Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to wake your lawn up after a long winter. A little bit of early-season care can go a long way in giving you a lush, green yard to enjoy all summer long. If you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with simple spring lawn maintenance tips to get your grass growing strong and healthy.
Aerate if Necessary During Spring Lawn Maintenance
Compacted soil can be a major problem after a long, wet winter. If your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic or if you notice puddles forming after it rains, it might be time to aerate. Aeration helps loosen up the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily. You can rent a core aerator from a garden center or use a manual aerator for smaller areas.
Feed Your Lawn the Right Way
Once your lawn is cleaned up and breathing again, it’s time to feed it. A good early spring fertilizer will give your grass the nutrients it needs to start growing strong. Look for one that contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If your lawn has a history of weeds, consider using a fertilizer that includes a pre-emergent weed preventer.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can actually harm your grass and lead to weak growth. If you’re unsure about what type of fertilizer to use, a soil test can help you determine exactly what your lawn needs.
Overseed Bare Spots
If winter left you with thin or bare patches, early spring is a great time to overseed. Choose a grass seed that matches your existing lawn and spread it evenly over the thin areas. Lightly rake the seed into the soil and keep it moist until it starts to sprout. Overseeding now will give your grass a head start before the summer heat kicks in.
Water Wisely
It’s tempting to start watering as soon as the weather warms up, but hold off a bit. Early spring usually brings plenty of rain, and overwatering can lead to shallow root growth. Instead of setting up a sprinkler system right away, monitor your soil. If it’s still moist a couple of inches down, your lawn doesn’t need additional water just yet.
When it does come time to water, aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than short, daily sprinkles. This will encourage your grass to grow deeper roots, making it more drought-resistant later in the season.
Control Weeds Early
Spring is the best time to get ahead of weeds before they take over your yard. A pre-emergent weed control product can help stop weeds like crabgrass before they sprout. If weeds have already started appearing, a post-emergent herbicide can help tackle them before they spread.
For those who prefer a more natural approach, hand-pulling weeds is an option, especially if you catch them early. The key is to remove them before they can go to seed and spread throughout your lawn.
A little effort in early spring can make a huge difference in how your lawn looks for the rest of the year. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a thick, green, and healthy lawn all season long.
FAQs on Spring Lawn Maintenance
When should I start spring lawn care?
It depends on where you live, but a good rule of thumb is to start when the soil temperature reaches about 50°F. This is usually when the grass starts growing and weeds begin to germinate.
Is it too early to fertilize in March?
Not necessarily, but it depends on your region. If your lawn is already starting to grow, a light application of fertilizer can help. However, applying too early when the grass is still dormant can be wasteful and ineffective.
Can I seed and use weed preventer at the same time?
Most pre-emergent weed killers will also prevent new grass seeds from germinating, so if you need to overseed, do that first. Wait until the new grass is established before applying a weed preventer.
How often should I water my lawn in early spring?
Only water if necessary. If you’ve had regular rainfall, you likely don’t need to water at all. Once the weather dries out, aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
Why does my lawn look patchy after winter?
Winter can be rough on grass, especially if there was heavy snow, ice, or disease. Raking, aerating, and overseeding can help fill in bare spots and restore your lawn’s health.
Robertson Home Inspection offers inspections to customers in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. Contact us to book our services.