Picture this – you’re walking down the block, marveling at all your neighbors’ lush, green lawns. Then you stop and wonder – why doesn’t my lawn look like that?
The answer is simple – lawn maintenance. If you take the time to care for it, you can have an envy-inducing lawn too.
The key to a beautiful lawn is to start caring for it in the spring. Keep reading to learn our best tips for lawn maintenance.
Clean Up Debris
The first step to spring lawn maintenance is to remove any debris, such as leaves and twigs. This is an important step because debris may prevent fertilizers and other soil amendments from absorbing. You can remove debris with a rake or a leaf blower.
In addition to leaf removal, you may also need to remove thatch from your lawn. Thatch is the layer of dead grass from the previous year. Once your lawn starts growing again in the spring, use a rake to remove excess thatch.
Aerate the Soil
Aeration is an important step in lawn care. It creates openings in your lawn that allow water and oxygen to reach the grassroots. Usually, it’s best to aerate your lawn in the fall, but if the soil is compacted you can aerate it in the spring.
If you choose to aerate your lawn, core aeration is the most effective method. This type of aeration uses a machine to remove cores of soil from your lawn. This creates small holes which serve as channels for water and nutrients to penetrate the soil.
Overseed Bare Patches
If you have a lot of bare patches, you might want to consider overseeding your lawn to fill them in. You can spread seed over only the bare patches or you can overseed your entire lawn. This will ensure your lawn stays full and healthy throughout the growing season.
When overseeding, apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Make sure to give the seeds plenty of water until they start growing. Once the new grass has sprouted, you can resume normal fertilizing.
Apply Fertilizer and Weed Killer
Fertilizer provides your lawn with the nutrients it needs to grow strong. You can fertilize your lawn with organic matter, such as compost or lawn clippings. Or you can use a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer, which works faster than organic fertilizers.
Once you’ve fertilized your lawn, it’s time for weed control. Depending on the type of weeds that grow in your lawn, you may need to apply a pre-emergent herbicide, a post-emergent herbicide, or both. If any weeds do appear, make sure to dig them out before they seed.
Keep Your Lawn Hydrated
Make sure to give your lawn plenty of water during the spring. Give it a good soak once or twice a week. But be careful not to overwater, as this can prevent oxygen from reaching the roots.
Get a Head Start on Your Lawn Maintenance
Spring is the best time of year to get a head start on lawn maintenance. By following a few simple steps, you can make sure your lawn grows thick and stays healthy.
Don’t have the time for lawn care? Don’t worry! Contact us today to learn more about our services.