10 Spring Lawn Care Steps to Follow for a Dazzling Landscape

Believe it or not, one of the best lawn care tips for spring to achieve a healthy lawn is a thorough cleanup. Early spring is the perfect time to remove leaves, branches, and debris that accumulated over the winter. A clutter-free landscape not only guarantees a beautiful yard, but also ensures better air circulation and promotes healthy grass growth.

Once your yard is clean, gently rake the grass. Take your time to remove thatch (dead grass), snow mold (if any), and remaining debris. This will loosen compacted soil and allow nutrients to reach the grassroots effectively. While you may be tempted to rake aggressively or fast, refrain from doing so, as it may damage new grass shoots.

Aeration is one of the best spring lawn care steps. It improves soil drainage and oxygen flow, helping grass roots grow deeper and stronger. However, too much aeration can promote weed growth, especially crabgrass. Regular aeration tines can be used to aerate areas with much soil compaction or heavy foot traffic. Only use a core aerator if you’re dealing with extreme compaction.

Fall is the best time to overseed your turf. But spring can also be a great time to apply grass seed to thin areas. Remain on the lookout for crabgrass, since they can appear after overseeding. Always keep in mind that excessive overseeding can lead to weaker grass, as too many seeds will be competing for nutrients. For premium results, choose a high-quality seed mix suited to your region’s climate.

Fertilizer application is one of the first recommendations you’ll think about when wondering how to care for lawn in spring. And it really helps your yard by kickstarting grass growth and replenishing essential nutrients.

Opt for a slow-release fertilizer for consistent, long-term nourishment. You can also topdress with compost and grass clippings. Remember to use the proper fertilizer depending on the type of grass you own. We strongly advise against early application or exaggeration, because both will encourage weeds and weak growth.

Spring is the perfect season for weed control, allowing you to target harmful elements before they take over your lawn. Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and avoid core aeration and overseeding if you choose to apply this type. Spray a post-emergent herbicide or manually pull out existing dandelions to maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn.

Get your lawn mower ready! When it comes to proper lawn care for spring, mowing at the right time and height is essential for a beautiful garden. So set your mower blades to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade, and always mow when the turf is dry (wet grass will damage your equipment). Taller grass shades the soil, reducing weed growth and moisture loss while encouraging strong root development.

Your landscape thrives during spring. But so do pests and fungal diseases. Keep an eye out for signs of grubs (especially in late spring and if you aerated and dethatched your yard), brown patches, or mold. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to prevent infestations and maintain a healthy lawn.

Mulching is often one of the most overlooked but essential spring lawn care steps. Adding fresh mulch to garden beds not only boosts aesthetic appeal, it also enhances soil moisture retention and suppresses weed growth. You can use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded leaves, and apply a 2-3 inch layer on your garden beds.

Of course, we couldn’t forget about your greenery. Our arborists recommend pruning overgrown shrubs and trees to encourage fresh spring growth. Trimming dead, damaged, or diseased branches will prevent sickness spread and improve the overall structure and appearance of your landscape. Once again, just be careful not to overdo it!