stress grass and make it more prone to fungal issues.
- Service smaller equipment like string trimmers and edgers. Check fuel lines and spark plugs that can deteriorate in our humidity.
- Oil and sharpen hand tools, focusing on pruners and loppers for spring trimming of crepe myrtles and azaleas.
For pruning tools, use rubbing alcohol to disinfect blades between cuts. This prevents disease spread between plants.
Remember to check all equipment warranties and schedule professional servicing if needed.
Assess Lawn for Bare Spots and Damage
Winter storms and foot traffic damage our lawns. Now’s the time to inspect for bare spots and damage before warm-season grasses grow. Look for trouble spots in shaded areas and along pathways, common in Metairie.
Check for areas where water pools after rain, indicating drainage issues in our clay soils. Also, watch for damage from winter weeds and fungal diseases that thrive in our humid climate.
Notice any thinning grass under trees or near concrete. These spots may need special care during spring renovation. Lawn aeration benefits include better soil drainage and nutrient absorption, helping repair winter damage.
Schedule Professional Tree Assessment
Protect our trees by scheduling a certified arborist inspection before spring growth in Metairie. We’ll assess any winter storm damage and identify potential hazards, given our region’s severe weather risk.
A thorough evaluation now can prevent costly emergencies later. It ensures our trees stay healthy assets in our Louisiana landscapes. Working with ISA Certified Arborists provides expertise in tree diseases, growth, and maintenance for optimal landscape health.
Certified Arborist Inspection Benefits
Winter’s end is the perfect time to check your trees. A certified arborist in Metairie can give you important insights. They can check your trees’ health and structure before spring and hurricane season.
They will protect your investment and ensure safety.
Detect signs of disease, pest infestations, or storm damage that our humi
Storm Damage Safety Check
Regular arborist inspections are key for a storm damage safety check in Metairie. After storms, we assess hazards and plan for safety.
| Inspection Point | Action Required |
|—————–|—————–|
| Hanging Limbs | Remove compromised branches |
| Root Exposure | Check soil stability |
| Trunk Damage | Evaluate structural integrity |
| Power Line Contact | Alert utility companies |
| Disease Signs | Treat affected areas |
Identifying storm-weakened trees is crucial. We check for water pooling, soil compaction, and branch damage. Our subtropical climate hides damage, making expert checks vital for your home’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time to Overseed Lawns in Metairie?
The best time to overseed lawns in Metairie is early October to mid-November. Soil temperatures are warm, but summer heat has gone, giving new grass the best chance to grow.
How Often Should I Fertilize My Lawn During Louisiana’s Growing Season?
We need to fertilize our lawns every 6-8 weeks from March to October. Slow-release fertilizer provides steady nutrition, keeping our grass healthy.
Which Grass Varieties Are Most Suitable for Metairie’s Climate?
St. Augustine, Centipede, and Zoysia grasses are best for Metairie’s climate. They handle hot summers, partial shade, and mild winters well.
What’s the Ideal Mowing Height for Warm-Season Grasses in Early Spring?
In early spring, mow warm-season grasses at 2-2.5 inches. This protects new growth and helps St. Augustine and Zoysia thrive in Metairie’s climate.
How Do I Protect My Plants From Late Winter Frost in Metairie?
To protect plants from frost, cover them with frost cloth or old bedsheets when it’s below 35°F. In Metairie, focus on citrus trees and tender perennials.
Takeaway
We’ve discussed key end-of-winter yard maintenance tips for Metairie. By doing these now, we prepare our lawns for the growing season. Whether you do it yourself or hire pros, doing these tasks when it’s mild ensures your yard will thrive.
