7 Spring Lawn Care Tips for the DIY Gardener
- Check your hoses. ...
- Water the right way. ...
- Fill in the blanks (with seed or sod) Don’t leave bare patches in the lawn unattended because weeds will find them. ...
- Keep weeds under control. ...
- Get your lawn mower ready for the season. ...
- Don’t bag it. ...
- Wait to fertilize. ...
- Rake. Spring raking removes lingering fall leaves and grass blades that did not survive winter. ...
- Overseed. Fill bare or thin spots in the lawn by overseeding. ...
- Aerate. Vital for a truly healthy lawn, aeration is the solution for compacted soil. ...
- Dethatch. ...
- Weed. ...
- Fertilize. ...
- Water. ...
- Mow.
What are the steps in spring lawn care?
Spring lawn care tips for the do-it yourselfers
- Raking away debris and dead grass. Upon first sight in the spring, many lawns look less than perfect. ...
- Crabgrass preemergence applications. ...
- Early season fertilizer applications. ...
- Rolling lawns. ...
How to take care of your lawn in the spring?
- Water your lawn a few days before applying fertilizer to avoid burning the roots. ...
- If you have crabgrass issues, use a fertilizer with a crabgrass preventer in early spring. ...
- If you have common or broadleaf weeds, use a weed and feed product when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
How-to prepare your lawn for spring?
NC local guide: How to care for your lawn this spring (for beginners)
- Pick up debris in your yard. The first step in effective spring maintenance is gathering debris from your yard. ...
- Take out your weeds. Cleaning up the debris in your yard goes a long way to improve its appearance. ...
- Mow the lawn. ...
- Aerate your soil. ...
- Begin planting your flower beds. ...
- Follow the steps in this local guide for the best spring maintenance routine. ...
What are some tips for lawn care?
Remove weeds, thatch and moss
- Weeds. These can appear anywhere as there are so many ways they can be brought into the garden, by birds flying over, pets and other animals roaming across the grass ...
- Thatch. This is a layer of organic matter that can build up between the leaves and the soil, consisting of dead leaves, grass and root stems.
- Moss. ...
What should I do to my lawn in spring?
Early SpringEarly Spring. Tune up your mower. ... Clean up. Walk around and pick up twigs, branches, and any trash that winter (or the kids) tossed onto your lawn. ... Repair bare spots. ... Wipe out dandelions. ... *don't apply to newly seeded areas until after the 4th mowing; wait 4 months to plants seeds after applying.
How do I prepare my lawn for early spring?
Rake Deeply Raking is the first thing you need to do to prepare your lawn for new growth. You may still have a few fallen leaves on the ground, however early spring raking is done primarily to remove thatch. Rake deeply and thoroughly to help break up any remnants of turf-grass from the previous growing season.
What should I put on my lawn in April?
LawnsLightly fertilize all cool-season lawn grasses (such as fescue and bluegrass). ... Begin post emergent weed control.Apply pre-emergent herbicide or corn gluten to prevent crabgrass and other annual weeds.Top-dress lawns and patch bare spots.Lawns will be very soggy, so treat them gently and avoid too much traffic.More items...
How do I rejuvenate my lawn in the spring?
Rejuvenate Your Lawn with 7 Spring MustsDethatching. 1/8. Dead grass and lawn clippings accumulate and get matted down into thatch. ... Testing. 2/8. To grow a great lawn, you need good soil. ... Cleanup. 3/8. ... Aeration. 4/8. ... Weed Treatment. 5/8. ... Seeding. 6/8. ... Equipment Maintenance. 7/8. ... Spring Spruce Up. 8/8.
How do I treat my lawn in March?
This Month in a NutshellReduce worm casting prior to mowing - see Pest & Diseases below.Treat moss with a Ferrous Sulphate based product.Aeration - use spikes and if no frost likely then also hollow tine heavily trafficked areas only.Light topping with the mower - use very high setting.Turfing jobs.
What is the best fertilizer for early spring?
In the spring, apply a 20-5-10 fertilizer mix. Be careful not to apply to early as fertilizer can easily burn vulnerable grass. Keep in mind that there are other things you can do before it's time to fertilize. In late May or early June, before the heat of the summer arrives, apply some slow release nitrogen.
