DENVER (KDVR) – Spring planting can be a challenge in Colorado due to severe weather followed by hot, sunny days.
Denver Water told FOX31 the last average annual freeze date in Denver is May 5, according to the National Weather Service. Over the past 10 years, the average freeze date has landed on May 11.
Forbes reports that homeowners will spend between $2,000 and $13,000 on landscaping in 2023, depending on the size of the property. FOX31 visited City Flower Garden Centerwhere homeowners looked for plants, flowers, trees and lawn care items.
Give your garden a healthy start
Expert Christine Hise told Problem Solvers that now is the time to give your summer garden a healthy start. Check the moisture balance of the lawn, address dry areas, get oxygen to the roots for aeration and choose the right fertilizer.
“We recommend using a fertilizer that has some iron in it and get it kind of strong and going for the spring season,” Hise said.
When you should water
Denver Water told Problem Solvers that you should make sure the weather is still warm before turning on the automatic sprinklers. Use a water hose first.
Overwatering can slow the growth of your lawn and garden.
“If you water every day, the roots don’t need to grow, and so they stay very little. So we want to water a little on the lighter side – so every other day or three times a week is enough, especially in this season of the year when we’re not in that summer heat,” Hise said.
The same goes for the crabapple and redbud trees that flourish throughout the metropolitan area.
“You don’t want the new shoots that are pushing through to dry out in heavy weather,” Hise said.
Denver Water’s annual summer water rules begin on May 1st and run through October 1st.
Check for damage, and take care if it snows
Inspect your evergreens for winter damage. If cold weather hits the area, be sure to sweep snow from branches and bushes.
“The wet snow that we had recently – you know, that damaged a lot of trees. At this time, we have a lot of people coming in now saying that limbs have split on their trees,” Hise said.
Sensitive plants should be covered or brought indoors before severe weather.
