Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring

Spring has officially arrived today and the first signs of the season are starting to show up in warmer weather, crocuses, and of course, bears. After a winter that brought its fair share of snow, ice, and temperature swings, your lawn has likely taken a bit of a beating.

The good news is that early spring is the perfect time to help your lawn recover and set it up for a healthy growing season. A little attention now can make the difference between a thin, patchy yard and a thick, green lawn you’ll enjoy all summer. Here are a few simple steps homeowners can take this time of year.

Start with a Soil Test

Before you rush out to buy fertilizer or grass seed, it’s smart to start with a soil test. Many homeowners skip this step, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your lawn.

Grass grows best in soil with a pH between about 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, your lawn won’t absorb nutrients properly, no matter how much fertilizer you apply.

A simple soil test will tell you exactly what your lawn needs. Test kits are available at most garden centers and hardware stores, and some homeowners choose to have their soil professionally tested for even more detailed results.

Clean Up Winter’s Leftovers

Once the snow has melted and the ground begins to dry out, it’s time to clean up the yard. Winter tends to leave behind plenty of debris like fallen branches, leftover leaves, pine needles, and other material that can smother new grass growth.

Start by removing larger debris, then give the lawn a light raking. Even if the lawn looks fairly clean, raking helps loosen the layer of dead grass and organic material known as thatch.

A small amount of thatch is normal and even helpful in winter, but too much of it can block sunlight, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil.

Consider Aerating the Lawn

If your yard sees a lot of foot traffic or has heavy soil, spring can be a good time to aerate. Aeration involves creating small holes in the lawn that allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more easily.

Over time, soil becomes compacted, especially after months of snow sitting on top of it. Aerating loosens the soil and encourages stronger root growth, which leads to healthier, more resilient grass.

Homeowners can rent an aerator for the day or hire a lawn care professional to take care of it.

Get Ahead of Weeds

One of the biggest lawn challenges each spring is crabgrass and other invasive weeds. The key to controlling them is prevention.

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring helps stop weed seeds from germinating before they become a problem. Timing matters with this step, so it’s worth asking your local garden center when conditions are right for your area.

When weeds are controlled early, your lawn has a much better chance to grow thick and healthy.

Fill in Thin or Bare Spots

Winter can leave lawns looking a little thin in places. Bare areas may appear where snow piles sat the longest or where grass struggled during colder months.

Early spring is a good opportunity to reseed those spots or overseed the entire lawn if it’s starting to look sparse. Choosing the right seed blend for your soil, sunlight conditions, and level of foot traffic will help the new grass establish more successfully.

Once seeded, keep the area consistently moist until the new grass begins to grow.

Give Your Lawn the Nutrients It Needs

After months of dormancy, grass benefits from a boost of nutrients. Applying fertilizer in early spring helps encourage new growth and strengthens the lawn heading into the warmer months.

The best fertilizer will depend on your soil conditions, which is another reason soil testing is so helpful. Using the right product ensures your lawn gets exactly what it needs without over-applying unnecessary nutrients.

Hold Off on the First Mow

Finally, one of the most common mistakes homeowners make each spring is mowing too early. It’s tempting to fire up the mower as soon as the grass starts growing, but allowing the lawn to grow a little taller early in the season actually helps build stronger roots. Longer grass also shades the soil, which can help reduce weed growth. A little patience here can pay off with a healthier lawn later in the season.

With a bit of attention now, your lawn can bounce back from winter and stay green and healthy throughout the months ahead.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spring Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Season Ahead

The first day of spring is officially here in Connecticut and we’re already seeing early signs of the season peeking through in the form of crocuses, daffodils, and warmer weather. After an up-and-down winter with a good amount of snow, now is the perfect time to give your lawn some much-needed attention so it thrives all season long.

Here’s your early spring checklist to help get your grass green, healthy, and beautiful:

1. Start with a Soil Test

Before you do anything else, start with a soil test. Grass can be picky, and understanding your soil’s pH and nutrient profile is essential. Ideally, your pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. A test will help determine what your lawn needs—so you don’t waste money on the wrong fertilizer or seed. You can pick up an easy DIY soil test kit at your local hardware store or hire a professional landscaper to do it for you.

