Spring Lawn Care Essentials
As temperatures rise and nature reawakens, spring is the crucial time to set the stage for a healthy lawn. Focus on waking your turf from dormancy and providing the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Rake Debris: Start by thoroughly raking up any lingering leaves, twigs, and other winter debris. This prevents mold and disease from taking hold and allows the grass to breathe.
Dethatch (Optional but Recommended): If you notice a thick layer of dead grass, roots, and organic matter (thatch) accumulating on the soil surface, consider dethatching. This removes buildup, allowing for better air, water, and nutrient penetration.
Aerate the Soil: Aeration is vital in spring. Creating small holes in the soil improves air circulation, allows water and nutrients to penetrate deeper, and significantly encourages robust root growth by reducing soil compaction.
Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control: To combat weeds before they sprout, apply a pre-emergent herbicide early in the spring. This creates a barrier that stops weed seeds from germinating.
First Round of Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This initial application provides essential nutrients to give your lawn a strong nutrient boost as it comes out of winter dormancy, promoting lush, green growth.
Overseed Bare Patches: If your lawn has any thin or bare patches, spring is an excellent time to overseed. This promotes thicker growth, helps fill in gaps, and improves the lawn's overall density and resilience.
Sprinkler System Start-Up: Prepare your irrigation system for the season. This involves turning on the main water supply, checking for leaks, ensuring all sprinkler heads are functioning correctly, and adjusting them to ensure your lawn gets proper water coverage.
First Lawn Cuts: Once growth begins, make your first lawn cuts. This is a great time to establish a regular mowing routine for the upcoming growing season, setting your mower to the recommended height for your grass type.