As winter fades and spring approaches, your lawn is coming out of dormancy and preparing for a season of new growth. A well-prepped lawn in early spring lays the foundation for lush, healthy grass that thrives throughout the warmer months.
At Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, we believe that early preparation is the key to a healthy, thriving lawn. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to restore your yard after winter or a business owner ensuring your property makes the right impression, taking the proper steps now will set you up for success all season long.
1. Start with a Thorough Spring Cleanup
Winter often leaves behind fallen leaves, broken branches, and compacted debris that can smother your grass and encourage pests or disease. Clearing out this debris is the first step toward a healthier lawn.
Spring Cleanup Checklist:
- Rake up leaves and dead grass to improve airflow and allow sunlight to reach the soil.
- Clear twigs, branches, and leftover mulch to prevent fungal growth.
- Remove salt or ice melt residue from sidewalks and driveways, as they can damage the lawn.
- Check for snow mold and bare patches—early detection allows for quicker recovery.
A thorough cleanup not only improves the appearance of your lawn but also prepares the soil for new growth in the weeks ahead.
2. Test Your Soil for Optimal Growth
A healthy lawn starts with balanced soil. The pH level and nutrient content of your soil determine how well your grass absorbs water and essential minerals.
- Ideal pH range for most lawns: 6.0 to 7.0
- Soil testing options: Use a DIY soil test kit or send a sample to a local extension office for a professional analysis.
If your soil is too acidic, adding lime can help. If it’s too alkaline, sulfur can lower the pH. Proper soil amendments will ensure that your lawn gets the best possible growing conditions.
3. Aerate to Relieve Compacted Soil
Over time, soil can become compacted due to foot traffic, heavy snowfall, and excess moisture, preventing air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots. Core aeration helps to loosen the soil, allowing your lawn to breathe.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration:
✔ Water pools on the surface instead of soaking in.
✔ Grass looks thin or patchy despite proper watering.
✔ The soil feels hard and difficult to dig into.
Aeration is best done in early spring or fall to promote strong root development before summer heat sets in.
4. Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Spring is the ideal time to prevent weeds before they emerge. Pre-emergent herbicides stop weed seeds from germinating, reducing the spread of crabgrass, dandelions, and clover.
- Apply pre-emergents when soil temps reach 55°F.
- Water lightly after application to activate the herbicide.
- Avoid disturbing treated areas (raking, aerating, or reseeding) for a few weeks.
For a natural alternative, corn gluten meal acts as a pre-emergent while also adding nitrogen to the soil.
5. Feed Your Lawn with the Right Fertilizer
After months of dormancy, your lawn needs a nutrient boost to kickstart healthy growth. The right fertilizer blend depends on your soil condition and grass variety.
Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Spring:
✔ Slow-release fertilizer provides steady nutrient absorption.
✔ Organic fertilizers (compost, fish emulsion) improve long-term soil health.
✔ High-nitrogen fertilizers promote fast green-up but should be used in moderation.
If you fertilized in late fall, wait until late spring for your next application to avoid excessive early growth at the expense of root development.
6. Repair Bare Spots & Overseed for Thicker Grass
Bare spots in your lawn can create opportunities for weed growth and erosion. Spring is a great time to patch thin areas and encourage denser, more resilient turf.
How to Overseed Properly:
- Loosen the soil before seeding to help with root establishment.
- Use high-quality grass seed that matches your existing lawn.
- Keep the area moist until new grass is fully established.
A thin layer of mulch or compost can help retain moisture and protect young grass seedlings during early growth stages.
7. Mow Wisely to Encourage Strong Growth
Your first mow of the season sets the tone for a healthy lawn. Cutting too short can stress the grass, while mowing too high can lead to weak, floppy blades.
Early Spring Mowing Tips:
✔ Set your mower blades to 3 inches—cutting too short weakens the roots.
✔ Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
✔ Follow the one-third rule—never remove more than ⅓ of the grass height at a time.
Frequent, proper mowing encourages stronger root growth and helps prevent weeds from taking over.
8. Water Wisely & Efficiently
Spring typically brings plenty of rainfall, but if the season is dry, you may need to supplement with irrigation.
- Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
- Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
- Use a rain gauge to track how much natural rainfall your lawn is receiving.
Encouraging deep root growth now will help your lawn become more drought-resistant in the summer.
9. Let the Experts Handle It
Spring lawn care requires time, effort, and the right techniques to achieve the best results. If you’re looking for professional lawn care in Charlottesville, Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping has the expertise to get your yard in top shape for the season ahead.
From aeration and overseeding to fertilization, mowing, and weed control, our team provides comprehensive residential and commercial lawn care to help your landscape thrive. Whether you need routine maintenance or a full lawn transformation, we’re here to help.
Contact Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping today for a customized spring lawn care plan, and enjoy a greener, healthier lawn all season long!
