Prepare Your Lawn for Spring

As the days are now becoming longer and spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to start prepping your lawn. With a little springtime effort, you’ll set your yard up for a healthy, vibrant season ahead. Here are some easy steps to ensure your lawn thrives this spring:

Raking
Raking is essential to spring lawn care. It helps remove debris and prepare your grass for healthy growth. However, it’s crucial that the grass is dry enough before you begin. You can check this by walking on the lawn—if your footprints remain, the grass is still too moist, and raking could cause damage.
It’s best to rake when the grass is still dormant and brown. Waiting too long could harm the healthy roots and set back your lawn’s recovery. Removing leaves, dead grass, and other debris allows your lawn to breathe and encourages new growth as the weather warms up.

Aerating
Aeration is essential for improving soil health and allowing water and fertilizer to penetrate deeper. This process is especially beneficial if your lawn is over five years old or has compacted soil. Spring is an excellent time to aerate because the soil is often moist and more forgiving. However, it can be done at any point during the season.

Fertilizing
After the long winter, your lawn needs a little help getting back to full health. Choose fertilizer with a slow-release formula which has a higher amount of phosphorous to encourage root growth. Once your grass is green and actively growing (around June), you can switch to a higher-nitrogen fertilizer to help maintain its lush appearance.

Overseeding
If your lawn is looking a little sparse, overseeding is a great way to encourage new growth and thicken it up. Start by spreading a thin layer of compost or soil over your lawn after it’s been raked. Then, sprinkle high-quality grass seed and cover it with another light layer of compost. This extra layer helps keep the seed moist and protects it from birds. Be sure to water it lightly every day until the seeds are established, which usually takes about 2–3 weeks, depending on the weather.
For more tips on overseeding, check out our blog, Overseeding Your Lawn in Spring.

Preventing Weeds
Bare or thin spots on your lawn can attract weeds like crabgrass, which can quickly take over. Crabgrass is tough and thrives in dry, hot conditions when cool-season grasses are dormant. It can survive low mowing, foot traffic, and poor soil conditions. The key to controlling it is early prevention. Crabgrass seeds start germinating when the soil warms to 13°C-16°C for five consecutive days. A combination of pre-emergent herbicides and a thick, healthy lawn can significantly reduce its growth. The thicker the grass, the better it can fight off weeds like crabgrass.

Clean Up Debris
Don’t forget to tidy up your lawn and landscape! Clear away any leftover leaves, sticks, or debris from winter. This will help your grass breathe and allow it to thrive as the season progresses. If your lawn has a severe thatch issue, it might be a good time to do a more intense dethatching.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, vibrant lawn this spring. The time you invest now will pay off with a beautiful yard all season long!

Sources:
5 simple ways to prepare your lawn this spring | GreenAce Lawn Care, Inc
Preparing Your Lawn for Spring – Greenland Garden Centre