Ramp Up for the Season With These Spring Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Yard
As winter fades and warmer days approach, your lawn needs a little TLC to recover and thrive throughout the growing season. A well-maintained lawn not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also provides a lush, green space for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Follow these spring lawn care tips for a healthy yard, and your grass will reward you with vibrant growth all season long.
With Borst Landscape & Design, you have a partner who brings the best in expert spring lawn care, garden maintenance, and beyond. Call us today at (201) 785-9400 for lawn care services and all your landscaping needs, or contact us online!
Our Top 10 Spring Lawn Care Tips
1. Start with a Spring Cleanup
Winter can leave behind a mess of fallen branches, leaves, and other debris that can smother grass and encourage disease. The first step in spring lawn care is to:
Rake your lawn thoroughly – This removes dead grass, thatch, and leftover leaves, allowing sunlight and air to reach the soil.
Clear away debris – Remove twigs, branches, and other objects that may block grass growth.
Assess lawn damage – Look for bare patches, compacted soil, or signs of pests and disease.
A clean lawn sets the stage for healthy growth, ensuring your grass gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
2. Aerate to Improve Soil Health
Over time, soil can become compacted, making it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Spring is a great time to aerate, especially if you notice puddles forming after rain or areas where grass struggles to grow.
How to aerate your lawn:
- Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, reducing compaction.
- Focus on high-traffic areas, as they tend to compact the most.
- Water your lawn a day before aerating to make the process easier.
If your lawn is particularly compacted, you may need aeration every spring to keep the soil loose and healthy. Talk to your landscaper about your property’s unique needs.
3. Test and Amend Your Soil
Healthy grass starts with healthy soil. A soil test helps determine your lawn’s pH and nutrient levels, ensuring you apply the right fertilizers and amendments.
Ideal soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0 for most grass types.
If pH is too low (acidic), apply lime to balance it.
If pH is too high (alkaline), sulfur can help adjust it.
Your professional landscaper should include soil testing in their service offerings. With the right amendments, you can create the perfect foundation for thick, green grass.
4. Apply the Right Fertilizer
Spring fertilization jump-starts lawn growth by replenishing essential nutrients. However, timing and fertilizer choice are key to avoiding weak, fast-growing grass that’s more susceptible to disease.
Choose the right fertilizer:
- Slow-release fertilizers provide nutrients over time, reducing the risk of overgrowth.
- Organic options improve soil health and promote beneficial microbes.
- Look for a balanced mix of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) based on your soil test results.
Apply fertilizer when the grass starts growing actively—usually late March to early May.
5. Control Weeds Before They Take Over
Weeds like crabgrass and dandelions love to sprout in the spring. The best way to prevent them is with pre-emergent herbicides, which stop weed seeds from germinating.
Apply pre-emergents in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
For broadleaf weeds (like dandelions), use a post-emergent herbicide once they appear.
Mow high (3-4 inches) to shade out weeds and encourage deep grass roots.
A thick, healthy lawn is the best natural defense against weeds!
6. Overseed Bare Patches for a Lush Lawn
If winter left your lawn with thin or bare spots, overseeding can restore its density and beauty.
How to overseed successfully:
- Choose a high-quality grass seed that matches your existing lawn.
- Rake the soil lightly before spreading seed for better contact.
- Keep the area moist until new grass is well-established.
For best results, overseed right after aeration, as the holes help seeds reach the soil more easily.
7. Water Wisely for Deep Root Growth
Proper watering is crucial for a healthy spring lawn. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, encourage deep root growth with these techniques:
Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Use deep, infrequent watering sessions (2-3 times a week) rather than daily sprinkling.
A well-hydrated lawn is more drought-resistant and better equipped to handle summer heat.
8. Mow Correctly to Promote Strong Growth
Spring mowing habits set the tone for your lawn’s health all season long. Follow these key mowing tips:
Start mowing when the grass reaches about 3-4 inches.
Never remove more than one-third of the blade height at a time.
Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing and stress on grass.
Vary mowing patterns to avoid compacting the soil in one direction.
Mowing regularly at the right height encourages deep roots and discourages weeds.
9. Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Lawn Diseases
Spring is the perfect time to spot early signs of pests and diseases before they spread. Watch for:
Brown patches or thinning grass (could indicate grubs or fungus).
Chewed grass blades or small mounds of soil (signs of insects).
Fuzzy mold or circular patches (possible fungal infections).
A healthy lawn is naturally resistant to many problems, but if you notice issues, a professional lawn care provider can diagnose and treat them effectively.
10. Consider Organic Lawn Care for a Healthier Yard
If you’re looking for a safe, eco-friendly approach, organic lawn care is a great option. This involves:
Using organic fertilizers like compost or seaweed-based products.
Encouraging beneficial insects and microbes to naturally control pests.
Choosing drought-resistant grass varieties to reduce water needs.
An organic lawn care plan keeps your yard green, chemical-free, and safe for kids and pets.
Call the Lawn Care Experts at Borst Landscape & Design!
Spring lawn care takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it! If you need professional help with fertilization, weed control, aeration, or maintenance, Borst Landscape & Design is here for you.
Call us today at (201) 785-9400 for expert lawn care services!
Or contact us online at Borst Landscape & Design!
Let us help you achieve a healthy, thriving lawn that enhances your home’s beauty and enjoyment all year long.