Spring Lawn Maintenance

The best way to ensure you have a lush, green lawn each summer is to give it some extra care and attention each spring. Maximize your time and satisfaction by taking the right steps at the right time, using these helpful tips from the landscape experts at The Grounds Guys®. Looking for a one-stop one-sheeter? Click below to download our Spring Lawn Maintenance Tips Checklist. Then, read full details and recommendations in our blog.

Spring Lawn Maintenance Tips

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For best rest results, customize your lawn care based on the type of grass that is on your property:

Cool-Season Grass

Varieties such as bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass undergo a moderate growth spurt in the spring, but peak growing season is in the fall. Because they are more susceptible to suffering in the heat it's important to ensure the grass is strong enough to withstand higher temperatures.

Warm-Season Grass

Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine, and other warm-season varieties do well in the heat of the summer and remain dormant throughout the winter months. Growth begins to occur after the last spring frost and continues until mid-October or the first frost.

Start Slow

While you may be full of enthusiasm, resist heavy yard work until the soil has had time to dry out and your lawn has had time to reawaken. Spending too much time on your lawn in the early stages can damage new shoots or compact the soil, so invest your time wisely by tuning up your mower, cleaning garden tools, or spreading out piles of snow to help your lawn dry out more quickly.

Clean Up

Walk around your property and collect larger items such as twigs, branches, or other debris. Give the lawn a thorough, deep raking to remove thatch or dead grass, and detect dead spots or areas where the soil may have become compacted.

Fertilize

Cool-season grasses should be fertilized in the fall during peak growing season, but if you skipped this step last fall or your lawn is in bad shape, apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer to give it a boost. For warm-season grasses, apply fertilizer once active growth begins in mid to late spring.

Overseeding

Bare patches are unhealthy and unsightly and can be eliminated by overseeding your lawn. Cool-season grasses should be seeded in the fall when possible, but warm-season grass seed can be planted once outdoor temperatures reach the 70s and the danger of frost has passed.

Control Weeds

Early spring is a great time to get a handle on weeds, but you will need to choose between overseeding and killing weeds as any herbicide will prevent the growth of new grass. Apply a light application of pre-emergent weed killer as a preventive measure to stop crabgrass and weeds from developing.

Prepare Garden Beds

After the last frost, once the soil is workable, start preparing your garden beds. Soil gets compacted during the winter months making it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots of your plants. Loosen the soil using a tiller or sharp spade, this is a great time to add compost or other nutrients. For a pop of spring color plant annuals and add fresh mulch.

Additional Tips

• Mowing – Begin mowing once sufficient growth has occurred, setting the mower height to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade.
• Watering – Aim for approximately one-inch of water per week.
• Pruning – If you didn’t prune in the winter, trim trees and bushes before buds begin.
• Pest control – Grubs may emerge during late spring and begin to feast on your lawn. If you detect damage due to pests contact The Grounds Guys for a comprehensive assessment and treatment.
• Aeration – For best results aeration should be performed during peak growing season; for cool-season grasses, this will be in the fall, while warm-season grasses may be aerated in the early summer months.

Spring is a time of renewal and a great time to prepare your home and yard for the warmer days ahead. While you perform spring lawn maintenance, let your local Molly Maid help with interior spring cleaning. For all your year-round landscaping needs, contact the professionals at The Grounds Guys to arrange for an estimate.