The average American spends about three hours a week thinking about their lawn. That doesn’t even include the many hours of yard maintenance many Americans spend doing per week as well.
With warmer weather right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about spring lawn care. Getting ahead on basic yard tasks such as lawn fertilization, landscaping, weed control, and pest control is crucial.
You need to get ready for the long days ahead that are your lawn’s opportune growing season. Read on to learn seven essential spring lawn care tips to get your yard into top shape for the warmer months.
1. Start by Raking
Raking is one of the first tasks you should set out to complete as soon as your grass starts to green. The purpose of raking in autumn is to remove leaf litter and detritus. In the spring, you are targeting thatch that has built up.
Thatch is un-decomposed dead grass that litters the top of your lawn. Use a flexible leaf rake instead of a metal one to avoid damaging your lawn while raking. By removing thatch, you will help your lawn breathe and grow.
2. Take Soil Samples
Spring is the perfect time to assess the PH levels of your soil. The PH scale is a measurement of how acidic or basic something is. Most species of grass prefer soils with a neutral PH of seven.
After a long winter, the PH level of your soil may have shifted. Measure it now through soil samples to determine what product applications you need to bring it back into balance.
3. Plant New Grass Seed
Your lawn may have some bare spots after being covered in snow for so long. Pooling water can also kill grass and create barren mud pits. Reseed any bare areas and overseed any areas that are thinning.
4. Apply Fertilizers
Lawn fertilization is an essential part of the growth and development of your lawn. With the right combination of nutrients, you can maintain the health and integrity of your lawn.
5. Weeding Is a Part of Spring Lawn Care
Weeds are resilient, and some new ones may have sprouted up even as your grass lay dormant. Catching troublesome weeds early before they grow saves you a big headache later in the season.
6. Pre-Season Pest Control and Herbicides
To deter the proliferation of pests and new weeds, you need to handle some pest control and herbicide tasks in the spring. Scout out any potential infestations and contact your local landscaping pro for what to do next.
7. Mow Your Grass for the First Time
Once temperatures have reached a consistent 40 degrees and your grass has dried out, it is time to fire up the lawnmower. Cutting your grass too early when it is dormant can stunt its growth.
After some long warm spring days, you should start to notice it growing fast. Plan to mow your grass for the first time this year once you notice hearty growth. Cut no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass on your first take.
Get Your Lawn Ready for Another Summer
Taking care of some spring lawn care tasks now will get your lawn ready for those balmy summer days. Spending time outside working on your lawn can be a great way to enjoy the warmer spring weather.
Unfortunately, you may not have time to take care of necessary spring lawn tasks. Contact us if you need a helping hand, or guidance, for any of your spring lawn projects. We can handle fertilization and other tasks for you.
