Essential Spring Renovation Tips for a Lush and Healthy Lawn

Winter conditions can wreak havoc on grass, but with the arrival of spring comes a prime opportunity to renovate your lawn and get it whipped into shape for warmer, greener days ahead!

Here is our step-by-step guide for spring lawn renovation:

Assess Your Lawn’s Current Condition

What are you noticing? Bare patches? Holes? Early signs of pests?

If you haven’t done a soil test recently, now is a great time to check on pH levels to catch any nutrient deficiencies.

Rake and Remove Debris / Dethatch

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates between the grass blades and soil. Excessive thatch buildup can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots, leading to poor lawn health.

Your lawn should be moist but not too wet when you go to dethatch it. Start by mowing the lawn to a height of 1-2 inches. This will make it easier to see and remove the thatch layer. Next, rake the lawn using a thatch rake or dethatcher machine to remove the thatch layer.

If you’re using a thatch rake, rake the lawn vigorously in all directions to remove as much thatch as possible. If you have a large lawn, you may want to rent a dethatcher to make the job easier. We can hook you up with a rental model like the Husqvarna DT 22 Dethatcher at Carl’s Mower & Saw! For a dethatcher, set the blades to a shallow depth and run it over the lawn in parallel lines, making sure to overlap each pass.

Once you have removed the thatch, rake it up and dispose of it.

Aerate

After dethatching, the lawn may be compacted, so it’s a good idea to aerate it to allow water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily. Use a lawn aerator or garden fork to poke small holes in the soil, making sure to cover the entire lawn. If you’re using a machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating it. If you’re using a manual tool, push it into the soil at regular intervals, making sure to penetrate the soil to a depth of 2-3 inches.

As you aerate, the machine or manual tool will pull up small soil plugs from the lawn. Leave these plugs on the lawn as they will break down over time and deliver nutrients back into the soil.

Add Compost or Topsoil

As we discussed in a previous blog, adding compost or topsoil can help provide essential nutrients, improve soil structure, aid in the retention of moisture and improve drainage. This will help improve the health of your grass. This process can also help level the lawn by filling in dips and evening higher areas.

Seed or Sod Bare Spots

For bare spots that you want to fill in your existing lawn, make sure you’ve removed any dead grass, debris, or weeds from the area, loosen the soil to a depth of about 2-3 inches and level the area.

Select a grass seed or sod that is suitable for your climate and matches the type of grass in the rest of your lawn. For example, cool-season grasses such as fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass are common for the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re using seeds, follow the instructions on the seed package to determine the appropriate amount of seed to use. Spread the seed evenly over the bare spot, then cover the seeded area with a thin layer of compost or topsoil. This will help retain moisture and provide nutrients to the seedlings.

For laying the sod, start by laying the first piece of sod along one edge of the bare spot. Continue laying sod pieces, staggering the seams like bricks, until the entire bare spot is covered. Use a sharp knife or scissors to trim the edges of the sod to fit the shape of the bare spot.

Water the seeded or newly sodded area thoroughly and keep it moist, but not over saturated, until the roots become established.

Fertilize

Compost and fertilize? Yep! When used together, compost and fertilizer can complement each other. The organic matter in compost can help improve the soil’s ability to hold onto the nutrients in fertilizer, making them more available to your lawn.

Select a fertilizer that is appropriate for the needs of your lawn and matches the results of your soil test. Fertilizers typically contain a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and may also contain other micronutrients.

Use a spreader to apply the fertilizer evenly over your lawn. Avoid overlapping and missing spots, as this can lead to uneven growth.

Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to determine the appropriate amount to use and the best time to apply it. Over-fertilizing can damage your grass and the environment.

Maintain Your Lawn

Ongoing maintenance after your spring renovation is essential for keeping it healthy and looking its best. Water deeply, but infrequently, to encourage strong root growth. Aim to water in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.

Make sure your lawn mower blades are sharp, and aim to mow frequently enough that you only remove one-third of the grass blade each time. This will help prevent stress to the roots, promoting healthier growth.

Depending on the needs of your lawn, you may need to fertilize periodically throughout the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully and again, avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your lawn. If you’re located in Western Washington, here are some tips for selecting a fertilizer.

If left unchecked, weeds can quickly take over a lawn. Regularly remove weeds by hand or use an appropriate herbicide to control them.

Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases on your lawn, such as brown patches or discolored areas. Take action promptly to protect your lawn and prevent the spread of pests or disease.

Following these lawn care tips will allow you and your family to enjoy the benefits of a lush, healthy lawn. For questions about your lawn care, send us an email at info@carlsmower.com.

About

Since 1990, family-owned and operated Carl’s Mower & Saw has provided the best in outdoor power equipment sales, service and rental. We’re committed to delivering superior customer service to both homeowners and professionals. Find the latest products from renowned brands like Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America.