Early spring lawn care is the key to healthy, green grass that perks up fast and lasts all season long. Not only will your lawn look great, but by doing these five proactive maintenance tasks now, you can help prevent weeds, improve drought resistance, and reduce the risk of lawn disease throughout the year.
- Remove Debris
It’s important to pick up any branches, twigs, leaves and other debris that may have accumulated on your lawn over the winter. This prevents mold growth and allows air, sunlight and moisture to more easily reach your lawn. Once the soil is dry, lightly rake your yard to “wake up” the turf and remove dead grass and thatch buildup.
- Aerate Your Lawn
If your soil is compacted, using a core aerator before weeds emerge can help air, water and nutrients reach your lawn’s roots. For cool season grasses, like Tall Fescue, early spring (March-April) is an ideal time to aerate, but for Bermuda grass and other warm season grasses, it’s best to wait until they actively start growing, usually in late April or May.
- Apply Weed Control
Hand-pulling weeds in the spring can prevent them from spreading, but applying pre-emergent herbicides is crucial, as well. These products target and treat developing seeds below the soil’s surface to ensure they don’t sprout up and compete with your healthy grass for nutrients and water. For a natural alternative, try using corn gluten meal.
- Water Deeply and Infrequently
It might seem strange to water your lawn when it’s still cool out, but starting a watering schedule when the temperatures reach 50 degrees or higher encourages healthier, drought-resistant lawns. The key is to water deeply (3-4 inches into the soil), preferably in the morning, about 1-2 times per week, ensuring the soil dries out slightly in between to encourage deep root systems.
- Mow Early and Often
Early and consistent mowing promotes a thick lawn. As soon as your grass is actively growing, and reaches roughly 3-4 inches in height, it’s time for the first cut of the season. You’ll want to set your mower high to avoid damage, never cutting more than one-third of the blade height to prevent stress. We recommend mowing every 10-14 days in early spring, transitioning to weekly mowing in May as temperatures and rainfall increase.
Spring Lawn Care Services in Virginia Beach
Get your lawn ready for a strong start this spring with these expert maintenance tips, or give the the experts at Sean’s Lawns a call for professional spring lawn care services in Virginia Beach, VA. We are a local, family-owned and operated business, offering dependable, affordable service and same-day appointments for mowing, leaf cleanup and pet waste removal.
To request a quote or make an appointment for professional lawn care services in Virginia Beach, call/text 757-650-1380 or contact us online.