10 Common Questions About Spring Lawn Care

Spring is a critical time for lawn care, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the growing season. As the weather warms up and plants begin to awaken from their winter dormancy, homeowners often have questions about how to best care for their lawns during this crucial period. This detailed guide will help address common questions about spring lawn care to help you achieve a healthy and vibrant lawn this season. Let’s get started!

1) When Should I Start Spring Lawn Care?

Homeowners should start spring lawn care activities when environmental conditions are conducive to grass growth and recovery from winter dormancy. Typically, this begins when daytime temperatures consistently reach around 50°F or higher and soil temperatures rise above 55°F. These warmer temperatures signal the awakening of grass from its dormant state and the start of active growth. 

The exact timing may vary depending on the region, climate, and specific grass type in the lawn. It's essential for homeowners to monitor local weather patterns and soil conditions to determine the most appropriate time to begin spring lawn care. Performing a thorough inspection of the lawn's condition, including assessing for winter damage and soil compaction, can help guide the timing of spring lawn care activities. Be sure to reach out to a local lawn care provider for more information on the best timing in your area.

2) How Should I Fertilize In Early Spring?

Fertilizing your lawn in the spring provides essential nutrients that promote healthy growth and green color. Choose a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for spring application. Look for a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) to support overall lawn health. Apply the fertilizer carefully, as excess nitrogen fertilizer can damage grass and lead to nutrient runoff and environmental damage.

• Soil Evaluation: Begin by assessing soil moisture levels. Ensure the soil is slightly moist but not waterlogged or frozen, as applying fertilizer to frozen or excessively wet soil can lead to runoff and nutrient waste.
• Select The Right Fertilizer: Choose a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for early spring application. Opt for a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio suitable for your grass type and local climate.
• Calculate Application Rate: Determine the appropriate application rate based on your lawn's size and the fertilizer's instructions. Avoid over-application to prevent nutrient runoff and environmental damage.
• Even Application: Utilize a broadcast spreader or handheld spreader for even distribution of fertilizer across the lawn. Begin by fertilizing the perimeter and then fill in the center in a crisscross pattern to ensure uniform coverage.
• Timing & Conditions: Apply fertilizer when the grass is actively growing and temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Avoid applying fertilizer during windy conditions to prevent uneven distribution.
• Watering In: After applying the fertilizer, water the lawn thoroughly to activate the nutrients and help them penetrate the soil. Water deeply to encourage root growth and ensure optimal nutrient absorption by the grass.

3) How Can I Control Lawn Weeds In Spring?

Preventing and controlling weeds is an essential part of spring lawn care. Start by manually removing any visible weeds, taking care to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. For larger areas or persistent weed problems, consider using an herbicide specifically formulated for your lawn type and the types of weeds present. 

After visible weeds are removed, consider applying a layer of pre-emergent across your lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides are designed to provide a protective barrier that suppresses weed growth and blocks them from emerging through the soil. For gardens and flower beds, mulching is also a great way to stop weeds from being able to pop up in your yard. 

4) When & How Should I Mow For The First Time In Spring?

The timing of the first mowing in the spring depends on the growth rate of your lawn and local weather conditions. Wait until the grass is actively growing and has reached a height of 3 to 4 inches before mowing for the first time. Set your mower blade to the highest setting and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade length at once to prevent stress and scalping. Leaving the grass a little longer will allow your lawn to absorb more nutrients as it attempts to recover from both winter dormancy and the stress of spring's first cut.

• Wait For Optimal Conditions: Wait until the grass is actively growing and has reached a height of about 3 to 4 inches before mowing for the first time in spring. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet or overly soggy to prevent compaction and damage.
• Adjust Mower Height: Set your mower blade to the highest setting to avoid cutting the grass too short. Mowing at a higher height helps promote healthy root growth and prevents stress to the grass plants.
• Avoid Removing Too Much: Follow the one-third rule and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade length at once. Removing too much of the grass blade can stress the lawn and inhibit healthy growth.
• Use Sharp Blades: Ensure that your mower blades are sharp to achieve a clean, even cut. Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to jagged edges and increased susceptibility to disease.
• Alternate Mowing Patterns: Alternate your mowing direction each time you mow to prevent soil compaction and ruts in the lawn. Changing the mowing pattern also encourages upright grass growth for a more even appearance.
• Leave Grass Clippings: Consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil. If the clippings are too long or excessive, use a mulching mower or rake them into small piles to distribute evenly across the lawn.

