As the harsh New England winter finally fades away, our customers at M.A.G. Irrigation, Inc eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, and look ahead to a gorgeous summer of lush, green lawns and a bounty of beautiful ornamentals! Of course, for best results, you’re going to have to get your hands dirty (and that’s half the fun!)!
Here are some tips to help you get started with your spring lawn care routine:
- Clear Away Debris: Begin by clearing away any debris that has accumulated on your lawn during the winter. Remove fallen branches, twigs, leaves, and other debris to allow your grass to breathe and receive adequate sunlight.
- Raking and Dethatching: Raking the lawn helps to remove dead grass and thatch, which is a layer of dead organic material that accumulates on the surface. Dethatching or using a specialized dethatching machine can be done for more extensive removal. This process allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively, promoting healthy growth.
- Aerate the Soil: New England lawns can benefit from aeration, especially if the soil is compacted. Aerating involves creating small holes in the soil to allow for better water and nutrient absorption, improved root development, and enhanced overall lawn health. You can rent a core aerator or hire a professional lawn care service to do the job for you.
- Overseeding and Reseeding: Spring is an ideal time to overseed or reseed your lawn. Overseeding helps to fill in bare patches, improve the density of your grass, and increase its resistance to diseases and pests. Choose high-quality grass seed that is suitable for your specific climate and soil conditions.
- Fertilize Appropriately: After the winter, your lawn may need a boost of nutrients to kick-start its growth. Choose a slow-release or organic fertilizer specifically formulated for spring application. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the appropriate timing and application rates for your specific grass type.
- Weed Control: Spring is the time when weeds start to emerge, so it’s essential to implement proper weed control measures. Consider using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed seeds from germinating. If weeds have already established themselves, opt for selective herbicides that target specific types of weeds while minimizing harm to your grass. Also, hot tip: If you notice a lot of dandelions, that’s a sign of compacted/acidic soil!
- Watering: Once your system is up and running, you may notice things dry up considerably as we get closer to summer. This may be the time to start running your system and watering deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. This encourages deeper root growth and a more drought-tolerant lawn. (Also, check your system settings! Make sure you’re not still watering with the same times/frequency as when the system was last shutdown)!
- Mowing: As your grass starts to grow more vigorously in the late spring, it’s time to resume regular mowing. Set your mower blades to a height appropriate for your grass type and aim to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade’s length with each mowing session. Regular and consistent mowing helps maintain a uniform lawn appearance and prevents weed competition.
These are just a few suggested maintenance tips, but if you find a routine that works for you and you’re consistent, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a healthy and vibrant lawn!
