When March arrives, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to focus on spring lawn care. With soil temperatures rising and grass beginning to wake from dormancy, taking the right lawn care steps now will help ensure a healthy lawn throughout the growing season.
Below are essential spring lawn care tips and strategies, each with its unique focus to keep your lawn green, lush, and thriving.
Key Takeaways
- A soil test helps you choose the right fertilizer for healthy grass growth in spring.
- Pre-emergent herbicides stop weeds, and overseeding bare spots makes your lawn thicker and greener.
- Aerating reduces compacted soil, and dethatching clears dead grass so air and water reach roots.
- Mowing with sharp blades, mulching clippings, and using slow-release fertilizer keeps grass strong and healthy.
1. Test Your Soil Before the Growing Season
A soil test is essential to understand your lawn’s nutrient needs.
By measuring levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH, you can determine which fertilizer will best support your grass.
Early spring is the perfect time to test the soil, as the results will guide your lawn maintenance decisions for the rest of the growing season.
2. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides as Weed Control
Pre-emergent herbicides are crucial for preventing weed seeds like crabgrass from germinating. Apply a crabgrass preventer in early to mid-March when soil temperatures reach around 55°F.
Using a spreader ensures even application of the weed killer for best results.
3. Overseed Bare Patches for a Full, Healthy Lawn
If your lawn has bare spots from winter damage or dead grass, March is a great time to overseed.
For cool-season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass, early spring overseeding helps establish new growth before soil temperatures rise.
- Lightly rake the soil to remove dead grass.
- Spread grass seed using a spreader.
- Gently press it into the soil to encourage germination.
This is also the perfect time to overseed a new lawn to fill in thin areas and improve density.
4. Aerate Your Lawn to Reduce Compaction
Soil compaction can hinder root growth, reducing the health of your lawn. If your soil feels hard or you notice water pooling, aerating is the solution.
Using a core aerator pulls small plugs of soil from the ground, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root system.
Aerate in mid-March if you have cool-season grasses, as it supports stronger growth during the early spring.
Lawn aeration is especially important for areas with heavy foot traffic or clay soils, which are prone to compaction.
5. Dethatch to Remove Build-Up and Promote Growth
Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and organic material that can prevent water and nutrients from reaching your soil.
Dethatching allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the root system, encouraging healthier grass blades and reducing the risk of disease.
Use a dethatching rake or power dethatcher to remove this build-up, especially if the thatch layer is more than half an inch thick.
6. Mow Your Lawn Correctly for Early Spring Growth
As your grass begins to grow, start mowing when it reaches about 3-4 inches tall. Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing grass blades, which can lead to disease and brown tips.
Before you mow:
- Check your lawn mower’s spark plug and air filter to ensure it runs smoothly.
- Adjust your mower to cut no more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
7. Fertilize With a Slow-Release Spring Fertilizer
Spring fertilizer provides essential nutrients to kickstart your lawn’s growth.
- Choose a slow-release fertilizer to feed your lawn gradually, promoting long-term health without excessive growth spurts.
- Look for fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium, which support both leaf growth and root development.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive thatch build-up and weak roots.
Using a spreader ensures even fertilizer application, helping your lawn absorb nutrients more effectively.
8. Check and Maintain Your Lawn Mower for the Season
Before the mowing season begins, inspect your lawn mower to ensure it runs smoothly. Replace the spark plug, clean or replace the air filter, and sharpen the mower blades for clean cuts.
For homeowners who prefer DIY lawn care, these simple maintenance tasks can extend the life of your mower and improve mowing performance.
9. Mulch Grass Clippings to Nourish Your Lawn
Instead of bagging grass clippings, consider leaving them on the lawn as you mow. They decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for additional fertilizer.
This natural process also helps retain soil moisture and improves lawn health.
However, if you notice excessive build-up, consider dethatching to prevent thatch from blocking air and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my lawn in early spring?
Water your lawn once or twice a week in early spring, depending on rainfall, to maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering, which can lead to shallow roots and fungal diseases.
Is it necessary to remove leaves and debris from the lawn before starting spring care?
Yes, clearing leaves and debris helps prevent mold, allows sunlight to reach the grass, and improves air circulation, creating a healthier environment for new growth during spring.
How can I prevent lawn pests like grubs and insects during spring?
Apply pest control treatments like grub preventers in early spring, maintain proper lawn drainage, and avoid overwatering since moist soil attracts pests that damage roots and grass blades.
