Early Spring Lawn Care: Essential Tips for a Lush Lawn in Raleigh, NC
After the long, cold winter months, your lawn is ready for some tender loving care. Early spring is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your yard, ensuring it’s healthy, green, and ready to thrive all season long. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about spring lawn care, from maintenance and treatment tips to answering common questions like “What should I do to my lawn in spring?” and “How do I refresh my lawn after winter?
Why Early Spring Lawn Care Matters
Winter weather can leave your lawn stressed, with brown patches or thinning growth. Taking action in early spring helps:
- Rejuvenate your lawn: Repair winter damage and stimulate new growth.
- Prevent weed invasion: Early treatment helps control crabgrass and other unwanted plants.
- Prepare for a full growing season: Early care sets the foundation for a lush, green lawn throughout spring and summer.
What are the Dos and Don’ts for Your Lawn’s Early Spring Startup?
Test Your Lawn’s pH
Professionally testing your lawn’s pH every 2-3 years will give you a good idea of which minerals (and how much of each) is best for your individual lawn. Hicks Landscape professionals can test your lawn, and advise you as to what is best.
Apply Lime in Early Spring Months
Depending on your soils, pH, you may need no lime, a small amount, or a great deal in order to maximize the spring growth.
Do Not Over–Fertilize
Many homeowners tend to throw down way too much fertilizer at the first sign of green grass growth. In reality, the best thing to do is to apply a light amount of fertilizer in early spring, and then apply a larger dose a bit later in the season, after the initial growth rush.
Reseed & Water Thoroughly
As part of the spring startup process, dead or damaged grass patches should be reseeded in early March or April. The most important thing to do is to provide newly developing seeds with enough water for proper growth and development. Developing seeds, especially early in the season, need plenty of water. See “April Showers Bring May Flowers”.
Choose the Right Grass Type for Your Lawn & Climate
There are over 9,000 species of grasses, so choosing the right one for your lawn may not be quite as simple as you think. Hicks Landscape specialists will take into consideration your lawn’s specific needs, and recommend the best possible choice for you.
Do Not Mow Too Short
Grass will grow best at approximately two inches and higher, so keep it a minimum of this height during the first few cuts in spring.
Apply Herbicides to Control Crabgrass
Mid-March is the best time to control crabgrass, because it will not be up and growing yet. Once the crabgrass has significantly grown and developed, herbicides will have less of an effect on them. At that point, good ole’ fashion weed plucking may be the best option.
March is Too Early For Insect Control
Most insect’s life cycles have not yet started in March, as the weather is still relatively unpredictable, and is often simply too cold for insects to survive. The vast majority of insect control tasks can wait a bit later, until the April and May months. But once you start to see those annoying insects in your lawn and garden, you will want to give Hicks Landscape a call, and let us take care of the pest problems.
Recommended Lawn Care Order in Spring
For best results, follow this recommended order:
- Soil Test & pH Adjustment: Begin with testing and amending your soil.
- Fertilizer Application: Start with a light dose of fertilizer.
- Reseeding: Fill in any bare or damaged areas.
- Weed Control: Apply herbicides as needed.
- Proper Mowing: Maintain a safe mowing height for healthy growth.
- Regular Watering: Keep your lawn consistently watered, especially after reseeding.
Common Questions About Early Spring Lawn Care
What should I do to my lawn in spring?
Begin with a soil test, apply the correct pH amendments, use a light fertilizer, reseed damaged areas, control weeds, and mow at a proper height to encourage deep roots.
What is the best lawn treatment in spring?
The best treatment is a balanced approach that starts with a soil test, followed by targeted fertilization, reseeding where necessary, and proper weed control to maintain a lush lawn.
When should I start lawn care after winter?
Ideally, start your lawn care in early spring—around March—to give your lawn a head start for the growing season.
How do I rejuvenate a poor lawn?
Rejuvenate your lawn by addressing soil deficiencies, reseeding bare spots, and maintaining a consistent watering and mowing schedule.
