Spring is the best time to get your lawn ready for the growing season. Follow these 7 essential steps to achieve a lush, green yard:
- Clear Winter Debris: Rake leaves, branches, and dead grass to improve air circulation and prevent mold.
- Test and Fix Soil: Check soil pH and nutrients, then apply lime or sulfur as needed to balance pH.
- Aerate and Dethatch: Loosen compacted soil and remove excess thatch for better water and nutrient absorption.
- Reseed Bare Spots: Plant grass seed once soil temperatures reach 50°F, choosing the right grass type for your region.
- Fertilize Properly: Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the soil warms to 55°F to promote healthy growth.
- Mow Smart: Set your mower height based on grass type and keep blades sharp for clean cuts.
- Control Weeds: Apply pre-emergent herbicides early and remove existing weeds by hand or with selective treatments.
Starting early and following these steps will make your lawn healthier and more resilient throughout the year.
Top 7 EARLY SPRING Lawn Care Tips 2023
1. Remove Winter Debris
The first step in getting your lawn ready for spring is clearing out winter debris. Wait until the ground has thawed completely to avoid damaging any new growth.
Rake Dead Grass
Use a specialized rake to remove dead grass and thatch. A thatching rake with curved steel tines is ideal for this task. For example, a thatching rake is designed to prevent tine breakage while effectively clearing thatch.
"The Bully Tools 92312 24-Tine Thatching Rake with Fiberglass Handle is a fantastic heavy-duty tool. The round tines flex and run around clumps of grass to get thatch and stuck-down leaves off the dirt very well, without grabbing and uprooting the grass." – Dave Baldwin
When raking, keep these tips in mind:
- Work only on firm, dry areas to avoid damaging the lawn.
- Use gentle, steady strokes to avoid pulling up healthy grass.
- Focus on spots where grass looks flattened or tangled.
Clear Yard Waste
Once you’ve raked, it’s time to tackle other debris. Use the right tools for different types of waste:
| Debris Type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves & Light Debris | Leaf Rake | Wide plastic tines, gentle on grass |
| Branches & Heavy Items | Yard Rake | Adjustable tines, non-steel holder |
| Thatch | Thatching Rake | Designed for deep cleaning |
Work methodically across your lawn, avoiding soft or muddy patches. Pay extra attention to corners and areas beneath trees. Removing all debris, including branches and leaves, helps prevent disease and encourages healthy growth.
For larger lawns, consider using lawn and leaf bags to collect and dispose of waste. This will keep cleaned areas from getting cluttered again with blown debris.
With your lawn cleared, you’re ready to move on to checking soil health.
2. Check Soil Health
Test Soil Quality
Testing your soil helps you understand its pH and nutrient levels. The Soil Testing Kit evaluates up to 13 nutrients and provides fertilizer recommendations.
Here’s how to collect soil samples:
- Choose 10–15 spots in your yard.
- Take samples from the top 2–4 inches of soil.
- Remove any thatch and roots.
- Mix all samples together thoroughly.
- Let the mixture air-dry before testing.
For quicker results, try a Soil Test Kit, which measures nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels.
"Test your soil the season before your lawn’s peak growth season so you have enough time to get the results before you have to apply fertilizer and amendments." – Louisiana State University AgCenter
Once you have your results, take the necessary steps to improve your soil.
Fix Soil Problems
Most grasses grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Based on your soil test, you can address these common issues:
| Problem | Solution | Best Time to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Acidic Soil | Use lime | Early spring |
| Alkaline Soil | Add elemental sulfur | Early spring |
| Dry Soil | Water in the morning | Daily as needed |
| Poor Nutrients | Add compost/fertilizer | After soil test |
To stay on top of soil health, test it every three years. Your local cooperative extension office is a great resource for affordable testing and tailored advice.
Incorporating organic matter into your soil can also enhance its structure and promote microorganisms that help grass take in nutrients effectively.
3. Loosen Soil and Remove Thatch
After testing and improving your soil, the next steps for a healthier lawn are loosening compacted soil and managing thatch.
When to Aerate
Compacted soil makes it harder for nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach roots. Look for these signs to know if your soil is compacted:
- Water pools on the surface after rain.
- Footprints linger instead of springing back.
- It’s tough to push a pencil into the ground.
- Grass appears thin, patchy, or brown.
- Roots don’t grow deeply.
