My great-great grandparents originally settled here in the Deer Park area in the late 1800’s near where Strawberry Hill now stands, so “the Henry’s” have seen a fair share of the 200-year history and growth around Columbia.

As we join the city in celebrating our birthday, I thought a list of “200 things you can do to improve your lawn and landscape,” would be fun, but decided that would be a huge list, so I decided to highlight just 20 things instead:

1. Test your soil. The MU Soil Extension Lab can give you recommendations on nutrient deficiencies, organic matter and soil pH issues based on your soil test and the plants you are trying to grow. 
2. Identify the flowers, shrubs, trees and turf on your property so you’ll know more about how to manage them. Once you know what you have, you’ll be able to find information on common issues and normal care.
3. Pruning and bed clean-up is required by most landscape plants each season. Removing dead plant materials, weeds and undesirable growth can help improve the overall appearance and look of your property. 
4. Remove the weeds that compete with your desirable plants (landscape beds, lawn, etc.) Less competition for sunlight, space, water, and nutrition will allow your plants to flourish and thrive.
5. Replace dead plants as needed. Look into native plants, as they often require less input and management. Do your homework before selecting plants for the site to save you time, effort and money later on.  Right plant, right place.
6. Mow tall and mow often. Raising your cutting height over the summer months makes all the difference in the world when it comes to weed management, color of your turf and the overall reduction of stress on your turf. Don’t forget to sharpen those blades, too.
7. Installing mulch can improve the aesthetic value of your landscape, not to mention it adds organic matter to the soil around your plants.
8. Prune low-hanging limbs to add sunlight for the lawn around the tree. Remove any potential eye-gouging limbs as well for the mowers in your life.
9. Water when needed. Every lawn is different. If unsure of when or how much to water, keep in mind the rule of thumb – “Water deep, less often.”
10. Add seasonal color. Designate a portion of your landscape beds or add a flower pot with annuals to add a splash of color to your beds or your porch.
11. Fill any bare spots on your lawn with topsoil then seed and cover with seed mulch as needed.
12. Catch those moles! Enough said.
13. Get cozy. Have space and a need for an outside sitting area? Adding a fire pit, bench seat, a swing or a hammock is a great way to entertain family and friends.
14. Identify and manage pests. Whether it’s insects, skunk, deer or rabbit, bacteria or a fungal disease, knowing what is causing your lawn and landscape issues is a good first step in fixing the problem or avoiding it altogether.
15. Core aerate and over seed this Fall. If you have a fescue or bluegrass lawn, make plans to core aerate and over seed this September. Don’t do it now, as you’ll likely create weed control issues for the summer.
16. Don’t mow when it’s too wet. Change your mow pattern occasionally and use lighter weight equipment when available to avoid compaction issues with your lawn.
17. Add organics. Most soils we deal with in and around Columbia lack in organic matter.
18. A fountain or waterfall can add a focal point plus add soothing sounds to your landscape.
19. Draining issues? As the spring rains slow down, consider working on any drainage issues so future rains don’t turn your back lawn into a pond.
20. Love your lawn and landscape. Doing all these things may make it last 200 years!

As always, if there is anything we can do to help you, give us a call!