Spring Lawn Care Tips
It’s officially Spring and that means lawn season 2025 is upon us! Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your lawn after the cold winter months. With the right care, you can ensure that your grass grows healthy and lush throughout the season. Here are some essential tips for spring lawn care:
1. Clean Up Debris
Start by removing any leaves, branches, and debris that have collected on your lawn over the winter. This will allow your grass to breathe and receive sunlight.
2. Perform a Soil Test
Understanding your soil’s pH and nutrient levels is crucial. Consider conducting a soil test to determine if you need to amend your soil with fertilizers or soil conditioners. The goal is to get your soil’s pH between 6 and 7. If you choose to do a soil test, do it before you put down any pre-emergent or fertilizer so you get accurate results. You can get a soil test here.
3. Control Weeds
Spring is also the time when weeds emerge. Consider applying pre-emergent weed control to prevent common weeds from taking hold. If weeds do appear, remove them promptly or spot-spray them.
4. Fertilize
Applying a spring fertilizer will provide your lawn with the necessary nutrients to grow. Look for a product with a balanced formulation, or consider a slow-release option for longer-lasting effects. There is no right or wrong answer on which brand of fertilizer to go with, however, stay away from weed and feed products so you’re not spreading chemicals all over your lawn even in areas that don’t need them. I go over how much fertilizer to apply to your lawn here.
5. Mow Regularly
As the weather warms up, grass will begin to grow quickly. Start mowing as needed, keeping your mower blades sharp to promote clean cuts. Aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
6. Water Wisely
With warmer temperatures, your lawn may require more water. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deeper root growth. Early mornings are the best time to water to reduce evaporation.
Optional Spring Lawn Care Steps
1. Aerate the Lawn
Aeration promotes healthy root growth by allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, which helps to relieve compaction.
2. Reseed or Overseed
If your lawn has bare patches or is thinning, spring is an ideal time for reseeding or overseeding. Choose a grass seed that will blend well with existing grass. If you plan to do this step, skip applying a pre-emergent (step 3 above) since it would prevent the grass seed from growing.
Conclusion
Following these spring lawn care tips will help you achieve a vibrant and healthy lawn. Remember to tailor your care to your specific grass type and climate conditions for the best results. If you’d like more detailed steps, consider subscribing to access my Cool Season Lawn Care Guide. Happy mowing!