For cool-season grasses, aerating in early to mid-spring works best since the soil is naturally moist from spring rains. This timing allows your lawn to recover quickly and handle summer stress better. After aerating, focus on removing thatch to improve nutrient uptake.
| Lawn Type | Best Aeration Tool | Best Time to Aerate |
|---|---|---|
| Small Yards (< 1,000 sq ft) | Kent & Stowe 4 Prong Aerator | Early spring |
| Medium Yards | Greenkey Rolling Aerator | Early–mid spring |
| Large Yards | Stihl RLA 240 Power Aerator | Mid spring |
Clear Out Thatch
Once you’ve aerated, it’s time to deal with thatch. Thatch is the layer of dead grass and organic material between the soil and live grass. While a thin layer (under ½ inch) can be helpful, too much blocks nutrients and water.
Here’s how to check your lawn’s thatch depth:
- Cut out a 2-inch section of your lawn.
- Measure the brown layer between the soil and green grass.
- If it’s thicker than ¾ inch, it’s time to remove it.
For removing thatch, choose a method based on the size of your lawn:
| Lawn Size | Recommended Method | Tool Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Small Areas | Manual Dethatching Rake | 4.3/5 |
| Medium Yards | Power Rake | 4.5/5 |
| Large Properties | Vertical Mower | 4.5/5 |
Before dethatching:
- Mow your lawn to half its usual height.
- Make sure the soil is moderately moist.
- Mark any obstacles like sprinklers or garden edges.
After dethatching:
- Rake up and remove the loosened material.
- Water your lawn thoroughly.
- Overseed any bare patches to encourage new growth.
Combining aeration and dethatching helps prevent future thatch buildup and improves nutrient absorption.
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4. Plant New Grass Seed
After aerating and dethatching, spring is the perfect time to repair bare spots in your lawn. Once soil temperatures consistently hit 50°F, it’s time to plant new grass seed.
Choose the Right Grass Seed
Pick grass varieties that match your yard’s conditions. Cool-season grasses are ideal for spring planting. Here are some popular options:
| Grass Type | Sun Requirements | Key Features | Germination Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Full sun | Dense growth, self-repairing | 14–21 days |
| Tall Fescue | 4–8 hours of sun | Tolerates heat and drought | 7–14 days |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Full to partial sun | Quick to sprout | 5–10 days |
How to Plant Grass Seed
With your soil prepped, follow these steps for a successful lawn:
- Prepare the soil
Mix a 1-inch layer of topsoil or compost into the top 6 inches of soil. This improves both drainage and nutrient availability. - Add fertilizer
Apply a starter fertilizer with a 1-2-1 ratio to promote strong root growth. - Spread the seed
Use a seed spreader for even coverage. Lightly rake the seeds into the top ¼ inch of soil. Gently roll over the area to ensure good contact without burying the seeds. - Water regularly
Water as follows:- For the first two weeks, water lightly 2–3 times daily.
- After germination, switch to deeper, less frequent watering. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
"The most important considerations in establishing a new lawn are: drainage, soil quality, seedbed preparation, and choice of seed, fertility and moisture." – Landscape Ontario
5. Add Fertilizer
Choose Spring Fertilizer
When the soil temperature hits 55°F, it’s time to fertilize your lawn. Look for fertilizers rich in nitrogen to encourage growth and give your grass that vibrant green color.
Here are some fertilizer recommendations based on your grass type and region:
| Region | Grass Type | Recommended Fertilizer | NPK Ratio | Coverage Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue | Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action | 16-0-1 | 6-8 weeks |
| South | St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, Carpetgrass | Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action | – | 6-8 weeks |
| All Regions | New Grass | The Complete | 14-7-14 | 4-5 weeks |
Choose a fertilizer that matches your lawn’s needs and regional conditions. For established lawns, a 20-5-10 mix works well, while new seedings benefit from an 18-24-12 blend. Granular fertilizers release nutrients over 4–6 weeks, which lowers the risk of burning your lawn.
Spread Fertilizer Correctly
Follow these steps to apply fertilizer evenly and safely:
- Water first: Water your lawn 2–3 days before fertilizing and pick a dry day for application.
- Prevent spills: Fill your spreader on a tarp to catch any spills, and adjust the spreader settings according to the package instructions.
- Apply in straight lines: Start around the perimeter of your lawn, then move inward in straight, overlapping lines. If you’re using a drop spreader, overlap wheel tracks by about 6 inches.
- Water lightly after spreading: This helps wash nutrients into the soil and reduces the risk of burning your grass.
"It’s time to fertilize when the grass starts growing or the lilacs start blooming. When you see this, it’s time for spring fertilization." – Toro YardCare Experts
Keep fertilizing every 6–8 weeks throughout the growing season. Grasscycling – leaving grass clippings on the lawn – can supply up to 25% of your lawn’s nutrient needs. Store any leftover fertilizer in a cool, dry place, safely out of reach of children and pets.