When should I apply spring fertilizer to my lawn?
When To Apply Spring Fertilizer. Here's the short answer: Early Spring. Cool season turfgrasses grow most actively in the spring, due to the combination of optimal temperatures and rain in most regions. This makes early spring fertilization very important, since the turf requires the most nourishment during this period ...
What month Should I fertilize lawn?
Ideally, the ground should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, March to April is the best time to fertilize your lawn. It's also best if your yard is watered a few days before you want to apply the fertilizer, whether that's from rain or a sprinkler.
What comes first fertilizer or grass seed?
You can plant grass seed immediately after applying fertilizer. Please make sure there is no weed preventer in the fertilizer, as this will also prevent the grass seed from germinating.
Can you put down too much grass seed?
All plants, including grass plants, need adequate soil space for roots to spread and develop. If you put down too much grass seed, you will encourage competition that will cause your grass seedlings to struggle after germination because there will be excessive competition for sunlight, soil nutrients, and water.
Should you rake lawn in spring?
Caring for your Lawn in Early Spring Rake lightly, if needed. Rake your lawn thoroughly if you notice a lot of dead grass after winter snow has melted. Too much dead, matted grass will prevent your lawn from breathing and taking in important nutrients.
What type of lawn fertilizer should I use in the spring?
By the way, a 20-5-10 lawn fertilizer is a good basic mix to use in spring. Slow-release lawn fertilizers break down their nutrients over a longer period of time, so you can wait longer between applications.
When should I apply spring fertilizer to my lawn?
When To Apply Spring Fertilizer. Here's the short answer: Early Spring. Cool season turfgrasses grow most actively in the spring, due to the combination of optimal temperatures and rain in most regions. This makes early spring fertilization very important, since the turf requires the most nourishment during this period ...
What is the best spring fertilizer for grass?
Best Lawn Fertilizers for Spring 2022 ReviewsMiracle-Gro Lawn Food. ... Espoma EOLB30 Organic Lawn Food. ... Safer Lawn Restore Fertilizer. ... Scotts Turf Building Lawn Fertilizer. ... LawnStar 16-4-8 NPK With Seaweed Spring Fertilizer. ... BioAdvanced Weed & Feed Crabgrass Killer Lawn Fertilizer.More items...
How do I get my grass green after winter?
5 Tips for a Green Lawn After Winter ColdPrepare your lawn in the fall. Once the fall season kicks into gear, do not neglect your lawn. ... Get rid of the weeds. ... Alleviate soil compaction. ... After the last freeze, apply a pre-emergent weed killer. ... Start watering your lawn.
What to do with lawn in spring?
Part of spring lawn care involves clearing away the ravages of winter. Equipped with your rake and pruning shears, take an exploratory stroll around the property. Look closely for any plants that didn’t survive. Prune damaged or dead branches from trees and bushes, and remove twigs or leaves you find lingering on the grass.
How to dethatch dead grass?
Dethatch the lawn by giving it a good once-over, using either a lawn rake with stiff tines or a special dethatching rake ( view on Amazon ).
How does aeration affect grass roots?
In high-traffic areas, the soil beneath grass gradually becomes compacted and inhospitable to grass roots. Aeration reverses the damage done. Here, using a specialized tool ( view on Amazon ), wine cork-size plugs are drawn out of the lawn surface, giving roots room to spread and allowing air, nutrients, and moisture to penetrate the soil.
Is it important to cut corners in spring?
All are important. Remember that cutting corners now could mean that at the peak of summer, you’ll be spending your weekends making up for spring lawn care oversights. In other words, it’s in your best interest to act now.
What to do when your lawn is bare?
Overseeding is the process of sowing seed over existing grass. Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (starter fertilizer) when you overseed.
What should I do when my lawn is ready for new growth?
Raking is the first thing you need to do when getting your lawn ready for new growth. You probably think, "But my trees had no leaves falling for months. Why should I rake?" Raking does more than just remove tree leaves, however. Even if you did a phenomenal job of raking leaves in the fall, you still have to contend with thatch .
Why is aerating the lawn in spring not recommended?
Generally, though, spring aerating is discouraged because the aeration holes provide a perfect spot for weed seeds to germinate. Lawn weeds (especially crabgrass) are the first seeds to germinate in the spring, and aerating the lawn stirs them up and gives them an ideal home.
