The days are getting longer! The snow is melting! Homeowners are eagerly anticipating being able to get outside again in their yards. However, winter can leave your yard looking pretty dull, compacted, and in need of some TLC to spring it back to life. With some effort and the right techniques, you can revitalize your yard in time for lawn furniture.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your yard thriving this spring:
Clean Up Your Lawn
Winter usually leaves behind a mess. Compressed, dead leaves, branches, and other debris need to be taken care of before starting other lawn care tasks.
- Remove fallen branches and sticks that can smother new growth.
- Rake up leaves and dead grass to improve air circulation to roots.
- Pull any early weeds to prevent them from spreading.
This simple cleanup allows sunlight and nutrients to reach the grass more effectively, and get your lawn off to a good start for new growth.
Aerate to Release Soil Compaction
Over time and with winter snow weight, lawn soil becomes compacted. Compressed soil prevents oxygen, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots, making it harder for it to establish itself and grow. Spring is a great time to aerate and bring some fresh air (literally!) into your yard.
How to Aerate:
- Use a core aerator for best results. Core aerators remove small plugs of soil to loosen the ground and leave a space for air, water and nutrients to enter.
- If you have a small yard, a manual aerator or aeration shoes can work fine.
- Water your lawn lightly the day before you plan to aerate so it’s easier for the aerator tool to do it’s job.
Dethatch to Remove Dead Grass Buildup
Thatch is the layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates on a lawn’s surface. A little is OK, but too much (we say anything over ½ inch) will suffocate your lawn. That’s often what brown, dead patches on lawns are caused by.
Dethatching Tips:
- Use a dethatching rake or power dethatcher for larger yards.
- Remove the loosened debris and compost it if possible.
Overseed for a Thicker, Healthier Lawn
If your lawn has thin or bare spots, spring is also the perfect time to overseed your lawn. Overseeding introduces fresh grass seed to fill in gaps in your existing lawn. Overseeding will create a denser lawn that resists weeds.
How to Overseed:
- Choose a high-quality grass seed suited to your region.
- Spread the seed evenly over the lawn using a broadcast spreader.
- Lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Water daily until germination occurs.
Apply Fertilizer for a Nutrient Boost
After a long winter, grass needs a boost of fresh nutrients to kickstart its growth. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer will provide essential nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to strengthen roots and promote a more lush and greener lawn this summer.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer:
- Use a spring-specific lawn fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio.
- Organic options like compost or manure enrich the soil naturally.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can cause excessive growth and weaken the roots.
Water to Encourage Deep Root Growth
As temperatures rise, consistent watering is key to maintaining a healthy lawn. However, watering deeply and less frequently encourages stronger root development.
Watering Best Practices:
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
- Use a rain gauge or a simple glass jar to measure how much water your lawn receives.
Keep Weeds Under Control
Weeds can quickly take over if not managed early. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring prevents weed seeds from germinating, while a post-emergent herbicide can target existing weeds.
We get a lot of questions about natural weed control options:
- Hand-pull weeds before they spread.
- Apply a layer of mulch in garden beds to suppress weed growth.
- Use vinegar-based or organic herbicides for a chemical-free approach.
Mow the Right Way
When it’s time for the first mow of the season, set your mower blade to a higher setting (about 3 inches) than you may normally mow. Cutting too short in the spring can stress new grass and make it more vulnerable to weeds and disease.
Mowing Tips:
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
- Follow the one-third rule—never cut more than one-third of the grass height at once.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn as natural mulch to add nutrients back into the soil.
Wish you didn’t have to do any of this? You don’t!
If you’d like to see your yard in its full glory, but don’t have the time or energy to do it yourself – CONTACT US. We provide all these services – spring cleaning up, aerating, overseeding, fertilizing, new lawn installation, mulching and mowing. We can do just one of these chores, or we have seasonal contracts so we can take care of you all season.
Let us bring your lawn back to life – contact AC YARD SERVICES for professional lawn care services today!