6. Mow Correctly
Set Mower Height
The right mowing height is key to healthy spring growth, and it varies by grass type. For your first mow of the season, set your mower about ½ inch lower than the usual height. This helps remove winter-damaged blades and encourages fresh growth. Here’s a quick guide to ideal mowing heights for popular grass types:
| Cool-Season Grass | Ideal Height | Warm-Season Grass | Ideal Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.0"–3.5" | St. Augustinegrass | 2.5"–3.75" |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2.0"–3.5" | Bermudagrass | 1.0"–2.0" |
| Fine Fescue | 2.0"–3.5" | Centipedegrass | 1.5"–2.0" |
| Tall Fescue | 3.0"–4.0" | Zoysiagrass | 1.5"–2.5" |
Cool-season grasses should be mowed as soon as the snow melts. For warm-season varieties, wait until the grass reaches at least 2 inches tall – this is usually by late March.
Time Mowing and Maintenance
Once your mower height is set, make sure your equipment is in top condition by performing some basic maintenance.
- Mowing Frequency: Once growth picks up, aim to mow every 3–5 days. Avoid mowing on frosty or wet days to protect both your grass and equipment.
- Equipment Maintenance: Before mowing, take these steps to ensure your mower runs smoothly:
- Remove the spark plug to avoid accidental starts.
- Clean or replace the air filter, change the oil, and lubricate moving parts.
- Sharpen or replace the blades at least once a year.
"Running it for a minute or two is unlikely to cause damage. It could lead to problems, though, if you use it to cut for more than a few minutes." – Mike Visconti
"There’s less chance of spilling gas when you tip the mower over to drain the oil." – Mike Visconti
For gas mowers, replace old fuel and consider using a stabilizer. If you have an electric mower, keep the battery charged and maintain the blades. After each use, clean the mower deck to prevent grass buildup.
A well-maintained mower and proper mowing habits will set the stage for a lush, thriving lawn this spring.
7. Stop Weed Growth
Apply Weed Prevention
Using pre-emergent herbicides at the right time can stop weeds before they even sprout. These products work best when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F. Timing your application is key:
- Southern states: As early as January 1st
- Northern states: After May 25th, when soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F
Nick Radford recommends applying pre-emergents early, as they only work on seeds and won’t affect weeds that have already grown. These treatments provide about three months of protection.
For a truly weed-free lawn, pair chemical methods with smart lawn care practices like:
- Keeping your grass at least 2½ inches tall
- Leaving grass clippings on the lawn to act as natural fertilizer
- Adding 2–3 inches of mulch to garden beds
Once you’ve prevented new weeds, it’s time to tackle any that have already sprouted.
Remove Current Weeds
Here’s how to deal with different types of weeds:
| Weed Type | Characteristics | Removal Method |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (Crabgrass, Chickweed) | Shallow roots | Hand-pull when the soil is moist |
| Perennial (Dandelion, Thistle) | Deep taproots | Use tools like trowels or dandelion pullers |
| Broadleaf Weeds | Wide leaves | Apply selective herbicides |
Before pulling weeds or applying herbicides, water the ground to loosen the soil. When using herbicides, choose selective options that won’t harm your grass and focus on spot-treating individual weeds instead of spraying your entire lawn.
To make weed control more effective, focus on these three essentials:
- Identify the weed type: Is it broadleaf, grassy, or grass-like? Proper identification helps you choose the right approach.
- Remove completely: For perennials, ensure you extract the entire root to stop regrowth.
- Keep your lawn healthy: A dense, thriving lawn naturally blocks weeds by cutting off their access to light and nutrients.
Stay vigilant. Regularly check for new weeds and remove them quickly to keep your lawn looking its best all spring.
Wrapping Up
To keep your lawn thriving this spring, focus on the key steps: start care as soon as you see growth, and follow the right timing and methods to set the stage for a lush lawn all season long.
A well-maintained lawn does more than just look good. As Denis Flanagan from Landscape Ontario explains:
"A lush, green lawn around your home does so much more than simply add aesthetic value to your property. It provides fresh air and retains storm water, while helping cool the temperatures during the heat waves of summer".
Here are some essential actions to keep in mind:
- Test soil pH to ensure the right balance for growth.
- Fertilize about three weeks after the grass starts greening.
- Mow regularly when the grass is dry and actively growing.
- Keep an eye out for weeds and pests to address issues early.
Starting your lawn care in early spring can save you time and effort later. A dense, healthy lawn naturally fends off weeds and pests, making it easier to maintain and enjoy throughout the year.