What does spring mean on a lawn mower?
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. Give your mower a tune-up once a year. In three easy steps, you can get your mower back in tip-top shape.
What to do if your lawn mower needs a tune up?
If your lawnmower needs more than a tune-up, then consider getting a new one . Among the key tune-up tasks is sharpening the mower blade. A regular sharpening will ensure the blade severs, rather than tears, the grass plants, leading to a nice green lawn rather than one with ragged brown tips.
Why is my lawn getting compacted?
If your lawn gets heavy traffic, such as lots of running and playing in the same spot, this can cause soil compaction. If you see moss, which thrives on compacted soil, you can get rid of it, but you need to look deeper into its root cause. In this case, it's usually compacted soil that needs aeration .
How long after grass sprouts can you fertilize?
Five weeks after the grass germinates and sprouts, you can begin a normal fertilization routing using quick-release nitrogen fertilizer. It is possible to apply seed only to the visible bare patches, but it is also quite common to overseed the entire lawn to ensure that the lawn remains thick and healthy.
What to do if your lawn has acid?
If you find that your soil has a high acid level, you can spread a thin layer of lime over your lawn. The lime neutralizes the acid and makes the soil better able to support new grass growth.
How to get your lawn to turn green?
It can be tempting to get out the lawn tools and attack your yard just as soon as it is warm enough to go outside without a coat on. Be patient, though, and let your lawn wake itself up gradually. If you spend too much time on your lawn before it is fully green, you run the risk of compacting the grass or killing new shoots before they have a chance to mature. Wait until your lawn has turned mostly green before you begin mowing or aerating in the spring.
Why do you rake your lawn?
Raking allows you to pull up any thatch that may have accumulated over the winter when the grass was less springy. It also gives you a chance to find any dead spots or compacted areas that need special attention. When a lawn becomes compacted, you need to use an aerator to loosen the soil and allow the grass to grow more easily once more.
Do you do a soil pH test?
Most home improvement stores and garden centers like ACE & True Value sell do it yourself soil pH tests. These tests are a valuable tool as you prepare your lawn for the summer. Harsh, long winters can cause the pH levels in your soil to become very acidic, which makes it difficult for most grasses to thrive.
Is spring lawn care more time intensive than fall?
Spring lawn care is much less time intensive than fall lawn care. If you prepared your lawn properly in the late fall, there should be very little for you to do once the weather begins to get warm again.
Can you use pre-emergent weed killer in the spring?
A light application of pre-emergent weed killer in the spring should take care of any of the weeds that survived your fall treatment. Don’t overdo the spring weed killer, however, or you may damage the new grass that is starting to grow.
When is it best to take care of a lawn mower?
During the winter months, it’s important to take preventive care of your lawn mower before resuming a regular mowing schedule. Doing this improves the mower’s lifespan and performance. It will also save you time and money repairing a damaged mower or spending hours going over your lawn with a dysfunctional mower.
How to prepare a garden for spring 2020?
Prepare Garden Beds. There are a lot of different ways you can prepare garden beds for the spring. You can start by clearing them of any unwanted weeds, mulch or other debris until you have nothing but bare soil.
How many fertilizer options does Sod University recommend?
Learn how to read a fertilizer label appropriately so that you can make the correct purchase. Sod University recommends two different fertilizer options for the spring. You will only need to use one of the two options for spring fertilization.
Why is standing water bad for lawns?
Standing water can be a huge problem in home lawns because it is so unsanitary and extremely harmful to lawns. Standing water has the potential to damage your home’s foundation as well. Your grass won’t be able to thrive underwater and it can eventually damage your grass’s root structure. It can be an even larger issue during the winter if you receive a lot of rain or have a lot of melting snow. Creating a slope, leveling your lawn or using some form of drainage system will really help with this. Some drainage systems include ditches, catch basins or drains.
When is the best time to prune trees?
A lot of lawn care professionals suggest that late winter is the best time to prune ornamentals and trees because they’re usually dormant. Harder pruning should take place right before the spring to promote new growth. The benefits include: 1) a reduced risk of disease or pest invasion since it’s so cold out and 2) the fact that wounds heal faster and there’s less sap in trees during the winter. This simply makes things less messy.
