Spring Lawn Diseases
Swings in temperature, cool nights, rising humidity, and an increase in rainfall can all contribute to seasonal yard problems. Seniors Helping Seniors® care receivers, watch for these common issues in the weeks ahead.
Brown patch: Causes dead, sunken, dry-looking areas of grass, ranging from a few inches to several feet wide.
Red thread: Denoted by pink or red patches across the lawn. Its tell-tale sign, however, is the growth of grass tufts on top of these areas.
Leaf spot: Starts with small brown spots on leaves and grass. Eventually, these areas become enlarged and develop a dark purplish-red ring around the outside and a tan area in the middle.
Beautify Beds
Ensure flower beds are in top shape for the planting season with the following tips from Seniors Helping Seniors®.
Remove old mulch, downed tree branches, dead leaves, and broken grass to improve the aesthetic and prevent disease.
Apply a fresh layer of mulch (2 to 4 inches thick) to keep soil moist and garden areas looking polished.
Divide perennials to keep them healthy, share with friends, and fill in any gaps in foliage.
Prepping Yard Equipment
Spring is in full swing and that means it’s time to get garden tools ready to go! Here are 4 tips from Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services to ready this equipment for spring planting.
Clean rust and dirt off metal surfaces with a soft-bristled brush, steel wool, or sandpaper.
Inspect wooden handles, running a piece of medium-grit emery cloth or sandpaper over any cracks and splinters.
Sharpen metal edges and blades with a whetstone or file (many local garden and hardware stores can do this for you or a loved one as well).
Check hoses for leaks and repair with flex tape, glue, or a patch kit.
Easy Enjoyment
Caring for an outdoor space is a fun and rewarding hobby. It can become more difficult with age, however. Here are some ideas from Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services to help you or your senior loved one continue gardening with ease.
Install raised planters for better access and less bending, crouching, and kneeling.
Equip yourself or your senior with a set of basic tools – durable gloves, hand trowel, long-handled shovel and spade, hoe, garden and leaf rake, hand pruner and pruning shears, wheelbarrow, and watering can.
Prevent constantly losing small garden tools by painting the handles a bright color.
Wear sunscreen when working in the yard.
Get loose before strenuous garden tasks – take a walk and stretch prior to beginning.
Do yard work in the morning or evening, avoiding the hottest parts of the day.
Break up more difficult tasks into 5-minute intervals, resting or performing less straining jobs in between.
Be sure to invite your Seniors Helping Seniors® companion, a friend, or family member to help with this undertaking. An extra set of hands and engaging conversation make any project more enjoyable. Our caregivers are always available to assist – even if it means getting their hands dirty. Grab your Seniors Helping Seniors® companion and plan a fun-filled day or two focused on getting your or a loved one’s lawn and garden ready for a fresh batch of spring flowers!
Need help managing care for the senior in your life? Give us a call at 312-526-3666. We’ll be there as much or as little as you and your loved one need!