2. Clean-Up Comes First

Once the snow is gone and the ground begins to thaw, it’s time to clean up winter’s mess. Remove any sticks, leaves, or pine needles that have accumulated. Then, rake your lawn—even if it looks clear. Raking helps dethatch the lawn by removing the layer of dead grass and debris that can block sunlight and prevent new growth. Thatch offers insulation in winter, but now it’s time to let your lawn breathe.

3. Aerate for Better Growth

Aerating your lawn is a game-changer. It helps break up compacted soil, improves air and water flow, and gives grass roots better access to nutrients. You can rent an aerator or hire a pro, but either way, don’t skip this step—it really helps your lawn thrive from the ground up.

4. Apply a Pre-Emergent for Weed Control

Weeds are the first to pop up in the spring—and they’re stubborn. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide now will help stop weeds like crabgrass before they take over. The best product for your yard will depend on your soil and grass type, so talk to your local garden center expert for guidance. Getting ahead of weeds early gives your grass a better shot at soaking up all the sunlight and nutrients it needs.

5. Reseed Bare or Thinning Areas

Even healthy lawns can develop thin or patchy areas. Whether you're filling in bare spots or overseeding the entire lawn, the right grass seed makes all the difference. Match your seed type to your soil and light conditions—your local hardware store can point you in the right direction. Use a seed spreader for even coverage and keep the area consistently moist to encourage germination.

6. Finish Strong with Fertilizer

Finally, give your lawn a nutritional boost with fertilizer. Just like with seed, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your soil test results will tell you what nutrients your lawn is lacking, so choose a fertilizer that supports those needs. The right mix will encourage lush, vibrant growth that lasts well into summer.

One Last Tip: Don’t Mow Too Soon!

It’s tempting to get out the mower once the weather warms, but try to hold off. Let your grass grow a little taller in early spring—longer blades help develop stronger roots and prevent weeds from sprouting. A little patience now will go a long way in creating a thick, healthy lawn you’ll enjoy all season.

Happy spring—and happy growing!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

10 Ways To Reduce Pollen at Home

This has been an exceptionally tough allergy season for many people in Connecticut. With high pollen counts and low rainfall, it feels like we’ve been sniffling and coughing for the best part of the spring. While the end is not quite in sight, there is plenty we can do to reduce our exposure. Here are my top ten tips:

1. Keep windows closed - It can be tempting to open the windows on these gorgeous mornings, but pollen levels are generally the highest in the early hours of the day. 

2. Don’t wear shoes indoors - This is an easy way to bring pollen inside the house. Leave shoes outside or in your mudroom or breezeway to reduce allergen spread.

3. Consider an air purifier - A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will help neutralize pollen, especially in places like the bedroom where allergies may interfere with sleep. 

4. Shower at night - Most of us enjoy a hot shower in the morning, but if you’re outside during the day, pollen is going to stick to your clothes and hair. Consider switching up your routine during peak allergy times.

5. Keep dirty clothes in a closed bin - Wash clothes frequently and consider using a laundry basket with a lid on it, especially if you keep it in your bedroom. 

6. Dry clothes indoors - if you hang your clothes on a line to dry, they are going to attract a lot of pollen. Now is the time to use an indoor drying rack.

7. Vacuum often - pollen can creep indoors easily, even if you’re removing shoes and taking other precautions. Consider vacuuming more frequently and be sure that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter. 

8. Know what aggravates you - allergy season is long and people are affected by different types of exposures. Right now, tree and grass pollen is high and ragweed is very low. If you know what you’re sensitive to, you can be better prepared.

9. Plan ahead - Online apps and websites like Accuweather can help you plan your activities based on your allergy triggers. This is also very helpful when you’re traveling to another region or area.

10. Try saline spray - if you find yourself walking around with a blocked airway, a simple saline spray is a great way to keep the nasal passages clear.

While some people may experience mild allergies, others will be dealing with symptoms that are much more severe. While these ideas will help to reduce pollen exposure, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional healthcare provider for the best advice and treatment options.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.