FAQ's Q. When can I remove the dead branches from my cedars and spruce? A. This can be done at the same time as dead/damaged branches are removed from other shrubs and small trees. Q. I want to prune the City's tree on my front lawn. How do I get this done? A. Call the City Forestry division (416-338-TREE) and tell them what you want to do. Unless the tree is dying or damaged and in danger of falling over, they usually advise you to hire a City-approved arborist at your expense. Q. When I do the spring clean-up, should I remove the "hills" from around my rose bushes? A. In our zone, not until late April unless they are in a very protected location. Q.Can I prune my roses in April? A. Not a good plan. It is usually best to wait until most danger of a hard frost and ice storms are past - usually early to mid-May is best. Q. When I've finished spring cleanup, should I spray everything against pest damage? A. The only early spray that should be applied is dormant oil and lime sulphur combinations.

For many people the least favorite job in the garden is spring cleanup. But it's got to get done, the earlier the better. I like to do my clean-ups as soon as the as conditions allow. I start spring lawn care with the removal of debris that has accumulated over the winter. Raking lawns will remove matted accumulations of dead grass. Clearing up all the dead wood out of trees and shrubs. Remove all dead, damaged and broken branches. (Maples and Silver Birch are best pruned very early in the season, before the sap runs or they tend to "bleed" messily.) power blow walks, decks and driveways are included in Spring cleaning and throughout  the season.

* Raking of all leaves, sticks, branches and other debris from the lawn.
* Remove debris from all beds and behind shrubs.
* Turn all beds when soil permits. Amending the beds with peat moss,   compost, manure, or fertilizers is a plus at this time of year.   

* Re-edge all existing beds and driveway for that sharp edge.

* Fertilizing, uncover roses and removing burlap is also done early in spring.

* Repair lawn damage with seed and top soil. 

Fertilizing the lawn in spring

 I Fertilize all lawns in moderation early in the spring. April is not the time for large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer, I like to wait  until the lawn has been mowed a few times before applying a heavy feeding , typically late May or early June.

I use only quality lawn fertilizer that contains controlled release, slow-release, or water insoluble nitrogen. All of these terms refer to nitrogen sources that will release small amounts of nitrogen to the turf over an extended period of time, which leads to more uniform and healthy lawn growth. These materials are especially important to use in spring.

* Re-mulching beds Shrub and flower beds loose their vibrant color contrasts over time. Let us restore that faded contrast and set your beds alive once again. Add this option to your Spring Clean Up...OR... You tell us what needs to be done for the clean up. Call (416) 652-3861, or contact us to ensure a timely cleaning this year .