We’ve had an unusually warm late winter/early spring, and that has many homeowners wondering what they can do to prepare for a green lawn. While it’s too early to mow, that doesn’t mean you should stay inside and hope your lawn blooms perfectly. The nice weather allows you to spend more time outdoors enjoying and maintaining your lawn. Thinking about getting started on lawn care? Make a game plan before spring is in full swing:

Rake your yard

 

Although raking is synonymous with fall, you’ll need to break out the rake before plant life blooms. You may find a layer of leaves that hid under the snow all winter long. Think of it like spring-cleaning for your yard. Leaves aren’t the only reason to give your lawn a good combing. Thatch – the layer of dead grass that lies between grass blades – builds up over time. You never want more than a half an inch of thatch on your lawn, and raking helps to get rid of the mess. Be sure to dig deeply into the grass so you reach all of the thatch. Your rake also helps to break up clumps of grass that have stuck together.

Look for compaction 

If you frequently host get-togethers on your lawn, the high traffic may compact the soil below. Unfortunately, excessive pressure is detrimental to your lawn. Take some time to look over your lawn for any signs of moss. It is a telltale signal that the soil is compacted. When your soil is too dense, grass roots have no room to spread into the ground. Without healthy roots, the circulation of water, air and nutrients slows down. Lawn aeration repairs the soil, and it’s easy to do yourself. Take action by visiting a home supplies store to rent a lawn aerator. This tool breaks apart dense soil, giving your lawn a breath of fresh air.

Think about fertilizing

It’s best to take a light approach to fertilization in the spring. The types of cool-season grasses commonly found in Minnesota benefit more from fertilizer in the fall than the spring. Over-fertilizing now creates a breeding ground for weeds later on. If you have unsightly patches of brown grass on your lawn, you may want to consider limited fertilization. Compost and mulching mowers can be used to organically fertilize your lawn. For even more convenience and control, think about getting professional lawn fertilization services. You’ll be able to simply enjoy your lawn knowing it will thrive all summer long.

Get a step ahead of crabgrass

 

Many homeowners know how difficult it can be to get rid of crabgrass once it appears in parts of your lawn. If you’re aware that your yard has a crabgrass problem, get proactive to inhibit this weed from growing. Utilize pre-emergent herbicides to give your lawn an extra layer of protection. Living up to its name, this type of herbicide takes care of the problem before it starts and creates a barrier between the air and seedlings. Weed germination cannot occur in this type of environment.

 

While you could coast through winter without having to think too much about your lawn, spring is a time to make preparations. It’s better to spot problems now than deal with the consequences when things get worse. Minnesotans have to put up with harsh winters, so a green lawns are something we all can look forward to. Give your lawn the care it needs to flourish this spring.