With the warmer seasons approaching, it’s essential that we’re focusing just as much on the interiors of our homes as we are on the exteriors. As a homeowner, the outside of your house is the first thing someone sees when they pass or stop by for a visit. So why wouldn’t you want your lawn to look lush and beautiful?
With winter finally over, this means it’s time to stop worrying about shoveling snow and start focusing on those spring projects, like getting your lawn ready for the growing season. Spring is in the air and you’re probably noticing the first signs of flowers blooming, but this should also be your signal to start preparing your lawn as we head into the warmer months.
Here are five simple tips to get your lawn ready for spring.
Raking
One of the first steps to preparing your lawn for spring is to do some deep raking. You’ll want to clean up those leaves, twigs, and any other debris that might have collected throughout the winter.
You might think to yourself, “Leaves haven’t fallen from the trees in the past few months,” but even if this is the case, you’ll want to rake the dead turfgrass that lies between the green vegetation of the grass and the soil below, known as thatch. If thatch becomes too thick, it can be very unhealthy for your grass so it needs to be maintained correctly for your lawn to grow.
Apply Fertilizer
If you fertilized your lawn in the fall, then your yard still has some fertilizer to feed on in the spring. It’s best to fertilize lightly in the spring, especially if you already fertilized in the fall, as too much fertilizer can lead to weed issues and disease.
Pro tip: For a weed-free lawn, use a combination of fertilizer and pre-emergent, which prevents crabgrass.
Fill in Bare or Balding Spots
If you notice any bare or balding spots on your lawn, it’s best to treat them with grass seed during the spring so that the areas will be filled in by the time summer comes. Regular grass seed will work just fine, but seed manufacturers also make specially-formulated grass seed mixes that are specifically made to treat bare and bald spots on lawns.
Service Your Lawn Mower
The new season also means it’s time to put away the snow shovels and bring out the lawn mower. Start it up and make sure everything is working properly. If it’s too stubborn to start or doesn’t seem to be working efficiently, it’s probably time for a tune-up.
Mow Your Lawn
Once you know your lawn mower is all set for spring, it’s time to start mowing. Many homeowners think mowing their lawn once a week will be good enough, but mowing every five days for the first six weeks of spring will provide a thicker, fuller lawn.
Mowing only once a week can cause your grass to grow too high and once you cut it, it stunts the roots, meaning they won’t reproduce properly.
Pro tip: When it’s time for the first mow of the season, raise the mowing deck to the highest setting. This will usually cut about three to four inches high, which is what you want for the initial cut. If the grass is cut too short during the first mow, it can cause stunted growth.
Utah Lawn Services
At Guardian Lawn Care, our team of lawn experts are here to help keep your lawn lush and green. Request a free no-obligation quote or call 801-225-4342 for full-service lawn solutions that will have your lawn the envy of the entire neighborhood.