A Pre-Spring Lawn Care Checklist
Spring is creeping up, and if you want a lawn that turns heads, now’s the time to get to work. A little prep now means less stress later—plus, you’ll have a yard you can actually enjoy instead of one that looks like it lost a fight with winter. So, roll up your sleeves and get a head start on pre-spring lawn care with this simple checklist!
1. Clean Up and Clear Out
Tidy Up the Lawn
Winter leaves behind a mess—leaves, sticks, random debris that somehow showed up in your yard. If you let it sit, it can block sunlight, trap moisture, and invite pests. Grab a rake, clean it up, and let your lawn breathe again.
Check for Thatch
Thatch is that layer of dead grass and organic gunk sitting between the soil and the living grass. A little is fine, but if it’s more than half an inch thick, it’s a problem. Too much thatch can suffocate your lawn and cause patchy growth. If it’s built up, it’s time to dethatch.
Assess Winter Damage
Take a quick walk around your yard. Any bare spots? Weird moldy patches? Little trails where it looks like critters have been partying all winter? Snow mold and voles can do some damage, and catching it now means you can fix it before your lawn fully wakes up.
2. Get the Soil Ready
Test Your Soil
If your lawn could talk, it would probably ask for a soil test. This little test tells you exactly what your yard needs—no guessing. You’ll find out your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, which helps you figure out what to add (or not add). Most local extension offices offer testing, and it’s worth it.
Aerate for Better Growth
If your soil is hard and water just sits on top instead of soaking in, you probably have compacted soil. That’s bad news for grass roots. Aerating—poking holes in the ground—helps air, water, and nutrients get where they need to go. A core aerator (which pulls out little plugs of soil) is best, but even a spike aerator can help loosen things up.
Adjust pH if Needed
Your soil test will tell you if the pH is off. If it’s too acidic, you’ll need to add lime. If it’s too alkaline, sulfur can help. Getting this balance right makes a huge difference in how well your lawn absorbs nutrients.
3. Feed Your Lawn Right
Time It Right
Spring fertilizing is important—but don’t jump the gun. If you do it too early, you’re just feeding weeds. Wait until your grass actually starts growing, then go with a slow-release fertilizer that keeps things steady instead of giving your lawn a sugar rush.
Stop Weeds Before They Start
If you battled weeds last year, hit them early this season. A pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can stop them before they even sprout. Just make sure to follow the directions so you don’t accidentally mess with your grass’s growth.
4. Mowing Matters
Don’t Mow Too Soon
As soon as the weather warms up, you might be tempted to fire up the mower—but hold off. Mowing too early stresses your lawn out. Let it grow a bit first.
Keep It Tall
When you mow, don’t scalp the grass! Cutting it too short weakens it, lets weeds take over, and dries out the soil too fast. Stick to the rule: never cut off more than a third of the grass blade at a time.
5. Water Wisely
Deep and Infrequent Watering
Instead of frequent, shallow watering, go for deep soakings. This encourages stronger roots and makes your lawn more drought-resistant.
Water in the Morning
If you can, water in the early morning. This gives your lawn time to absorb moisture and dry out before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Bonus Tip: Watch for Pests and Disease
Once your lawn starts growing again, keep an eye out for anything weird—discoloration, thinning patches, or signs of bugs moving in. Catching problems early makes them easier (and cheaper) to fix.
Get Ready for a Healthy, Green Lawn
A little lawn care now means less stress later. Clear out winter junk, aerate if needed, fertilize at the right time, and mow smart. Your future self will thank you when you’re chilling in the backyard with a lawn that looks like it belongs in a magazine.
Need a hand? Safari Lawn Care has you covered. Whether it’s aeration, fertilization, or weed control, they’ll make sure your lawn is looking its best. Give them a call and get ahead of spring!
