Spring Lawn Care: Complete Guide to Revive Your Lawn

Revive your lawn after winter with our comprehensive spring lawn care guide. Learn when to start, what to do first, and how to prepare your lawn for the growing season.

2-4 hours
intermediate
spring

Tools You'll Need

  • Rake
  • Lawn mower
  • Fertilizer spreader
  • Garden hose
  • Soil thermometer

Materials

  • Spring fertilizer
  • Grass seed
  • Pre-emergent herbicide
  • Compost
  • Lime (if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Assess Your Lawn

Walk your lawn to identify winter damage, bare spots, and areas that need attention. Check for snow mold, vole damage, and soil compaction.

Pro Tips

  • Look for brown patches and thinning areas
  • Check for signs of disease or pest damage
  • Note areas with poor drainage
2

Remove Winter Debris

Rake up leaves, sticks, and other debris that accumulated over winter. This allows air and sunlight to reach the grass.

Pro Tips

  • Use a leaf rake for large debris
  • Be gentle to avoid damaging new growth
  • Don't rake too early if ground is still frozen
3

Apply Pre-emergent

Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperature reaches 55°F to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from germinating.

Pro Tips

  • Use a soil thermometer to check temperature
  • Apply before weeds germinate
  • Follow label instructions carefully
4

Fertilize Your Lawn

Apply spring fertilizer when grass starts actively growing. Use a balanced fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen.

Pro Tips

  • Wait until grass is actively growing
  • Use slow-release fertilizer
  • Don't over-fertilize
5

Overseed Bare Spots

Fill in bare or thin areas with grass seed. Choose seed that matches your existing grass type.

Pro Tips

  • Choose appropriate grass seed
  • Keep seeded areas moist
  • Don't apply pre-emergent to seeded areas

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start spring lawn care?

Start spring lawn care when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F and grass begins actively growing. This is typically late March to early April in most regions.

Should I fertilize my lawn in spring?

Yes, apply spring fertilizer when grass starts actively growing. Use a balanced fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen to avoid burning the grass.

How often should I water my lawn in spring?

Water deeply but infrequently, about 1-1.5 inches per week including rainfall. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.

Can I overseed in spring?

Yes, spring is a good time to overseed, especially for warm-season grasses. For cool-season grasses, early fall is preferred, but spring overseeding can work.

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