How to Take Care of Your Lawn in Spring?

As the weather warms, it's time to rejuvenate your lawn. Spring lawn care is essential for a lush and healthy lawn throughout the growing season. By following a well-planned schedule, you can ensure your lawn remains vibrant and weed-free. This guide will walk you through the key steps and tools needed for effective spring lawn maintenance and tips to achieve the best results.

When to Start Spring Lawn Care?

Spring lawn care should ideally begin as soon as the ground thaws and the grass starts to grow again, typically in early spring. This timing varies depending on your location and climate in Canada, but a good rule of thumb is to start your lawn care regimen when daytime temperatures consistently reach around 50-60°F (10-15°C). This is when grass begins its active growth phase, making it the perfect time to tackle tasks like fertilizing, aerating, and overseeding to ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the season.

• Raking/Cleaning: Late February - Early March
  Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn to prepare the surface for new growth.
• Aerating/Dethatching: Mid - Late March
  Aeration involves using a machine to remove small plugs of soil, which improves air and nutrient flow to the roots. Dethatching helps remove excess thatch that can inhibit growth.
• Fertilizing: Late March - Early April
  Apply a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients and promote healthy growth. Choose a product appropriate for your soil and grass type.
• When to Apply Grass Seed: Late March - Early April
  Overseeding helps fill in bare spots and improve lawn density. Spread a layer of topsoil mixed with grass seeds to ensure even growth.
• Watering: Mid-April - Late April
  Begin regular watering as temperatures rise, but be cautious not to overwater. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage root development.
• Mowing/Trimming: Late April - May
  Start mowing once the grass reaches about 3 inches in height. Regular mowing helps keep the lawn healthy and prevents weeds.

How to Care for Lawn in Spring?

Here's a quick rundown of the spring lawn care steps that will help you keep your garden:

1. Lawn Recovery

‍After winter, your lawn might need some recovery to bounce back. Start by assessing any damage or areas that need attention. If you have bare spots or thinning grass, overseeding can help rejuvenate your lawn. Ensure you give the new seeds time to germinate and establish before subjecting them to heavy foot traffic.

2. Raking and Cleaning

‍Raking and cleaning are essential first steps in spring lawn care. Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter. This process clears the lawn for new growth and prevents mold and mildew buildup. Use a garden rake or a leaf blower to clean the surface efficiently.

3. Soil Acidity

You may remember having to measure pH levels for acidity content in science class. The pH level of your soil actually has a major impact on your lawn’s growth. If soil remains too acidic after the winter weather has washed away all the nutrients from last season, then the lawn will grow unevenly. To decrease your soil’s acidity and push it towards the alkaline side of the pH scale, try adding lime to the soil. You can do this easily by saving your eggshells and scattering their crushed remains on the soil. This is an environmentally friendly way to promote healthy soil all over your yard.

4. Aeration

The best fertilizer isn’t actually a fertilizer at all, so before you go spending a fortune on chemicals that can actually do more harm for your lawn than good, consider having the grass aerated. This involves using a special machine to pull tiny plugs of soil out of the lawn. Doing so lets more air reach the root system, which is excellent for promoting new growth. After the holes are made, you can fill them with some light sand to improve lawn drainage as well.

5. Overseeding

‍Overseeding involves spreading new grass seeds over your existing lawn to improve its density and overall appearance. This is particularly useful if your lawn has bare spots or thinning areas. Ensure you use high-quality seed and follow the recommended application rates. After overseeding, lightly water the area to help seeds germinate.

6. Fertilizing

‍Fertilizing is crucial for promoting healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer in late March to early April when your lawn begins to wake up from winter. Choose a product with the right nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio to meet your lawn's needs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and methods.

7. Watering

‍Proper watering is vital as temperatures rise. Begin watering your lawn regularly in mid-April to late April. Aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, frequent watering to encourage deep root growth. Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering or drought stress.

8. Mowing

‍Mowing helps maintain a healthy lawn and promotes even growth. Start mowing in late April to May when the grass reaches about 3 inches in height. Set your mower blades to a higher setting initially to avoid cutting too much of the grass at once. Regular mowing every 1-2 weeks helps keep the lawn neat and prevents weed growth.

List of Tools You Need

• Lawnmower: For regular mowing and trimming.
• Aerator: For aerating the soil and improving root growth.
• Rake: For removing debris and thatch.
• Fertilizer Spreader: For even application of fertilizers and grass seed.
• Garden Hose or Sprinkler: For efficient watering.
• pH Test Kit: To measure and adjust soil acidity.

Quick Tips to Take Care Of

• Monitor Weather: Adjust your lawn care activities based on weather conditions to avoid overwatering or applying fertilizers during heavy rains.
• Proper Mowing Height: Keep your mower blades sharp and set to the correct height to avoid scalping the grass.
• Regular Checks: Inspect your lawn regularly for pests, diseases, and signs of nutrient deficiencies.

Want Quality Spring Lawn Care? Call Oak Landscaping

Keeping your lawn healthy and lush throughout the year takes a bit of hard work in the spring, but when you consider the benefits it is definitely worth the effort. At Oak Landscaping, we take great pride in knowing our clients have some of the most well-maintained landscapes in Vancouver. For more helpful tips, or to enlist our team for your landscape maintenance this season, contact us today!

Get the right landscape maintenance services before the season starts.