Spring Lawn Maintenance: Tips On Caring For Lawns In Spring
Keeping your lawn green and healthy during the hot days of summer begins with properly caring for lawns in spring. Read on to learn about spring lawn maintenance and how to care for spring lawns.
Spring Lawn Cleanup
It may not be a lot of fun, but spring lawn maintenance requires a few hours of spring lawn cleanup. It’s tempting to get started on the first sunny day, but it’s critical to wait until the ground is dry or you may compact the soil and damage the tender roots. Once the lawn is dry, you can gently rake away dead grass, leaves, twigs, and other debris.
How to Care For Spring Lawns
With a few spring lawn care tips, you can have the yard you’ve always dreamed of. Watering– Don’t be tempted to water your lawn in early spring. Wait until the grass shows signs of wilt, which may not happen until late spring or early summer– or maybe even later. Watering too early only encourages shallow root growth, which will be unable to withstand hot, dry summer weather and may result in a brown, dry lawn by picnic season. When you start watering, water deeply then let the grass wilt slightly before watering again. Typically, about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week is enough. Fertilizing– Similarly, spring isn’t a good time for fertilizing the lawn because the tender, new growth is likely to be scorched when the weather turns hot in summer. This is especially important if you live in a climate affected by drought. If your lawn isn’t healthy, you can apply a light application of a balanced slow-released lawn fertilizer, but withhold heavier fertilization until autumn. The exception is if your lawn consists of St. Augustine or another warm season grass. If this is the case, fertilize as soon as the grass greens up and shows active growth in mid to late spring. Mowing– You can mow your lawn as soon as it needs it, but be sure the ground is dry so you don’t compact the soil. Never scalp your lawn and don’t remove more than one-third the height of the grass at any mowing. If the grass is shaggy in spring, give it a light trim for the season’s first mowing, then get back on schedule and follow the one-third rule for the remainder of the season (be sure to sharpen mower blades before you begin). Aerating– If your lawn needs aeration, which involves poking small holes in the lawn so water, nutrients, and air can reach the roots, midspring is a good time. However, wait until fall to remove thatch.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
8 Flower Seeds To Sow In October For A Spectacular Garden Next Year
Sow the seeds of spring and summer flowers in fall, and enjoy months of beautiful vibrant blooms.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Caring For A Majesty Palm: Expert Guide To Ravenea Rivularis
If you live in a warm climate, caring for a majesty palm outdoors is easy. If your region is cooler, this palm makes a gorgeous houseplant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Sustainable Turf Species For A Greener Lawn
Click here for some of the most sustainable types of turf grass you can grow for an eco-friendly lawn.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Grow A Sustainable Lawn
Adjust your thinking about a perfect green lawn and consider more sustainable methods. Click here to learn how.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Will Frost Kill Grass Seed And How To Help New Turf Survive
Learn how to help your newly sown grass survive frost and freezing weather.
By Amy Grant
-
Lawn Problems That Aren’t Really Problems
Your lawn may not require as much work as you think. Learn which common problems aren’t really problems.
By Teo Spengler
-
Why A Manual Push Mower Is Good For You And The Environment
Reel mowers are making a comeback, but why? Click here to learn about reel mower pros and cons.
By Amy Grant
-
Fertilize Grass In Fall For A Lush Lawn In Spring
For everything you need to know about fertilizing your lawn in the fall, click here.
By Susan Albert
-
Tips For Mowing Stripes In Lawn
Wouldn’t it be great to have stripes in your lawn like a sports field? Learn how here.
By Susan Albert
-
Late Summer Lawn Care Checklist
Plan to do some late summer care and maintenance of your lawn so it will be healthy and beautiful in the spring. Here are some tips.
By Laura Miller