Very few things invigorate the soul like the first true days of spring! Warm sunshine, birds returning from their southern getaway, and fresh blooms pushing through the soil. It never gets old.
Of course, along with spring comes the return of yardwork. For some, it is a chore. For others, it is the moment they have been waiting for all winter. While we may still be a few weeks away from regular mowing and maintenance, there is plenty you can do now to get your lawn off to a strong start.
Missed Fall Cleanup? Now Is Your Chance
We all head into fall with the best intentions. Raking leaves, cutting back perennials, trimming fountain grasses. But once the chilly air of November and December rolls in, those plans do not always pan out. Oaks and hickories also hang onto leaves just a bit too long, and we have better things to do than to wait for those to drop.
Good news. Early spring is the perfect time to wrap up that unfinished work. In fact, some cleanup tasks are even easier now, as winter dormancy weakens plant material and makes it simpler to cut back or divide.
Is the Lawn Cut Short?
As winter approaches, it is best practice to gradually lower your mowing height. By that point in the season, the lawn has already stored the energy it needs in the roots for winter dormancy. Cutting it shorter helps prevent snow mold and discourages rodents like voles from nesting in longer grass.
If you did not get around to it, no problem. You can still give your lawn a shorter cut now. An early mow clears out dormant material, allows more sunlight to reach the soil, and helps it warm up faster. The act of mowing wakes the plant up, and new green growth is given a kickstart.
Freshen Things Up with a Spring Rake
One of the most effective ways to jumpstart your lawn is with a spring rake. Similar to dethatching, but less aggressive, this process removes built up dead grass sitting beneath the surface.
At ULTRALawn, we use specialized equipment with spring loaded tines that gently lift debris to the surface, where it is mowed and removed. The result is a cleaner, more upright lawn that can breathe, absorb nutrients, and green up faster. Even better, it encourages thicker, healthier growth throughout the season.
Get That Pre-Emergent Down!
With your lawn cleaned up, mowed, and raked, there is one final step. Applying crabgrass pre emergent!
This is one of the most important lawn treatments of the year. Without it, you will spend the entire season on “weed patrol”. A full application now, paired with a follow up later in the spring, provides long lasting control of crabgrass and foxtail while keeping your lawn looking its best.
Start Strong This Spring
Do not wait until your first mow to think about lawn care. Taking action now sets the foundation for a healthier, greener yard all season long.
A little effort in early spring goes a long way toward achieving that picture perfect ULTRALawn.
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