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The First Signs of Spring and What They Mean to Your NJ Landscapes

It’s late February, and that means that another cold New Jersey winter is almost done. Soon the snow will be melted and the air will begin to warm up. New Jersey has some telltale signs that the spring is eminent and winter will soon be a thing of the past. As these natural signs begin occurring, it is a signal to the residents of the Garden State to begin preparing their own landscaping for the coming season.

© Farmer - Fotolia.comSpring is really approaching

Spring is truly a time of renewal and rebirth in New Jersey. Although the temperatures are still rather cold and snow flurries are still common, the keen observer can find evidence that spring is approaching in many places.

Weather changes

According to the calendar, spring officially begins on March 21st or 22nd. Within about two weeks of those days, the weather in New Jersey starts to become noticeably warmer. After a long, cold winter, this is the time when temperatures finally creep above freezing at night. The onset of Daylight Saving time brings with it longer periods of daylight, which generally is accompanied by the natural warmth of sunshine.

Natural beauty

There is no mistaking that New Jersey is a beautiful state. The state has numerous gardens and parks that lie dormant every winter. But, as spring approaches, the stark, bare trees begin to bloom and their leaves start to reveal a rainbow of natural colors that breathe life into the area. Not only do brightly colored trees start to bloom, they are accompanied by the sweet fragrance that is emitted by flowering trees such as cherry blossoms, dogwoods, forsythia, and magnolias. These trees can be found on practically every street in New Jersey, so it does not take long for the entire state to be bustling with signs of spring.

Crocus bulbs

Flowers are always a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. In New Jersey, one of the first signs of spring is the appearance of crocus bulbs. Crocus, which are native to New Jersey, are though little plants and they are able to stand up to the freezing conditions and snow that often accompany the late winter in New Jersey. Oftentimes, crocus plants can be seen popping up in mid-to-late March.

Flowers

Not only do trees begin to awaken in the early stages of spring, flowers do as well. Besides the aforementioned crocus, Jersey residents can expect to see blooming in March include daffodils, tulips and bluebells.

Cherry Blossom Festival

For Jersey residents who are too busy to notice the changes that are taking place in nature that signify the onset of spring, the state hosts its own Cherry Blossom Festival in April. This opportunity is provided to showcase the cherry blossom trees in Newark. Other area of New Jersey also boast outdoor festivals that signify and celebrate the coming of spring.

Spring landscaping

Since spring is all about new life, New Jersey residents will want to take special care in preparing the landscaping at their own homes for the coming of spring. Taking the necessary steps as spring begins will help to assure a beautiful garden and landscape through the summer and until the first signs of winter.

Weed killer and fertilizer

Spreading some weed killer or fertilizer down in the early spring is a helpful task that promotes the rejuvenation of the lawn, garden, trees, and shrubs. Homeowners should spread weed killer or fertilizer down before new grass even begins to show so it can take affect and begin working even before the grass and blooms start growing.

Aerate soil

Even though the ground is still hard, any areas that are intended for new flowers or grass seed should be aerated. This process will help loosen the tightly packed dirt and help the seeds take root.

Peat moss

Some New Jersey homeowners will want to consider laying some peat moss down in the late stages of winter. This simple process can help to avoid some heavy de-thatching and weeding when the thaw comes and it is time to plant new seeds and flowers. A trusted and respected local landscaping company can help homeowners decide if this step is necessary for their yard.

Consult with a landscaping company

The transition from winter to spring is a good time to consult with a landscaping company about any landscaping plans. A landscaping company can provide helpful advice about the proper tools to use, the best foliage to plant and where to plant it, the best nourishment options for the plants that are selected, and they can also offer some sage advice about some different and aesthetically interesting options for plants and flowers that will be joining the landscape.

As seasons begin to morph from one to the other, there are always some evident signs. The onset of spring brings out the natural beauty of New Jersey. Residents should use the signs they see in nature as an indication that it is time to prepare their own lawns and garden for the coming season.

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