Why level a yard?
Leveling a yard will reduce standing water, which we talk about further down in this article. This project also eliminates a lot of threats of disease and helps your lawn absorb more water. A lot of homeowners aren’t always sure how to level a yard in the first place.
How to keep soil from being evaporated?
You can also add a layer of mulch to regulate the heat in the soil. It also keeps the moisture in the soil and keeps it from being evaporated quickly. Read more about soil management in Soil Management for Lawns and Gardens. Be sure to collect a soil analysis to see all of the nutrients your soil may need.
5 Steps To Take Care Of Your Lawn In The Spring
While my mom and Janice do mow their lawn themselves, they hire a lawn care specialist to help with certain key services including the following…
Watering Your Lawn
We live in an area where we often have water restrictions during the summer. It can be a challenge to keep your lawn looking green when you can’t water it freely.
What About You?
Have you ever hired a lawn care specialist to help you maintain your lawn? Do you have any lawn care tips or tricks that you can share with us?
Rake the Yard
Avoid walking or working on your lawn until after the spring thaw, to prevent damaging the grass.
Aerate the Soil
Another way to reduce thatch and the effects of compacted soil is to use a core aerator, which removes plugs of soil so more air, water and nutrients can reach the grassroots.
Fertilize the Grass
Apply spring fertilizer about three weeks after the grass starts greening or following the first two or three mowings. Apply too early and you risk feeding weeds and creating fertilizer runoff.
Seed and Lime the Lawn as Needed
Plant grass seed in bare spots in your lawn or wherever growth is sparse. Consider seeding while applying a slow release nitrogen fertilizer. Early spring and fall are ideal times for reseeding.
Water the Lawn
Spring irrigation varies by region. In general, grass needs an inch of water per week, whether from rain or a spring lawn care routine with a garden hose, sprinkler or irrigation system.
Mowing and Lawn Care Tips
Before mowing in spring, inspect your lawn mower and perform any necessary maintenance, such as changing the oil or spark plugs. Make sure your lawn mower blade is sharp to guarantee a clean cut. Be safe, and always remove the spark plugs before doing any work on your lawn mower.
Dispose of Lawn Clippings as Needed
It's acceptable to leave grass clippings on your lawn unless they begin to form a thick thatch layer. Then remove the clippings and dethatch your lawn as needed.
Dethatching
Soil Testing
- To grow grass successfully, you need the right soil. Most varieties thrive in conditions that are neither acidic nor alkaline. Methods exist to raise or lower soil pH, but you’ve got to know what you’re dealing with. Purchase a soil test kit for around $10 from your neighborhood garden store, or send a soil sample to your local extension office.
Yard Cleanup
- Part of spring lawn care involves clearing away the ravages of winter. Equipped with your rakeand pruning shears, take an exploratory stroll around the property. Look closely for any plants that didn’t survive. Prune damaged or dead branches from trees and bushes, and remove twigs or leaves you find lingering on the grass.
Aeration
- In high-traffic areas, the soil beneath grass gradually becomes compacted and inhospitable to grass roots. Aeration reverses the damage done. Here, using a specialized tool (view on Amazon), wine cork-size plugs are drawn out of the lawn surface, giving roots room to spread and allowing air, nutrients, and moisture to penetrate the soil.
Weed Treatment
- Weed control ranks high among spring lawn-care priorities: If you don’t act against weeds now, before they emerge, you’ll spend the summer battling them—and it’s not a fight you’re liable to win. Prevent weeds from even sprouting by applying a pre-emergent herbicide or explore alternative treatments free of harmful chemicals.
Seeding
- On any bare patches of ground, skip the herbicide and opt instead for grass seed. Be aware, however, that if you’re planting grass in the spring, it’s going to need lots of TLC during the hot summer months—that is, consistent watering and regular weeding—and you’ll most likely have to seed again in the fall.
Equipment Maintenance
- Before the lawn season gets into full swing, inspect all your outdoor tools, including the mower. If necessary, take the machine in for service or give it a tune-up yourself: change the oil, install new spark plugs, and replace the air filter. Also, make sure to have fuel on hand in preparation for the first grass-cutting of the year.