Ask Ellen: Is it safe to de-winterize my yard?

Ellen Bacca
·2 min read

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — This has been the year of the two-week winter with mild temperatures persisting into March. With such a mild trend, viewers would like to know if it is safe to de-winterize their yard.

In many cases, it is fine to get the jump on spring, but there are a few key details that are important to keep in mind.

BIG SNOWS BECOMING LESS LIKELY

This one is kind of a no-brainer, but statistically, it is becoming much less likely for us to see a 6-inch snowfall or even a 3-inch snowfall. Since the late 1800s, most of our last 6-inch snowfalls happen in early February.

The last 3-inch snows usually end up falling around March 9, but the latest 3-inch snowfall to ever be recorded in the calendar landed on May 10. That happened in the year 1902.

Latest trends show very little snow potential through the end of March. So if you are feeling bold, feel free to empty that snowblower and break out the lawn mower.

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WATCH FOR POLLINATORS

Pollinators like butterflies often lay their eggs in leaves and hollowed-out parts of twigs. People eager to get into their yards and clear out the brush and leaves can inadvertently kill pollinator eggs before it has been warm enough for them to hatch.

Ask Ellen: Should I be concerned my flowers are already coming up?

While “no mow May” has been a popular way to promote giving nature time to thrive, experts now say it would be better to clear brush and keep it in the corner of your property instead of abstaining from mowing completely.

BE CAUTIOUS PLANTING

The soil temperatures across West Michigan are warm enough lately for weeds and other plants to begin to grow. Along with some of the usual early bloomers, you may begin to notice a few mid-spring plants beginning to pop a little early.

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Still, be wary of planting. Even though the ground is warming nicely and a refreeze of the soil is becoming unlikely, our spring weather will likely bring several more frosts and freezes.

History shows us that the last night below 32 degrees is usually in mid-April close to the Indiana state line and in early to mid-May in most of West Michigan.

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