Spring Lawn Care Tips

It's that time of year again, spring. The snow is melting and the grass is starting to show. Your grass, this time of year, is probably brown and your lawn is probably covered in dead leaves.

Here's a guide to rejuvenating your lawn and preparing it for the coming summer months!

1.) Cleanup

The very first step to spring lawn care is the cleanup. Spring cleaning! Go around your lawn and pick up all of the dead leaves and any garbage that may have accumulated throughout your yard. This step is just as essential as others as it sets a foundation for your lawn to start off the year clean and healthy!

2.) Rolling

The second, and another important step, is rolling. This is where you take a large and heavy roller, and roll over your lawn. This will smooth out your lawn, reducing or eliminating bumps and otherwise unnoticeable deviations in the texture of your lawn. Some people like to think you can roll in one direction once and you're done. Not true. The best way to roll your lawn is to roll in each direction twice, diagonally twice, and in any other random direction several times to make sure you hit every square inch from a different angle.

3.) Dethatch

Dethatching is, basically, the process of removing old and dead lawn clippings left over from last year. This step can be combined with the 'Cleanup' step, however, if you do combine the steps, you will have to rake leaves and
grass, requiring you to put in more effort with the rake. You could also buy a dethatcher for your lawn tractor or contact a local lawn care provider. If you have a lawn clipping bagger, this can be done every few years.

4.) Aeration

This is best left to a lawn care provider. The machines that they should possess are far superior to anything that an average homeowner could buy, well, at least more money than you'd like to spend to own one. Most store-bought aerators are almost completely useless. The process of aeration is essential in setting up your lawn for the season. If the proper machine is used, it will open up your lawn to more air, water, and fertilization flow through the ground and your lawn's roots.

5.) Seeding

This process is exactly what it sounds like. This is the step where you spread seed all over your lawn. It is strongly recommended that you do this the same day or immediately after Step 4. Be sure to use a spreader to spread the seed evenly across your lawn and prevent seed bunching. It is also best to pick a seed type that fits your lawn, for example: sun or shade. Or if your have both find a seed that is a sun/shade combination. Make sure to follow your seed's directions properly to ensure the best results.

6.) Fertilize

This step is a good idea for opening your lawn care season, but is not entirely necessary. The best fertilizers are the 'weed and feed' types. Be sure to find out if your seed recommends a time period after seeding before you use weed killing fertilizer, usually about 1-2 months. It's best to use a spreader or hire a professional to fertilize and always use the proper precautions and follow the warnings on the fertilizer bag.Use gloves, change clothes when done, wear an old pair of closed toe shoes, and take a shower/bath after fertilizing.

7.) Check Sprinklers

The title says it all. Make sure your sprinklers work properly and spray evenly. Even watering is an important part of keeping your lawn look natural and evenly healthy.

8.) Water Properly

As with checking your sprinklers, make sure you water your lawn properly. Pay attention to when it rains, how often, how much, and how much your sprinklers are used. Should you notice a gap or over watering, be sure to adjust your watering properly. Making sure your lawn is properly watered throughout the summer months is essential to keeping it green and healthy.

9.) Contamination

Always try to prevent any spillage of any chemicals onto your lawn. Gas, especially, is fatal to grass and will leave brown spots, as will many other chemicals. It can also cause irritation to those who frequent grassy areas.