5) When & How Often Should I Water My Lawn In Spring?

Determining when to start watering your lawn in the spring depends on several factors, including your location, local climate, and current weather conditions. As a general guideline, you should begin watering your lawn in the spring when the soil begins to dry out following the first heavy rainfall of the season. Another good sign that it is time to start watering is when daytime temperatures start consistently reaching in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit and the soil begins to warm up. 

Proper watering is crucial for a healthy lawn, especially in the spring when plants are actively growing. In most cases, lawns require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. However, it's essential to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. Water your lawn early in the morning to minimize evaporation, and avoid watering in the evening, as prolonged moisture can promote disease.

6) Should I Aerate My Lawn In Spring?

You should aerate your lawn at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. Aerating your lawn in the spring can help alleviate soil compaction and promote healthy root growth. If your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic or if you notice that water is pooling on the surface instead of penetrating the soil, aerating can be beneficial. Use a core aerator to remove plugs of soil from the lawn, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. 

Liquid aeration is also an effective way to relieve soil compaction if it is a more convenient option for you. Regardless of the method you choose, professional assistance is always helpful if you are worried about damaging your lawn due to a lack of experience with the process of aeration.

7) Should I Overseed My Lawn In Spring?

Overseeding can help thicken up a thin or sparse lawn and fill in bare patches. Spring is an excellent time for overseeding cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. Before overseeding, prepare the soil by loosening the top layer and removing any debris. Choose high-quality grass seed that matches your existing lawn's grass type, and spread it evenly over the prepared area. Keep the soil consistently moist until the new grass establishes itself.

• IMPORTANT NOTE! Overseeding is always beneficial if performed correctly, but the best results are yielded when overseeding is combined with aeration. Core (or liquid) aeration opens up the soil, providing small pockets in the lawn where seeds can germinate and sprout roots. 

8) Do I Need To Dethatch In Spring?

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates on the soil surface, and excessive thatch can hinder water and nutrient penetration. While dethatching is not always necessary, it can be beneficial if your lawn has a thick layer of thatch that is impeding healthy growth. Use a dethatching rake or power dethatcher to remove the thatch layer, taking care not to damage the grass roots.

9) How Can I Prevent Lawn Diseases & Pests?

Preventing diseases and pests in your lawn during the spring requires a proactive approach and adherence to proper lawn care practices. Both fungal diseases and pests thrive in laws that are not cared for properly, especially when the soil of the lawn does not drain properly and standing water exists. There are four major ways you can help ensure that your lawn remains free of these infestations.

• Maintaining good lawn health is paramount. This includes regular watering, but ensuring not to overwater, as excessive moisture can create favorable conditions for disease development. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and avoid watering in the evening to prevent prolonged moisture on the grass blades, which can lead to fungal infections. 
• Proper mowing is essential. Mow the grass at the appropriate height for your grass type and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at once to prevent stress and vulnerability to disease. Ensure your mower blades are sharp to achieve a clean cut and minimize damage to the grass. 
• Promote proper air circulation and reduce thatch buildup by aerating your lawn as needed. This helps prevent the development of fungal diseases by allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively. 
• Monitor your lawn regularly for signs of pest infestations or disease symptoms such as discoloration, thinning patches, or unusual growth patterns. If you suspect a pest or disease issue, consult with a lawn care professional to identify the problem and implement appropriate treatment measures, such as targeted insecticides or fungicides. 

10) What Should I Do About Bare Patches?

Bare patches in the lawn can be unsightly and can also provide an opportunity for weeds to take hold. To repair bare patches, loosen the soil in the affected area, remove any debris, and apply a layer of topsoil or compost. Then, sow grass seed evenly over the prepared area and gently rake to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Keep the soil consistently moist until the new grass establishes itself and fills in the bare patch.

• WHAT’S THE CAUSE? Bare patches in lawns can be caused by a number of factors, and figuring out the cause is the first step in treating them. Fingal infections, lawn grubs, and nutrient deficiencies can all cause similar damage to your grass. Call a professional to help determine which is present in your lawn.

Call Holmes Lawn & Pest For Spring Lawn Care In Utah

Spring lawn care is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. By addressing common questions and following best practices for lawn care, homeowners can achieve excellent results and enjoy their outdoor spaces to the fullest. No matter what your lawn needs in spring, a professional lawn care company like Holmes Lawn & Pest will maximize your turf’s potential during this crucial time. If you are in the Salt Lake area and want to start off your lawn the right way this growing season, contact Holmes today to get started!