Spring Clean Up: Tips and Best Practices for a Lush, Healthy Lawn

Spring has sprung, and it's time to give your lawn the TLC it needs to thrive throughout the growing season. Proper spring clean up and maintenance are essential for a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Here are some tips and best practices that you can do on your own to help you get started:

Rake thoroughly

Once the ground has dried and the grass has started to grow, lightly rake your lawn to remove dead grass, leaves, and debris that have accumulated over the winter. This will allow sunlight and air to reach the soil, promoting healthy grass growth. When raking, use a leaf or fan rake for best results and be careful not to tear or uproot healthy grass plants.

Dethatch if necessary

If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch (dead grass and roots between the soil and living grass), use a dethatching rake or rent a power dethatcher to remove it. This will prevent drainage issues and allow nutrients to reach the grassroots more easily.

Tune up your mower

Before mowing for the first time, sharpen your mower blades, change the oil, and replace the air filter. A well-maintained mower will give your lawn a cleaner, healthier cut.

Mow high

When you start mowing, set your mower blade to a high setting (about 3-3.5 inches). Taller grass has deeper roots, which makes your lawn more resilient to drought and weed infestation.

Water wisely

As the weather warms up, your lawn will need more water. Water deeply and infrequently (about 1 inch per week) and do so in the morning to allow the grass to dry before nightfall, minimizing the risk of fungal growth.

By following these spring clean up tips and best practices, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful, healthy lawn all season long. Remember, a little extra effort in the spring will pay off with a lush, green lawn that you can be proud of!