Spring Ultimate Lawn Care Guide from the Pros
As the winter frost melts away, spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your lawn and set the stage for a lush, healthy yard. With professional-grade tips and best practices, you can ensure your grass gets the strongest possible start for the growing season.
Step 1: Clean Up and Assess Your Lawn
1. Remove Debris
Winter can leave behind dead leaves, branches, and other debris. Rake up any leftover thatch to promote airflow and prevent mold or disease.
2. Check for Snow Mold and Pests
Inspect your lawn for signs of snow mold, dead patches, or pest damage. If you notice grubs, consider applying beneficial nematodes or a grub control treatment.
3. Soil Testing
A professional soil test will reveal pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. If your pH is off, apply lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH) accordingly.
Step 2: Aerate and Dethatch for Healthy Roots
1. Core Aeration
Aerating your lawn allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone, promoting stronger, deeper root growth. If your soil is compacted, consider renting a core aerator.
2. Dethatching
If thatch buildup exceeds ½ inch, use a dethatcher or power rake to remove excess material and improve nutrient absorption.
Step 3: Overseed and Repair Bare Patches
1. Choose the Right Grass Seed
For thin or patchy areas, overseed with a high-quality grass seed blend suited to your region and sun exposure.
2. Proper Seeding Techniques
- Loosen the top layer of soil before spreading seed.
- Keep the soil moist but not oversaturated.
- Apply a thin layer of straw mulch (such as EZ Straw) to retain moisture and protect seedlings.
Step 4: Fertilize for Strong Growth
1. Use a Balanced Fertilizer
Apply a slow-release fertilizer like GreenView Lawn Food to promote early-season growth without excessive top growth that can stress roots.
2. Avoid Over-Fertilizing
Too much nitrogen can lead to rapid blade growth at the expense of root development. Stick to professional recommendations for your grass type.
Step 5: Weed Prevention and Control
1. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide
A pre-emergent weed control product will stop common spring weeds like crabgrass before they sprout.
2. Spot-Treat Existing Weeds
For already-emerged weeds, use a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming your grass.
Step 6: Mowing and Watering Strategies
1. First Mow of the Season
- Set your mower blade to 3–4 inches to encourage deep root growth.
- Never remove more than ⅓ of the grass blade height in a single mowing session.
2. Watering Best Practices
- Water deeply 1–1.5 inches per week, ideally in the early morning.
- Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which encourages weak, surface-level roots.
Step 7: Mulching and Edging for a Polished Look
1. Refresh Mulch Beds
Apply a fresh layer of mulch around trees and flower beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Define Lawn Edges
Use a half-moon edger or trimmer to create clean, sharp lawn edges along walkways and beds.
Spring Lawn Care Pro Tips
- Monitor Your Lawn Weekly: Check for signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Rotate Mowing Patterns: Change mowing direction each time to avoid soil compaction.
- Invest in Quality Products: Using professional-grade fertilizers, weed control, and aeration tools will make a noticeable difference in lawn health.
By following these pro tips, you’ll set up your lawn for a season of strong, healthy growth. Need expert advice or premium lawn care products? Visit D.R. Snell Nursery for everything you need to achieve the ultimate spring lawn!
