Here are eight tasks you should complete in the spring to foster a healthy lawn.
Raking is the first thing you need to do when getting your lawn ready for new growth. It's a good idea to remove the grass blades that died over the winter to prevent that dead grass from turning into a thatch layer that chokes out new growth.
BONUS TIPS:
- Use a flexible leaf rake rather than a stiff metal one, which could damage young plants.
- Look out for matted patches of lawn caused by snow mold, raking can solve this problem.
If soil is compacted to the point that existing grass can't grow, it may be necessary to aerate in the spring.
CAUTION TIPS:
- Generally, spring aerating is discouraged because the aeration holes provide a perfect spot for weed seeds to germinate.
- If you must aerate in the spring, consider doing it around Memorial Day, after weeds have started growing but before they go to seed.
Contact your local county extension office to perform a soil test to figure out your soils pH levels. All you have to do is call, check on their website, or visit your local extension office, and they can advise you on what you'll need.
Although typically done during autumn, spring overseeding is needed at times. Overseeding is the process of sowing seed over existing grass.
BONUS TIPS:
- Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (starter fertilizer).
- Keep the new seed moist until it is actively growing.
Lawns can be fertilized by topdressing with compost or using a mulching mower to chop lawn clippings into a nourishing source of nitrogen. Scotts Miracle-Gro Company also provides a widely accepted schedule for fertilizing lawns that includes a spring feeding.
BONUS TIPS:
- A lighter feeding in spring and a heavier one in late fall for cool-season grasses is recommended.
- Too much fertilizer in spring can lead to disease and weed problem.
- If you fertilized in late fall, then your lawn still has fertilizer to feed on in spring.
For those who prefer weed-free lawns, spring lawn care is as much about weed prevention as it is about fostering healthy lawn growth.
BONUS TIPS WHEN APPLYING:
- To fight crabgrass, you may need to apply both pre and post emergent herbicide.
- Don't plan on doing any core aeration until the fall.
- Wait until early fall to do your overseeding with turfgrass seed.
The best way to apply chemical herbicides is spot-spraying weeds rather than over-spraying the entire lawn. There are also A variety of weed-popper tools to help you manually pull out weeds.
(OR PULL SPRING WEEDS)
Spring also means it's time to get out the lawn mower and give it a once over. Start it up; stubborn start-ups are a sign that it might be due for a tune-up.
BONUS TIPS:
- Among the key tune-up tasks is sharpening the mower blade.
- Give your mower a tune-up once a year.
Eichenlaub can help you with your landscaping needs. We have the trained and certified personnel, experience, knowledge, and equipment to cultivate a thriving environment on your property. Our comprehensive care allows you to enjoy your landscape, secure in the knowledge that we are attending to its needs. The right tools in the right hands is the Eichenlaub difference.