How To Prepare Your Lawn for Spring

Check your lawnmower, string trimmer, and other lawn care equipment to make sure it’s in good condition. Perform a tune-up and replace spark plugs, replace old oil, and grease all fittings so your equipment is ready to go. Make sure all your lawn equipment is in excellent shape and replace anything that is worn-out, rusted, or broken. This will ensure you’re ready to go when springtime arrives.

Tip: Don’t forget to sharpen the blades of your lawnmower so it will be ready for the grass-cutting season.

Get ready for spring by cleaning up any old debris like twigs, stones, and branches as well as dead leaves. Dead plants and twigs that are leftover from winter can be a nuisance when you’re prepping for a beautiful lawn in springtime. Use a high-quality rake to gather all the “yard junk” into neat piles. Place your debris piles onto a large tarp so you can easily carry it off your lawn and enjoy a clean slate to prepare for spring landscaping and gardening.
Tip: It’s best to clean up your yard when it’s dry since walking around on a wet lawn may compact your soil and make a mess. Wet yard cleanup can also harm any new grass growth that’s waiting to sprout.

It’s easier to prevent the growth of weeds before they start, so apply an herbicide when spring arrives. It’s crucial to feed your lawn and stop weeds from germinating before they take over. Most herbicides should be effective for approximately three months. You might need to add more as soon as summer arrives. All types of grass will grow healthier when you cut weeds off before they can start doing damage to your lawn.

Aside from preventing weeds, you’ll also want to add fertilizer to the lawn. Use a slow-release fertilizer that releases nutrients without the need for constant reapplication. Check your region, and then look for a fertilizer that will best serve your zone. It should have the appropriate levels of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium based on your lawn’s unique needs. Be sure to follow all directions carefully so you apply it evenly and correctly.

Treat any bare spots in your lawn with grass seed in springtime to ensure a healthy, lush lawn by summer. You can loosen and prep the soil with your garden rake. Next, apply an even layer of new grass seed on top. Lightly rake the grass seed into the soil and water it well with a garden hose. Cover the new seed with hay to keep pests and birds away and to prevent runoff when it rains. Most grass should begin to sprout within two to three weeks. Look for special grass seed made for bald or bare lawns if you have a lot of blank spots.

Once your grass is growing, use your newly maintained and sharpened lawnmower to keep your yard neat and tidy. Mow the lawn in the middle to late spring and keep your mower deck on the highest setting. Wear safety glasses to keep your eyes protected. Your grass should be approximately three to found inches tall for optimum growth. Check your yard for any signs of rot or damage and give those areas extra TLC with a bit more fertilizer or seed.

Tip: If you cut the grass too short, it can weaken the plants and dull your lawn’s beautiful new green colour.