Cue the snow melting, birds chirping, daisies popping, and all of our favorite scents, sounds, and sights associated with this time of year. Our experts have carved out a few simple steps you can take this weekend to get your yard spring-ready- and looking even better than Kevin's next door.
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Use the early days of spring to clear your lawn of any debris before the grass gets too soft. Remove dead leaves, branches, grass, and anything else that the six inches of snowmelt may have revealed beneath the surface.
Most cities will pick up any gathered brush as long as it's appropriately packaged, but call your local sanitation department if you're unsure of your regional requirements. Sitting on a multi-acre or a particularly hilly lot, or managing a multifamily property with several lawns in need of help? A trusted spring cleanup contractor can assist with a deep cleanup and haul-away.
2. Get Out of the Weeds
Now that the debris is gone and you're able to assess any damage, it's time to get ahead of unwanted weed growth! Prevent crabgrass in the early spring, or you'll be battling it long into the summer. Apply pre-emergent herbicides to halt any unwanted growth before it starts.
If your lawn is subject to erosion or you have bare spots, it may be beneficial to get an expert's opinion and estimate for professional treatment. A professional landscaping contractor will be able to recommend a fertilizer, pre-emergent, and weed-killer best suited to your region and growth patterns. Keep in mind you have to wait to apply grass seed after you apply pre-emergent, so try and knock this step out as soon as your soil warms to fifty degrees.
3. Seeding & Planting Grass
Pre-emergent works for up to 12 weeks, so homeowners applying pre-emergent in early spring will need to wait until the end of the season to plant new grass. If you're focusing on new growth instead of weeding this year, aim to start seeding for cool-weather grass as soon as the air temperatures hit the 60's.
Alternate grass seed like zoysiagrass and St. Augustine grass can be planted in late spring when the temperature gets closer to the 70's. If you're unsure whether you should weed or seed, or which species of grass is best for your property, get in touch with one of HomePro Match's vetted landscaping professionals for a second opinion.
4. Fertilize Your Space
Spring is the best time to fertilize your lawn. When you see the first signs of grass growth, or when the soil warms to 55 degrees, it's time to apply your first round. Remember, the ideal lawn will grow slowly but still showcase that vibrant green grass you're looking for.
There's a broad range of fertilizer options to choose from. Whether you want organic, time-release, liquid or granular fertilizer all depends on your lawn, climate, and soil. A spreader allows for even distribution and is commonly used by professionals. Keep in mind that if your property is subject to heavy wind, sloping or erosion, it may be beneficial to consult a professional for some direction.
5. Tune Up Your Mower
Depending on where you live, it may have been months since you last used your leaf blower, lawn mower, edger or trimmer. There's nothing worse than staking off an entire Sunday to beautify your newly seeded sanctuary, only to discover your lawn mower isn't running or is out of gas after a long winter in the garage.
Get ahead of this problem with regular testing of your equipment throughout the off-season, and with a designated maintenance day in early spring to ensure everything is functioning as it should. Renting, moving, or simply not in the market to own a mower? It's still important to trim your grass regularly to promote healthy growth and color, so HomePro Match showcases a fleet of trusted lawn maintenance and landscaping contractors to help.
