March Landscape & Pool Reminders and Tips

We have all heard the sayings about weather in March-March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, or March wind and April showers will bring forth May flowers.  We can’t be completely sure what March weather will bring, but one thing is for sure we are all anticipating the beginnings of spring. Prepare for the nicest weather of the year, by reading some tips below.

Landscaping & Irrigation

1. Apply Winter/Spring fertilizer. Use something like 5-15-15 (or similar) for a good cool season fertilizer. You can do this yourself by taking a bag of fertilizer and sprinkling a handful of fertilizer on each plant, and a few handfuls around the base of each tree/palm.
2. Cut back dead foliage & branches – allow for new growth.
3. Replace dead/damaged plants (as needed)
4. Add new rock and gravel.With the newly cut-back and trimmed plants, it’s a great time to top-off landscape rock, and make sure everything is ready for summer.
5. Check your landscape lights. It’s a great idea to check all your landscape lights and bulbs by inspecting your low voltage system. You can do this yourself by turning on the system, and visually inspecting each of your bulbs (just make sure they are on). Be careful, UNIQUE systems have a “photocell” that prohibit the lights from coming on during the daylight hours. You must cover up the photocell to simulate darkness. You can also purchase bulbs from Home Depot – just make sure they are the same wattage.

Swimming Pool & Spa

1. Solar Pool Heating & Heat Pumps start to produce enough heat for swimming!  Make sure your pool is ready with a good check-up.
2. Pool Covers. Having a good pool cover is required to have any success in March pool heating.  The heat gained during a day of heating, can easily be lost during cold March nights.
3. Visually inspect your swimming pool & spa. During winter months, minimal chlorine is needed – so chemical maintenance is not as critical. This is a great time to make sure your cleaning systems are working properly!
4. Weekly cleaning of your leaf baskets & leaf vac systems. Winter can have lots of heavy debris, such as leaves & branches – keep your pool clean by removing these weekly.
5. Weekly Brushing: most people don’t know, but weekly brushing of your pool plaster or pebble interior can help this last for years! It helps to prevent staining & scale formation, as well as keeps dirt & debris for building up in areas.