How to Prepare Your Lawn for Spring

Is your lawn in need of a quick pick-me-up? If winter left it worse for the wear, know it doesn’t have to stay that way. Once the warm weather starts up, it’s the perfect time to get your lawn ready for the spring. 

In this article, we’ll discuss ways to prepare your lawn for the spring without too much hassle. 

Start Fresh

Think of your lawn as a canvas and start fresh by clearing any unsightly debris. Even if you raked in the fall, repeating the process is an excellent way to prepare your lawn for spring. Thatch or decomposed plant material from remnant leaves or grass makes it more difficult for your lawn to grow fully and evenly. Use a metal or bamboo rake to keep your green healthy and clean. 

A lawn has a lot in common with a bad hair day. Grass tends to form clumps under the weight of snow, which leaves it looking uneven. By the time the snow melts, grass becomes flat, matted and in need of a bit of care. 

Be Timely 

Even the best of lawns sometimes develop patches of thinning grass. Whether it’s an issue of uneven growth or unfortunate trampling, the solution is always overseeding. Start the process of regrowth according to timing recommendations specific to your region. Check out the Arbor Day Foundation’s hardiness zone lookup for more information by zip code. 

Some homeowners choose to overseed on their own while others hire lawn care professionals. It’s really up to you. Since overseeding is mainly a matter of applying grass seed to the top layer of soil, it’s easy enough to do yourself. Remember to water heavily every day until the grass starts to germinate before beginning to water every few days. 

Get Mowing

Good lawn care requires regular mowing when preparing your lawn for spring. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, keeping your grass about three inches long helps prevent the growth of weeds for a healthy lawn. The rule of thumb is to mow as often as needed while removing the top third of the turf.  

The other thing worth noting is not to mow on soggy ground. Spring rain or melting snow may make your turf somewhat wet and unfit for lawn maintenance. Instead, wait for the soil to dry up a bit before starting your mower.

Trim Trees

Winter is the perfect opportunity to step away from yard work. With that being said, it also creates a backlog of lawn maintenance just in time for spring. Prune your trees and shrubs in early spring by checking for dead and overgrown branches. Your goal should be minimal maintenance as opposed to strict aesthetics. 

Try to remember that, as living things, plants are sometimes sensitive to change. Pruning too much could impact your plant’s health, including wounds and potential infestation. Err on the side of caution or consult an arborist for specialist care. 

Apply Mulch

One of the easiest ways to up your lawn appeal is by applying a layer of mulch. Planting beds will look their best with a top coating, discouraging weeds from peeking through. Add a two- to three-inch layer around your plants, being careful not to cover them. 

As with most lawn care, the other key ingredient is timing. Mulching too early may slow the warming process to the detriment of your lawn. Instead, wait for the soil to warm up before topping it off in mid to late spring. 

Consider Landscaping

If you’re thinking of making changes to your yard, now’s the time to do it. Landscaping in early spring gives you the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor (or someone else’s) for two seasons to come. Some of your lawn care needs may also change due to landscaping, so kill two birds with one stone by planning early. 

The other thing to keep in mind is how busy landscapers are when the weather warms up. (It’s easy to forget what needs to be done until you’re enjoying the beautiful outdoors!) If possible, snag a provider early in the season to avoid the waiting game. 

Install a Sprinkler

Are you thinking of saving yourself time by installing a sprinkler system? If so, keep in mind it’s a more serious project than most. If you’re not ready to create an irrigation map, dig trenches and connect pipes, chances are you’re in too deep. Hiring professionals may be costly, but the tradeoff is worth it. 

Whether you DIY it or call someone in, there are a few things you should know. If possible, water in the morning for efficient absorption and a lower chance of mildew. Avoid wasting water on the sidewalk or driveway for eco-friendly lawn care. Lastly, opt for an irrigation system with timers for consistent, efficient watering. 

Wrapping Up

Spring has nearly sprung, and it’s time to get your lawn in order. If you’re not out of the weeds yet, know a nice lawn is totally within reach. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cracking! Here’s to your beautiful yard and many sunny days ahead.