Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring
Chelsea O'Donnell
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.