I don’t know about you, but it seems like this winter is never going to end. I have lived in the Midwest for almost 12 years now and this has been the longest, coldest winter I can remember. The good news is, however, that it will soon end just like it does every year. But will you be ready to tackle the lawn care and landscape?

It’s important to think about lawn care and landscape services now before the problems take hold on your green spaces. And believe me, there are plenty of issues that can crop up in a hurry if you arent paying attention.

You can also save money by getting signed up and locked up for the season with your local lawn and landscape pro.

With that in mind, here are some of the basics to consider for the 2009 lawn and landscape season.

Lawn Mowing

If you are like me, then you will cut your own grass just for the shear joy of being outside. Chances are, however, that the fun will wear off after a few cuts, and you will want to hire a lawn care pro. If that is the case, it is always best to get in line sooner rather than later. Many lawn maintenance contractors book up early and wont have the room to take you on later. Just let them know you’d like to start service with them a little later in the season, but that you want to sign up now.

Lawn Spraying Treatments

Once again, I think that about half of you guys will apply your own fertilizer and weed control products, and the other half will hire this service out. Either way, you need a plan of action. Its fairly certain that dandelions and crab grass will be a problem in 2009, but other issues like lawn disease and insects can also invade, especially if we have a super wet spring. You may need a lawn care pro to help thwart these issues, so be ready to make the call should things get out of your control.

Ornamental Trees And Shrubs

It’s a given that you will need to have your trees, shrub and bushes trimmed at some point during the year, but have you thought about fertilizing them? It’s a great idea to give your landscape ornamentals a dose of nitrogen in the spring to set them off for the year. You also may want to consider having them sprayed and treated for damaging insects and fungus that can stunt their growth and cause them to decline. Believe it or not, you have a lot of money tied up in those plants out front, so take care of them now!

These three tips may seem simple, but they are very important in the grand scheme of your outdoor paradise. Get started now so you can get the jump on the weeds, and be ready for summer picnics on the lawn!