As spring approaches it’s time to get your lawn ready.

In a couple of weeks it will be time to thatch your lawn for the grow season. It’s a great time to get a soil test to see what nutrients your lawn lacks.

To get a soil test, take soil samples from a couple areas of the lawn. Put the soil in a clean sealed plastic bag and send it to a soil testing facility. To find one, look online or in the yellow pages, or call the Master Gardeners for references.

It’s a bit early to thatch. But start with a good mowing. Take some time to observe the areas that are damaged from winter or that the moles have gotten to. Notice any other damage that has happened.

It is very important that you have your mower in great working order. Remember to always wear safety gear working on or around your mower.

This time of year it is a great time to add plants in your yard as well as tidying up.

In my past writings, I mentioned adding mulch to your lawn. Also set aside an area where you can have your lawn compost ready.

While cutting your lawn I always do a perimeter run first. Then I find a point to make a straight cut so every mow you’re not mowing in the same direction. This will eliminate the ruts.

Next week, I will go over thatching and what steps to take to get that natural lawn going.

Here’s a question from a reader: My tree looks sad. What can I do to get it healthy?

Answer: I like to put some organic fertilizer spikes in the root zone in the spring. To do this measure the tree caliber. That will tell you how many spikes to put in the drip zone. Remember to always read the label and more is never better. Finally add the mulch, start at the bark flare and add more as you go away from the plant. Water your trees if it doesn’t rain.

Happy gardening to you and yours.

Gardener Joe