When I got into work yesterday I realized that the grass that I’m growing on my window sill had gotten a little out of control over the weekend. I guess it’s time to mow.

Just like the grass in my yard, a quick trim made my little plants look so much healthier and happier.

If the approach of spring has you thinking about landscaping and lawn care, here are some tips from Jim Martin, CLP, president of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and Jason Cupp, CLP, PLANET’s president-elect:

Jim suggests "What people should focus on first is making sure that their lawn and plants, trees and shrubs are healthy. In the spring, do a walk-through of your yard, look at the plants, trees, and shrubs and make sure they look green and healthy. If you are concerned that the lawn is patchy and brown or that you may have diseased plants, trees, or shrubs, you may want to call a professional lawn care company to make an assessment and offer solutions."

Jason recommends that "People can make a big impact in their yards without spending a lot of money just by cleaning out leaves from under shrubs and bushes, cutting-in bed edges, mulching, and planting annuals in beds and pots."

Check out PLANET’s website for more tips or to find a professional to help with your yard.