Preparing Your Lawn for Spring
Now that winter is (finally) nearing its end, it’s time to prepare your lawn for spring! After months of your lawn essentially being neglected, it’s important to give it a little TLC.
Preparing your lawn for spring may seem like a daunting task, but have no fear! With these tips, the right equipment, and a little time, you’re sure to have the best lawn in your neighborhood.
1. Clear your lawn of debris.
The first step in preparing your lawn for spring is to clear the grass of any debris. The best way to do this is to use a rake to scrape up any dried up leaves, sticks, dead grass blades, or other foliage that may have become matted to your lawn during winter.
Simply rake everything into a few piles and then into trash bags or a yard waste bin. Clearing debris will help you be see which areas of your yard need attention, wake up your lawn, and give you a clean slate as you start your other projects.
2. Aerate your lawn.
The next project you’ll want to take on in preparing your lawn for spring is aeration. Using a specialized aerator, either towable or gas-powered, you’ll need to aerate as much of your lawn as you can and go over the most unhealthy and dry patches multiple times.
Aeration is important because it allows your lawn to “breathe” and receive much needed hydration and nutrients following the dry winter months.
You may consider waiting to do this until after a rainy day or using a sprinkler the day before you plan to aerate. Aerating a lawn that is very dry can be difficult and not nearly as effective as aerating a moist lawn. Once the soil plugs are dry after aeration, you can simply mow your lawn to break them up and incorporate them healthily into your lawn.
3. Seed Dead Patches
The final step in preparing your lawn for spring is seeding any dead patches that have developed in your lawn. Ideally, it’s best to do this in the fall, but if you have any severely dry or dead patches, you should try seeding in the spring and then addressing any remaining dead patches again in the fall.
When applying seed, be sure to use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Five weeks after the new grass begins to grow, apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer and your lawn should look good as new. Using a special seeding tool can help make this process more efficient and easier.
Preparing your lawn for spring is an important task all homeowners should tackle annually. Never settle for a dry, sad, unkempt-looking lawn! A little effort in the spring can help ensure you have a healthy, beautiful lawn for the rest of the year and prevent future problems from arising.
Midwest Rentals of Lafayette, Indiana has the tool rentals you need to complete your next home improvement project.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as well!