6 Lawn Preparation Tips for Spring

Getting a head start on lawn prep work before the growing season is in full swing is important to achieve a healthy and lush lawn during summertime. Spring is the perfect time to begin landscaping, lawn maintenance, and set the foundation for a thriving lawn.

Cleaning The Lawn Areas

As winter fades away, lawns may become littered with weeds, and thatch buildup may become an issue. Thatch is the layer of living and dead grass stems, shoots, and roots that accumulate between your lawn's soil and the grass blades. The first step in the spring-cleaning process is to rake and remove all leaves.

While raking, it's also possible to dethatch the lawn, especially if you dig the rake in deeply. This two-fold process removes leaves while removing dead matted patches where grass blades are stuck together. Raking achieves more than leaf removal, making it a crucial part of lawn maintenance.

Aeration

Lawn compaction is a common issue throughout the year, particularly in high-traffic areas. Wet winters can also contribute to soil compaction. The solution is simple - lawn aeration. You can manually aerate your lawn using a fork or aeration shoes or rent a lawn core machine from your local plant nursery.

Despite being a task often overlooked, lawn aeration is a winter job that significantly benefits your lawn. By allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, aeration promotes root growth, improves soil structure, and enhances overall lawn health.

Fertilizing

Spring fertilizing is crucial for jumpstarting your lawn's growth after the effects of winter, such as browning and thinning. It also helps maintain healthy soil, vital for a lush lawn. When choosing a fertilizer, ensuring it's suitable for your lawn variety is essential. Various types of fertilizers are available, including liquid fertilizers, granular slow-release fertilizers, traditional fertilizers, and organic fertilizers.

Liquid fertilizers contain active ingredients that promote quick growth, while granular slow-release fertilizers provide a steady feed for up to three months. Traditional fertilizers offer a sharp spike in growth and greening, and organic fertilizers are the most natural and environmentally friendly option. If you need help determining which product is best for your lawn, seek advice from a skilled landscaper.

Watering

Even if the calendar says it's spring, it's possible the ground hasn't warmed up yet and the nights are still relatively cool. This means any water applied at a deep level may linger on the soil/lawn surface for quite some time. If the soil feels wet when you stick your finger in the grass, there's no need to water the lawn.

Water conservation measures should be used when watering your yard this summer. Water your lawn first thing in the morning for around 15 minutes for optimal results. You may also choose only to water the parts of your lawn that are particularly dry or want to remain green.

Weeds

Getting rid of weeds from your lawn is a crucial task during springtime. Choosing between pre- or post-emergent herbicides depends on the type of weed, whether annual or perennial. For perennial weeds like Dandelions, post-emergent herbicides are effective. Manual removal is also an option, ensuring you extract the entire weed and its roots. You can also purchase post-emergent herbicides from local nurseries.

Mowing

Spring is a great time to rejuvenate not only your lawn but also your lawn mower. One of the essential checks you should make is the blades, as sharp blades are crucial for healthy lawn mowing. You can replace the mower blades or simply sharpen them yourself using a grinder.

The other option is to seek the services of a local mower shop. During spring, grass varieties like Buffalo, Zoysia, Couch, and Kikuyu thrive when kept shorter, so aim for a length between 2cm and 4cm. Additionally, ensure that the engine and other critical components are working efficiently.

Hire Professional Landscapers

While it's true that you can handle lawn maintenance on your own, hiring professional landscapers is generally a better option. Landscapers have the expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to ensure your lawn and landscaping look their best. They can also save you time and effort by handling all aspects of lawn care, from mowing and edging to fertilization and pest control.

Thrive Landscape Management offers excellent lawn care services. For details, call 504-263-3588 or email us through this Online Form.