Why Proper Spring Lawn Care Is So Important

Your lawn requires attention during all four seasons, and during the spring there are certain lawn maintenance practices that simply cannot be overlooked. By keeping a few spring lawn care suggestions in mind you can keep your lawn looking its best and prepare it for the harsh conditions that arrive with summer.

Start the season with a pH test

The pH level of the soil in your yard is very important, without the proper pH balance it can be impossible to keep a lawn healthy during any season. As soon as spring arrives and the ground begins to soften you should do a pH test to determine your lawn care plans for the rest of the season. If your soil has a high alkaline reading (a test result of 7.2 or higher) you may need to apply targeted lawn treatments in order to increase the acidic level of your soil. Sulphur is the most common tool used for soil that tests at a reading of 7.2 or higher.

If your pH test results in a reading of 6.5 or lower, you need to decrease the acid level that’s present in your soil. Lime treatments are the most common remedy for this problem. Whenever you are performing a lawn treatment that adjusts your soil’s pH level be sure to do so very carefully. A pH reading that is skewed too far in either direction makes it impossible for grass and other plants to survive. Your soil’s pH is a delicate balance and you may need to apply several light treatments before you arrive at the proper level.

Dethatch

Thatching is common in yards across the nation, and if not treated this problem can keep your soil from absorbing water and nutrients. Thatching occurs when leaves, stems and roots build up at the base of your grass. If it becomes too thick the soil is completely obscured, making it impossible for grass to thrive. Thankfully dethatching isn’t hard, and with regular raking you can prevent it from becoming a problem in your yard. If thatching has reached an advanced level, you may need to rent or invest in a special tool designed exclusively for dethatching.

Reseed your lawn

As winter passes and your lawn begins to regain its normal vibrant green hue, there may be a few patches of brown grass that fail to come to life with the season. If this is the case your lawn could have dead patches, meaning its time to reseed. Reseeding is not difficult, and when you’re only dealing with small-scale issues like patchiness it can be taken care of in just a few minutes.

The key to reseeding sections of your yard is a grass repair kit. These kits combine grass seeds, mulch and fertilizer for easy to grow grass in problem areas. You can even use these ingredients to make your own kit if you have leftover seeds from the first time you planted grass in your lawn. To apply the repair kit follow these simple steps:

  • Break up the soil in the area where you plan to apply the mixture
  • Spread the contents of the kit over the area where grass has died
  • Ensure that seeds are evenly distributed throughout the soil by going over the area with a rake
  • Add a topcoat of straw or pine needles to prevent the seeds from washing away during irrigation or rain
  • Water immediately, and continue to water according to the instructions recommended by the kit

If more than a small area requires reseeding you may have better luck using normal seeds to grow new grass in your lawn.

TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure your satisfaction.

Getting Started with TruGreen

  1. Call or fill out the form above to reach a lawn care specialist.
  2. Know the square footage of your yard, as well as any specific areas of concern.
  3. With the help of your specialist, create a customized lawn care plan that meets your lawn’s needs.
  4. Schedule your Healthy Lawn Analysis2 to start your service.