After a long winter, your lawn is in desperate need of some spring lawn care. The great thing is spring weather is almost perfect as the sun shines down and the air is warmer. Chances are good that after being cooped up inside all winter you are ready to get out into your yard and do some work. If you want a yard that looks great in the summer, preparing it in the spring is necessary. Here are some spring lawn preparation tips to get you that perfect lawn that you desire.
Spring Lawn Preparation
Soil Moisture
You want to make sure there is adequate moisture for grass growth in the spring. Typically, the ground is already wetter due to snowmelt. The most critical task is to make sure water is getting to the roots of your lawn. UNL Extension experts say to avoid light, daily watering.
Fertilize
Mulching mowers and compost make great organic fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers can also be used. The most important thing to remember is that you should keep the feeding smaller in the spring. A heavier feeding during the fall months is recommended. If you add too much lawn fertilizer during the spring you can end up with weed problems and disease throughout your yard. If you apply fertilizer in the fall months, your lawn will still have some left to feed off of during the early part of spring.
Weed Prevention
Who doesn’t want a lawn that is free of weeds? Lawn preparation in the spring is mostly about preventing weeds and fostering healthy growth. It is important to remember that all lawn weeds are not dealt with in the same way. The first step is determining whether the weed is perennial or annual. Preemergent herbicides are used for annual weeds and post-emergent herbicides are used on perennial weeds.
If you have issues with crabgrass, you might want to consider using both preemergent and post-emergent herbicides. Crabgrass can be very difficult to eradicate. Crabgrass starts assaulting yards during the spring months when temperatures are consistently around 65 to 70 degrees. Using a pre-emergent herbicide will address the weeds before the seedlings can emerge. Essentially, this type of herbicide will perform a barrier in the top of the soil that will prevent the weed from growing shoots and roots. If you already know that you have an issue with crabgrass, applying the herbicide and fertilizer during the spring can be helpful.
Do you use a preemergent herbicide? If so, it is important to make sure that you do not do any more core aeration after application as this will puncture the chemical barrier.
If weeds have already taken over your lawn, using a post-emergent herbicide is recommended. Pulling the weeds by hand and then using herbicide in the areas can help prevent the weeds from returning.
Lawnmower Service
Finally, remember that with spring comes lawn mowing. This is a good time to get your lawnmower serviced to ensure that it will remain running throughout the entire mowing season. Start the mower and make sure that it is running properly. If you notice anything wrong, such as difficulty starting or unusual noise, have it checked out by a professional. Taking this step will ensure you are ready to keep your yard in tip-top shape all summer long.
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
