Tips to Prep Your Lawn for Spring

As the temperatures start to creep up and winter comes to an end, it’s time for homeowners to get ready for spring and prep their lawns for the new season. Proper lawn care in the springtime sets the foundation for a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the year. We’ve put together some tips to help you get your lawn ready for spring:

Clear Debris

The first step to prepping your lawn for spring is to clear away any debris that accumulated over the winter months. This includes fallen branches, leaves, and any other debris that may have been blown onto your lawn. You can use a rake to clear away the debris or invest in a leaf blower to make the job easier.

Aerate Your Lawn

Aerating your lawn is essential for promoting healthy root growth and allowing nutrients and water to reach the roots. You can use a manual or motorized aerator to create small holes in the soil, which will allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots. If your lawn has a lot of foot traffic, heavy clay soil, or compaction, it may be beneficial to aerate it twice a year.

Dethatch Your Lawn

Thatch is the layer of dead grass and debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. If left unchecked, thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots, resulting in a dry and unhealthy lawn. Dethatching your lawn involves removing this layer of debris. You can use a dethatching rake, or a power dethatcher to do this. However, be careful not to remove too much thatch as it can damage your lawn.

Test Your Soil

Before you begin fertilizing your lawn, it's essential to test your soil's pH levels. The pH level of your soil affects the grass's ability to absorb nutrients, so it's essential to ensure it's at the correct level. You can buy a soil test kit at a garden center or nursery or send a sample of your soil to a lab for testing. Once you know your soil's pH level, you can determine the type and amount of fertilizer to use.

Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn in the spring is crucial for promoting healthy growth and greenery. Choose a fertilizer that's high in nitrogen, as this will help your lawn grow lush and green. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer bag and apply it evenly over your lawn. Remember not to over-fertilize your lawn, as this can burn the grass and cause it to die.

Seed Bare Patches

If you have bare patches in your lawn, now is the time to seed them. Choose a high-quality grass seed that's suited to your lawn's environment and soil type. Rake the soil lightly and spread the grass seed evenly over the bare patches. Water the area regularly and keep it moist until the grass has grown to a height of 2-3 inches.

Water Your Lawn

Proper watering is essential for keeping your lawn healthy and green. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than frequently and shallowly. This allows the water to penetrate the roots and encourages deep root growth. Water your lawn in the morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation and fungal growth.

Prepping your lawn for spring is essential for promoting healthy growth and maintaining a beautiful lawn throughout the year. By following these tips, you can ensure that your lawn is ready for the new season and will thrive in the months to come. Additionally, ensuring proper weed control and pest mitigation will help keep your yard looking healthy and vibrant. If you need help with these services call Complete Treatment Services today for a free estimate!