Apply crabgrass preventor. A rule-of-thumb is apply a pre-emergent around mid-May for best results. If you see weed growth near the driveway and walk edges, then it is time to apply.

Aerate the lawn to improve air, water and nutrient penetration through the month.

Prune spring flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom. Flower buds on these plants grow on old wood and develop over the summer to bring you a beautiful bloom next spring.

Do not prune crabapples after they bloom. Spring or summer pruning increases chances for infection and spread of the bacterial disease fireblight. Prune in late winter to early spring (Feb. - early April).

Don't cut back foliage from spring bulbs. Allow the foliage to brown to absorb energy for next year.

Prune evergreens like yew, arborvitae, and junipers once new growth is showing through mid-summer.

Online Garden Journal

Advertising for Emerald Ash Borer treatments has begun. You may be wondering, "Should I be treating my trees?" It depends. Variables include your proximity to diagnosed areas, the current health of tree, the "value" of the tree, and your willingness to treat it annually for years to come.

Before you treat your trees answer these questions:

• Does your ash tree look unhealthy?
• Are you looking for a one-time treatment?
• Has the tree care company guaranteed treatment will save your tree?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, understand these points before beginning treatment, hiring a tree company, or buying a retail product.

Lawn season has begun. Raking, repairing, fertilizing, mowing, and watering are activities we love to hate. Make one of these tasks easier and cheaper by using a smarter irrigation system.

If you have an older irrigation system, move away from the irrigation controller with a set watering schedule. You know the one that operates based on the odd/even schedule whether it's raining or not. At the very least you should amend your system to have a rain or soil moisture sensor that shuts the system off during or after a rain.

As of July 2003, new irrigation systems require "...technology that  inhibits or interrupts operation of the landscape irrigation system during periods of sufficient moisture." Since 2003, controllers have gotten even smarter encouraged by a water conservation program called WaterSense. By using a scheduling system that tracks weather and landscape conditions and irrigates accordingly, WaterSense labeled controllers can reduce wasted water when compared to other systems. These controllers may reduce your annual water bill while keeping your landscape healthy and well maintained in any weather. These controllers offer convenience and peace of mind to set the system once and only tweak it occasionally to ensure proper watering.

Toro's Xtra Smart Precision Soil Moisture Sensor-This sensor is a simple add-on to your current irrigation system that will allow the system to run only when your lawn is dry. Two probes are inserted into the ground and this device can be mown over with a lawn mower. Place the sensor in an area that  represents your lawn. Avoid heavily shaded areas and small pockets that may differ in soil type. Product sells for about $150.00.

Rainbird's Electronic Garden Hose Watering Timer-This device can automate your garden hose. Simply connect one end to your outdoor tap and the other end to a garden hose with sprinkler attached. Set your watering dates and times, and you're off. Product is available for around $50.00.

Spectrum Technologies Economy Soil Moisture Tester-This tool measures soil moisture on a wide range of soil types. The meter reads from 0 (dry) to 10 (wet). Calibrate to your particular soil and insert into the soil. Read the dial and adjust watering practices accordingly. A benefit of this tool versus the in-ground sensors is that you can measure multiple areas of your lawn. This meter can tell you which areas to concentrate your watering efforts. Sensors are available for under $100.

Nothing announces spring has arrived like tree buds bursting. One of the first trees I notice to bud out is the leaf buds of willows. To bring visual interest and diversity to your yard, folks should also find a way to add a weeping form to their landscape. The graceful weeping willow branches growing in our marshy backyard is a sight to see.

Many folks don't have the space or right location to plant a weeping willow, but do for weeping pussy willow, scientifically called Salix caprea 'Pendula'. This unique form should be used as a solitary garden accent shrub. Its large fuzzy catkins are extremely showing in late winter/early spring.

The weeping form of the pussy willow is grafted onto a standard. It will grow to a height of six feet tall by eight feet wide with a low canopy clearance. It grows at a fast rate, and if living under ideal conditions can live up to 40 years plus. This tree's ideal conditions is full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, but preferring to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water.