The first thaw of spring signals the start of lawn maintenance for the season. Your lawn is an important part of your home’s curb appeal, but it also doubles as a place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. This detailed manual will show you how to revive your lawn after the winter and get it ready for a beautiful, flourishing summer.
Cleaning Up Litter and Debris
Remove any debris, such as leaves and dead grass, that may have accumulated over the winter by raking the lawn first. This will improve the flow of oxygen, water, and sunlight to the plant’s base. For leaves and other large debris, use a leaf rake, while for smaller debris and thatch, use a metal or plastic lawn rake. Raking should be done carefully so as not to tear up the grass.
Aeration
If you want strong grass growth, aerating your lawn is a must. Aeration is the process of creating tiny holes in the soil so that air, water, and nutrients can more easily reach the grass roots. A spike or plug aerator, found at most home improvement stores, can be used for this purpose. Aim to aerate your lawn in the early spring, or at any other time when the soil is moist but not soggy.
Planting Seeds and Planting Again
Your lawn will need to be seeded if you find any thin or bare spots. Select grass seed that is suited to your area and soil, and spread it at the rate recommended on the package. Spreading grass seed over the entire lawn, rather than just the bare patches, is what we mean when we talk about “overseeding” for a more uniform lawn. The grass will thicken up and choke out the weeds as a result of this. Seeding and overseeding are best done in early spring, after the soil has warmed but before the hot summer months.
Fertilization
Providing proper nutrition for your grass is crucial if you want it to flourish. Strong root development and fast growth can be encouraged by applying a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring. Apply at the rates and for the durations specified by the manufacturer. The best time to fertilize is in the spring, and subsequent applications should be spaced every 6-8 weeks.
Managing Weeds
Weeding your lawn can be a pain, but it’s essential to a healthy and beautiful yard. Prevent weeds from sprouting by using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring. Choose a product that is designed for your type of grass and apply it according to the directions provided. Use a post-emergent herbicide or manually remove any weeds that do sprout to stop their spread.
Adequate Watering
While water is essential for a green lawn, too much of a good thing can encourage shallow root development and promote disease. When watering your lawn in the spring, it is best to do so infrequently and deeply. Whether from rain or sprinklers, your plants need about an inch of water per week. It’s best to water your lawn first thing in the morning to prevent water from evaporating and fostering fungal growth on the grass blades.
Mowing
It’s important to get into the habit of regularly cutting the grass as soon as it starts growing in the spring. Cut the grass between 2.5 and 3.5 inches high, depending on the type of grass you have. Keep your mower’s blades sharp, as tearing the grass with dull blades will weaken it. Mowing the lawn when it’s wet can be damaging and promote the spread of disease, so try to avoid doing it then.
Managing Pests and Illnesses
Check your lawn regularly for signs of disease or pests. Grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms are common lawn pests, and diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and red thread can also do significant damage. Apply treatments, such as pesticides or fungicides, as soon as possible if you find signs of pest or disease problems. Take all necessary precautions and apply the product as directed by the manufacturer.
The work you put into your lawn in the spring will lay the groundwork for a thriving and attractive lawn all summer long. If you take care of your lawn like this over the winter, it will not only survive, but thrive, in the spring and summer. You can have a beautiful, healthy lawn that you can enjoy all summer long with some regular raking, aerating, seeding, fertilizing, weed and pest control, watering, and mowing.