With the warmer seasons approaching, we should focus just as much on the exterior of our homes as we do on the interior. As a homeowner, the outside of your home is the first thing someone sees when they pass or stop by to visit. So why wouldn’t you want your lawn to look lush and beautiful?
With winter finally over, it’s time to stop worrying about shoveling snow and focus on those spring projects, like getting your lawn ready for the growing season. Spring is in the air, and you’re probably noticing the first signs of flowers blooming. However, this should also be your signal to start preparing your lawn as we head into the warmer months.
Here are four simple tips to get your lawn ready for spring.
Raking
Deep raking is one of the first steps to preparing your lawn for spring. You’ll want to clean up those leaves, twigs, and any other debris that might have collected throughout the winter.
You might think to yourself, “Leaves haven’t fallen from the trees in the past few months.” Still, even if this is the case, you’ll want to rake the dead turfgrass between the grass’s green vegetation and the soil below, known as thatch. If thatch becomes too thick, it can be very unhealthy for your grass, so it needs to be maintained correctly for your lawn to grow.
Apply Fertilizer
If you fertilized your lawn properly in the fall, then your yard still has some fertilizer to feed on in the spring. It’s best to use less fertilizer in early spring, especially if you fertilized your lawn in late fall. Too much fertilizer can lead to weed issues and disease.
Pro tip: Use a pre-emergent early in the spring for a weed-free lawn. Pre-emergents help prevent crabgrass and reduce broadleaf weed issues throughout the season.
Service Your Lawn Mower
The new season also means removing the snow shovels and bringing out the lawn mower. Start it up and make sure everything is working correctly. If it’s too stubborn to start or doesn’t seem to be working efficiently, it’s probably time for a tune-up.
Mow Your Lawn
Once you know your lawn mower is set for spring, it’s time to start mowing. Many homeowners think mowing their lawn once a week will be good enough, but mowing every five days for the first six weeks of spring will provide a thicker, fuller lawn.
Mowing only once a week can cause your grass to grow too high, and once you cut it, it stunts the roots, meaning they won’t reproduce correctly.
Pro tip: When it’s time for the first mow of the season, raise the mowing deck to the highest setting. This will usually cut about three to four inches high, which is what you want for the initial cut. If the grass is cut too short during the first mow, it can cause stunted growth.
Utah Lawn Care Services – At Guardian Lawn Care, our lawn experts are here to help you keep your lawn lush and green. Contact us today by calling 801-225-4342 or request a no-obligation quote by filling out our online form and enjoy a full-service lawn solution that will make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.