Spring is the perfect time to give your lawn the care and attention it needs to thrive throughout the growing season. However, many homeowners make mistakes when preparing their lawns for spring, which can lead to poor growth, disease, and other problems. When it comes to spring lawn preparation, trusting the experts is key to establishing a solid foundation for a healthy lawn all year long.

At ER Lawn Care, our experts know that cultivating a healthy lawn means working throughout the seasons. The equipment we use may change as the leaves fall and the snow melts, but our results spring eternal each year for you to enjoy.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to spring lawn care preparation, we can help.

Common Spring Lawn Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some of the most common mistakes made during spring lawn preparation:

• Overwatering: Depending on how much snow falls during the winter, you may not even need to water your lawn. Overwatering, besides the snow melt, can cause bacteria to grow, threatening the life of your lawn. Roots that receive too much water don’t dig down deep into the soil, causing them to stay on the surface and risk damage.
• Improper fertilization: As the days turn warmer, you might think it’s time to fertilize. However, there are specific fertilizers you’ll need to use to ensure your lawn has food for the long haul.

• Not knowing the grass type: Most homeowners don’t know what type of grass lives in their front and back yards. It’s easy to assume that grass is grass, but there are different types that require custom care throughout the year.

• Overuse of your lawn: Spring is the perfect time for activities such as gardening, playing sports, and hosting parties. However, a patchy or unhealthy lawn may not take this hard use after surviving the winter.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following proper spring lawn preparation techniques, you can ensure that your lawn will be healthy and lush.

Best Tips For Spring Lawn Preparation

A little extra care and attention during spring lawn preparation can go a long way in maintaining a beautiful lawn all year round. Here are some ways you can prepare your lawn for springtime.

Prepare Your Mower For the Season

Just like your lawn, your mower needs maintenance and care. Be sure to sharpen the blades before you mow to ensure a clean cut. If you cannot sharpen the blades, replace them before the season begins.  

Tend to Your Perennials

Part of preparing for spring is making sure your perennial plants and ornamental grasses are ready for new life. Trim or remove old growth to make way for the beautiful, vibrant new sprouts spring is known for.

Mow Your Lawn at the Proper Height

Mowing your lawn to the proper height can make a huge difference in encouraging growth and stunting it. Stick to a height of 3.5 inches to protect against pests and disease while allowing your lawn to grow deep roots.

Aerate Your Lawn

Though you might have to wait until the ground warms up a bit, aerating your lawn can give it the boost it needs for lush growth. Aeration allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots and reduces compaction that can choke future growth.

Remove Thatch Once a Year

Snowmelt can bring a lot of organic waste into your yard. Removing thatch after the thaw can help give your lawn the air it needs to breathe. Thatch can also host several diseases, so removal is key.

Apply Herbicides Strategically

Warmer temperatures help weeds grow just as much as the grass in your lawn. Careful application of specific herbicides can help reduce competition between your lawn and those pesky weeds.

Look Out For Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can quickly kill a lawn if not addressed. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases and to take action as soon as possible. Common pests include grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms.

Test Your Soil’s pH Level

A pH level that is too high or too low can prevent the grass from absorbing nutrients. We recommend you have your soil tested every few years to determine the pH level and to make adjustments as needed.

Remember to mow at the proper height, aerate, fertilize, remove thatch, control weeds, adjust the mower blades, and address pests and diseases.

Spring Lawn Preparation: Experts are here to help

If all these tasks sound like a lot of work, we are here to help. We can help take some or all of these essential spring lawn preparation tasks off of your plate so you can get back to enjoying the spring and summer weather. Consider which of our clean-up services is the most time-consuming for you to do on your own and we can help give you your time back. If you’re ready to take the next step, be sure to request a quote for any services you may need.