As the snow melts, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about revitalizing your lawn for summer! Spring is the perfect time to get to work on your lawn because it will set it up for success for the rest of the year, so you can enjoy it as long as possible before it gets cold again later this year. If you’re tired of looking out your window at a dry and patchy lawn, here are our tips to bring your lawn back to life this spring!
1. Dethatch with a rake
Thatch is dead or drying grass. The thatch layer is between the green grass layer and the soil. A small amount of thatch (a layer about half an inch thick) is good for your lawn, but too much of it can suffocate what’s left and keep it from growing.
The easiest way to dethatch your lawn is to take a stiff yard rake and rake over your grass, throwing away the thatch that comes up. Aeration can also help dethatch your lawn.
2. Aerate
Compacted, hard soil won’t promote a beautifully lush lawn. If your lawn is small, you can use manual aeration shoes to poke holes into your lawn and promote growth. If your lawn is larger, you should rent a gas-powered aeration tool. Make sure you clean and disinfect the aerator before and after using it to avoid spreading lawn diseases like necrotic ring.
3. Fix dead and bare spots
As your lawn begins to grow back in the spring, you may notice dead and dry spots. These are easy to fix! Flush the area with water, rake out the dead grass, and then level it with soil. You can now reseed this area, and it will grow back in line with the rest of your lawn.
4. Make sure it gets enough water
Every lawn needs water in order to grow and thrive. If you don’t have an in-ground sprinkler system, you can purchase an inexpensive sprinkler and attach it to your garden hose. Make sure you time your watering sessions to avoid overwatering. You can also purchase a timer that will automatically turn your hose off for you once your lawn is adequately watered.
Water two or three times a week for long periods of time so your lawn can develop a deep, strong root system. Your lawn should be getting about 2 to 3 inches of water a week in the summer and 1 to 2 inches a week in the spring. You can measure the amount of water your sprinklers provide by putting a plastic bin on the lawn, running a watering cycle, and measuring the amount of water that ends up in the container.
Check out our video for more helpful watering tips:
5. Fertilize your lawn to wake it up
Start fertilizing your lawn in early spring to help it wake up and start growing green. You should fertilize throughout spring, summer, and fall to keep your lawn green and thick.
Want help with fertilization, weed control, and grub control in your lawn this year? Stewart’s lawn care program is for you! Call 801-226-2261 today for a free quote.