Essential Spring Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Green Lawn

Spring is the perfect time to give your lawn the attention it needs after a long winter. With the right care and maintenance, you can set the foundation for a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood all summer long.

Start with a Clean Slate

Before you begin any major lawn care tasks, take time to clean up winter debris. Remove fallen branches, leaves, and any other debris that has accumulated over the winter months. This allows sunlight and air to reach your grass, promoting healthy growth.

Rake Thoroughly

Even if you did a final fall cleanup, there's likely some leftover debris and dead grass (thatch) that needs to be removed. Use a spring-tine rake to gently remove this layer without damaging the grass crowns.

Test Your Soil

Understanding your soil's pH and nutrient levels is crucial for effective lawn care. A soil test will tell you:

• pH levels - Most grasses prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
• Nutrient deficiencies - Identify if you need specific fertilizers
• Organic matter content - Determine if amendments are needed

You can purchase a home testing kit or send samples to your local extension office for a more detailed analysis.

Aeration: Give Your Lawn Room to Breathe

If your lawn has heavy foot traffic or compacted soil, spring is an excellent time for core aeration. This process:

• Reduces soil compaction
• Improves water infiltration
• Allows nutrients to reach grass roots
• Promotes stronger root development

Pro Tip: Wait until your lawn has been mowed at least twice before aerating to ensure the grass is actively growing.

Overseeding Bare Spots

Spring is ideal for repairing bare or thin areas in your lawn. Here's how:

1. Rake the bare area to loosen the soil
2. Apply a thin layer of compost
3. Spread grass seed appropriate for your region
4. Keep the area consistently moist until germination
5. Avoid heavy foot traffic until established

Fertilization Strategy

Spring fertilization should be done carefully. Too much nitrogen too early can lead to excessive top growth at the expense of root development. Best practices:

• Wait until after your second or third mowing
• Use a slow-release fertilizer
• Follow package directions carefully
• Water after application

Mowing Guidelines

Proper mowing is one of the most important aspects of lawn care:

• Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once
• Keep blades sharp - Dull blades tear grass and invite disease
• Vary your mowing pattern - This prevents soil compaction and grass leaning

Weed Control

Early spring is the time to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass and other annual weeds. Timing is critical - apply when soil temperatures reach about 55°F for several consecutive days.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - This is especially true for weed control. Preventing weeds is much easier than eliminating them once established.

Watering Wisely

As temperatures warm, your lawn's water needs will increase. Follow these guidelines:

• Water deeply but infrequently (1 inch per week)
• Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation
• Adjust based on rainfall
• Look for signs of drought stress (footprints remaining visible)

Need Professional Help?

While many homeowners enjoy maintaining their own lawns, sometimes professional care makes sense. At Wakem Lawn Care, we offer comprehensive spring lawn care services including:

• Core aeration
• Overseeding
• Fertilization programs
• Weed control applications
• Complete lawn renovations

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you achieve the lawn of your dreams!