Spring is the perfect time to get your lawn in tip-top shape for the warmer months ahead. With the right prep work and regular care, you can have a lush, green lawn all season long. Follow these 8 simple spring lawn care steps to get your grass off to a great start.
1. Rake and Dethatch the Lawn
As soon as the ground thaws, it’s time to get rid of any dead grass, leaves, or debris that accumulated over the winter with a good raking. Use a stiff rake to lightly scratch the surface and remove any thick debris.
Next, you’ll want to dethatch if you have more than half an inch of dead grass built up. Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass below the green blades. This allows sunlight, water and fertilizer to better reach the soil and roots. You can use a dethatching rake, powered dethatching machine or hire a lawn service to dethatch.
Raking and dethatching improves air circulation and sunlight to prep a healthier lawn. It also helps loosen the soil for spring lawn aeration.
2. Aerate the Lawn
Aerating punctures small holes throughout the soil so oxygen, water and nutrients can better reach the grass roots. It helps relieve soil compaction which occurs naturally from foot traffic and mowing over time.
The best time to aerate is during early spring when the ground is moist enough to allow the plugs to push through easily. Use a core aerator that extracts plugs of soil 2-3 inches deep. Make sure the aerator covers the entire lawn, going in different directions.
Leave the soil plugs to decompose on the grass. They will break down within a couple weeks, adding organic matter to the soil.
3. Apply Crabgrass Preventer
Spring is the ideal time to apply crabgrass preventer before any crabgrass seeds germinate. Crabgrass is a common stubborn summertime weed that can leave unsightly patches in the lawn if not prevented.
Look for lawn products containing pendimethalin or prodiamine which prevent crabgrass for months through the peak crabgrass season. These pre-emergent herbicides form a barrier that blocks crabgrass seeds from sprouting but allow grass seeds to grow normally.
Apply crabgrass preventer 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost of spring according to the product instructions. Crabgrass typically germinates when soil temperatures reach 55-60° F, around the same time forsythia bushes bloom. Reapply later in the summer for season-long control.
4. Overseed Bare Patches
If your lawn shows signs of thinning or bare patches, spring is the perfect time to overseed for a thicker lawn. Cool spring temperatures and frequent spring rains create ideal growing conditions for newly seeded grass.
Start by raking over the bare areas to loosen the top layer of soil. Next spread grass seed designed for full sun or shady conditions. Cover the seeds very lightly with 1⁄4 inch layer of topsoil or compost. Water gently daily to keep the top layer moist until the new grass sprouts in 1-3 weeks.
When overseeding, try to match the seed to your existing grass type for the most uniform lawn. For the best results, overseed when daytime temperatures reach into the 60s.
5. Apply Balanced Lawn Fertilizer
Early spring is the most important fertilizing time for establishing a hardy lawn. Fertilizing brings much-needed nutrients to help grass plants recover from winter dormancy.
Look for lawn fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for well-balanced nutrition. Avoid “weed and feed” fertilizers since weed killer is not recommended during spring grass growth.
Follow the product instructions for how much fertilizer to apply over the lawn. Slow-release nitrogen sources provide longer-lasting nutrition. Sweep up any fertilizer that lands on sidewalks or driveways to avoid runoff.
Water after applying fertilizer to help carry nutrients down into the soil. Apply another round of fertilizer 6-8 weeks later for continually fed spring growth.
6. Start Mowing Again
Once your grass green fully, you can resume mowing again. But be careful not to cut too short too soon. Start with the highest setting first and gradually work your way down over a series of mowings this spring. Cutting too short too fast adds stress to grass still in spring recovery mode.
A good rule of thumb is to cut no more than one-third of the total grass blade length with each mowing. So if your grass is 4 inches, mow down to 3 inches or no shorter. Follow the 1/3 rule until you reach your desired height around 2 to 3 inches.
Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut and prevent tearing. Dull blades lead to frayed grass tips which are more vulnerable to disease. Avoid mowing when the lawn is wet to prevent “clumping” of cut grass which leads to lawn spots.
7. Weed Control
While fertilizing your lawn, fast-germinating weeds may also sprout up and compete with the grass. Pull up simple annual weeds like dandelions when you see them.
