Whether you’re looking to sell your existing home so you can make your move to Traditions of Braselton or you’re seeking tips to get your new lawn established once you officially become a neighbor at our 1140-acre master-planned community, it’s important not to rely solely on April showers to bring May flowers. In this competitive housing market, you’ll want to take seasonally focused steps to ensure your home is brimming with curb appeal to attract prospective buyers. Once you’ve sold your house and found another that is the answer to your dreams in Traditions of Braselton, these same tips will benefit you through the lasting enjoyment of the lawn that encircles your new home.
April is a time when green leaves return to the trees, bird song fills the air, and the tulips, forsythia, and pansies start to bloom. To prep for warmer weather as Spring takes hold in the South, here are a handful of tips that will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood – whether in your current home or one of ours…
Rake Away the Thatch
While rakes are typically associated with Fall leaves, Spring is another great season to break out yours. Gently rake your lawn to remove the layer of dead grass from last year that can lie ½ an inch or more beneath the new growth. Known as “thatch,” if you don’t remove it, you could risk the health of your grass. Thatch that is too thick may absorb water, keeping it from reaching the roots of your lawn. If, when you’re raking, you notice that the soil seems compacted throughout most of your yard, you may want to consider aerating your lawn. Once you’re all moved in at Traditions of Braselton, you’ll be happy to learn that all our lawns are Bermuda grass for uniformity and only require core aeration each Spring to get rid of thatch, so you’ll be able to give that rake a rest until next Fall.
There’s Something About That Soil
Soil testing is invaluable for identifying if your soil is acidic or alkaline. There are steps you can take – like adding lime, sulfur, or compost – to get your soil’s pH balance to an optimal level. Did you know you can send off a sample of your lawn’s soil to be tested at your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office? For more information about how to collect samples and where to send them, visit https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C896&title=soil-testing-for-home-lawns-gardens-and-wildlife-food-plots
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Heavy foot traffic, shady trees, dog urine, and more can create bald patches in that thick carpet of green you’ve been endeavoring to grow. April is an ideal month to overseed your lawn, with a concentration on the areas where grass hasn’t been growing. To ensure its growth and play catch up with the rest of your yard, apply slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and endeavor to keep the seeded spots moist until they begin to germinate and sprout. Then, switch to a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer and water with the rest of your lawn.
Prep for New Growth
April is the perfect time to service your lawnmower so it’s primed and ready for the height of the mowing season. Once ready for your first mow of the season, set your deck high to promote a healthy lawn. It may require you to mow more often, but taller grass is more likely to choke out emerging weeds – so it’s a trade-off. You should also prune back shrubs and flowering trees to prepare them for new growth and deadhead any annuals still in the ground in hopes of getting one last glorious bloom.
Of course, with the new growth of Spring flowers, so follows the growth of Spring weeds. Try to fend them off with mulch that contains a weed blocker in your landscaping beds, and apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn. If not, you risk the growth of crabgrass, dandelions, and more. If you DO decide to use a pre-emergent herbicide, you should opt against overseeding and aerating.
Devise a Design and Start Planting
There are several helpful FREE online tools that can help you design a garden – including the Gardena Garden Planner and pre-designed Garden Plans from the experts at Better Homes & Gardens. Once you have a plan, it’s time to go shopping for supplies. If you shop local – like at FernGully Gardens and Gifts at 43 Brassie Lane, Outdoor Environments at 68 Zion Church Road, and S&S Ace Hardware at 3740 Village Way near Traditions of Braselton – you are more likely to have an opportunity to lean into their expertise.
April is ideal for planting tender bulbs after the last frost, such as lilies, begonias, orchids, and freesia. You can also plant ground cover, ornamental grasses, and perennials, including azaleas and hydrangeas.
Needless to say, we look forward to welcoming you as a new neighbor at Traditions of Braselton, so we hope the tips above go a long way in cranking up your curb appeal so your existing home sells quickly. If you need a little landscape inspiration, we invite you to drive through our community to see what your future neighbors are doing in their own yards. While you’re here, be sure to pop by the Discovery Center at 401 Delaperriere Loop in Jefferson to learn the latest news on newly released home sites and quick move-in opportunities. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm – 6 pm. If you have any questions before your visit, please don’t hesitate to call us at 706-664-2830.
KB 3/26/24
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