Looking out at your lawn in the dead of winter probably doesn’t inspire you to think about spring lawn care. But this is actually the best time to put a plan in place. Great lawns don’t happen on their own. Here’s everything you need to know about spring lawn care in Croton, NY.
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Soil Testing
The soil’s pH value is one of a number of environmental conditions that directly impacts the quality of grass growth. Grasses do best in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.8 to 6.5). Soil pH values outside these ranges result in nutrient deficiencies that makes the grass vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, drought, insects, weed infestations, and disease. Soil that is too acidic can be neutralized using lime; soil that is too basic can be corrected using aluminum sulfate and sulfur. Soil can also become depleted over time. An organic fertilizer (compost or shredded grass clippings or leaves) adds nutrients to the soil.
Soil testing is important for other plants in your landscape, too. Boxwoods, perennials, and ornamental grasses all have distinct requirements that may mean amending the soil differently in various parts of your landscape. So don’t guess. Test your soil to give each plant in your landscape the right soil conditions.
Aeration and Dethatching
Heavy thatch (the layer of dead grass the collects at the base of grass plants) and compacted soil prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the roots. Springtime aeration and dethatching will encourage vigorous growth. It will also help dry out spongy areas that retain too much water and let compacted (high-traffic) areas spring back.
Overseeding
The ideal time to overseed bare patches is in fall, but this can also be done in early spring. Newly seeded areas will require extra vigilance to prevent weeds from taking over and to ensure that seedlings receive adequate water until they are established.
Fertilizer and Weed Control
Although it’s tempting to buy a weed-and-feed mix at the garden supply, be sure you’re giving the lawn the food it needs at each stage of growth. Also ensure that you’re using the right herbicides at the right time. Early-season weed control means using pre-emergent weed killers. Using last year’s post-emergent weed killers won’t prevent weed seedlings from germinating.
Watering
Spring is naturally a wet time of year, but this doesn’t mean that watering should wait until summer. For best results, invest in a professional irrigation system with not only a rain sensor but a weather sensor that will automatically adjust watering frequency and duration to avoid over- or under-watering your lawn.
Mowing
Spring means vigorous grass growth. Mowing should begin once the grass has reached a height of 3 inches. Be sure that mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass (this results in an ugly brown lawn that is vulnerable to disease).
Are You Up for It?
While lawn care isn’t necessarily complicated, it does require knowledge of what must be done and when. This schedule has to be adhered to fairly strictly in order to achieve the lush and thriving lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
If you want a spectacular lawn without worrying about what needs to be done next or without sacrificing your weekends, let our lawn care professionals take care of it for you. Schedule spring lawn care services with us now. By the time it’s warm enough to enjoy the feeling of grass under your bare feet, your lawn will be healthy and beautiful!