For wider infestations, spray weed control products containing 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba or a mix of these after the second mowing for the most effectiveness until the end of June. Read product labels to check that it’s safe for your grass type before spraying.
Herbicides work best on younger, actively growing weeds. Spot spray weed-prone areas versus the entire lawn to avoid stressing the grass. For best results, spray on a calm day with temperatures above 60°F.
8. Water Infrequently But Deeply
Spring lawns require less frequent watering than summertime. But when you do water, aim for deep watering around the roots instead of frequent shallow sprinklings. Deep weekly soakings of about an inch of water promote stronger roots.
The best time to water is early morning before 10 am when evaporation rates are lower. Avoid frequent light watering which leads to shallow roots. Use a screwdriver to test that water is penetrating 4-6 inches into the soil where the roots are.
Watch for these signs you need to water:
- Grass blades remain folded or rolled during the day
- Footprints linger on the lawn for several hours
- Grass appears blue-gray or dull green
Following these spring lawn care tips leads to a thriving yard your neighbors will envy all spring and summer long. With just a little elbow grease and TLC, you can have a show-worthy lawn this year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Lawn Care
Spring lawn care may seem daunting, but just focus on these key steps for a healthy green lawn. Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have when tackling DIY spring lawn prep.
When should I start spring lawn care?
Most experts recommend starting spring lawn care when forsythia bushes start to bloom. This signals the ground has thawed and soil temperatures are approaching 55-60° F when crabgrass and weeds begin germinating. Get a jump start by raking, aerating and dethatching as soon as your lawn thaws. Hold off on fertilizing and overseeding until daytime highs reach the 50s and 60s.
How do I revive my lawn in spring?
Raking and dethatching to remove dead debris, followed by core aeration helps get air and nutrients down to the roots to revive the lawn. Overseeding fills in bare or thin patches. Fertilizing gives added nutrients, and proper mowing height strengthens grass plants. Weed control also reduces competition so your grass can thrive.
What is the best fertilizer for spring lawns?
Look for balanced fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which provides complete nutrition for root development and bright green growth. Slow-release nitrogen provides longer-lasting feeding. Granular fertilizers are easiest for DIY application. Avoid “weed and feed” products when trying to bolster lawn growth.
When should I dethatch my lawn in spring?
Dethatch in early spring before grass resumes growth for the year. Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass below the blades to allow sunlight, air and nutrients to reach the soil. Use a dethatching rake, powered rake or hire a lawn service for best results. Overseed after dethatching for the best outcome.
Do I need to aerate my lawn every year?
Lawn experts recommend aerating cool season grasses once per year in early spring before growth resumes. Warm season grasses that grow more vigorously require two yearly aerations – spring and fall. Aerating every other year can also maintain a healthy lawn unless soil compaction is severe in high traffic areas.
What is the first fertilizer to put on your lawn in spring?
The most important spring feeding focuses on root growth before blades regrow. Look for fertilizers higher in phosphorus and potassium versus nitrogen. Organic lawn fertilizers containing meals like alfalfa, cottonseed or soybean also nurture roots. Slow-release nitrogen provides steady spring feeding over 6-8 weeks.
How short should I cut my grass in spring?
When restarting spring mowing, begin with the highest setting to avoid cutting too much at first. Gradually work your way down over successive mowings until you reach your ideal length of 2-4 inches. Never cut more than 1/3 of total blade length at a time to prevent grass stress. Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts.
How do I get rid of weeds in my lawn naturally?
For home remedies, try spraying areas with undiluted vinegar for fast burndown of weeds. Table salt or boiling water also provides control when applied directly to weeds. Maintaining a thick lawn through proper fertilization, mowing and overseeding prevents future weeds by crowding them out.
Conclusion
Following a good spring lawn care regimen is crucial for getting your lawn off to the right start. Focus on raking, dethatching, aerating, fertilizing, overseeding, mowing and weeding control for optimal lawn health. Give grass plants the nutrients and growing conditions they need before summer stresses set in.
With a little time investment on the front end, you can enjoy a lush green lawn all spring and keep your yard thriving into the summer months. Your neighbors will be envious of your lawn care handiwork.
So put on your gardening gloves and get ready to whip your lawn into shape. With this complete 8 step spring lawn care guide, you’ll master DIY lawn care jobs in no time. Get ready to show off a healthy lawn this season!