Spring in Indiana is a season of renewal—and that includes your lawn. As temperatures slowly rise, your grass begins to wake up from its winter dormancy. This is the perfect time to give your lawn the attention it needs to thrive through the growing season.
From March to May, each month presents specific lawn care opportunities. Follow this spring lawn care checklist to keep your Indiana lawn lush, green, and healthy.
April: Jumpstart Growth and Prevent Problems
April is all about setting your lawn up for a strong growing season. As temperatures warm and your grass wakes up from winter dormancy, these are the most important tasks:
1. Clean-Up and Debris Removal
Clear away leaves, sticks, and leftover winter debris. This allows air, sunlight, and moisture to reach the soil and jumpstart growth.
2. Mower Maintenance and First Cut
Sharpen your mower blades and clean your equipment. Begin to mow at 3 ½ – 4 inches. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade at once.
3. Pre-Emergent Crabgrass and Weed Control
The first lawn care application in the spring is the most critical for controlling crabgrass and other annual weeds. These treatments typically include pre-emergent control products that create a barrier to prevent weed seeds from germinating, along with control products for broadleaf weeds. Staying consistent with early-season applications is key to minimizing weed pressure throughout the year.
4. Fertilization
The first fertilizer application of the season plays a crucial role in waking your lawn up after winter. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer gives your grass the nutrients it needs for strong early growth, vibrant color, and a quick green-up. This boost helps your lawn recover from winter stress and sets the tone for a thick, healthy turf heading into the growing season.
5. Spot Seeding and Repairs
Patch bare or thin areas with grass seed, especially if they didn’t bounce back after winter. This tip applies to small areas from winter plow damage or the like. Reminder—if you’re using pre-emergent control products, it can interfere with seed germination. In addition, the young seedlings in spring may not survive the harsh summer, so plan ahead to reseed in the fall.
May: Maintain Momentum and Watch for Pests
By May, your lawn should be growing steadily, and now’s the time to fine-tune your care routine and keep an eye out for pests and weeds.
1. Mow Consistently
Mow regularly to maintain a grass height of 3–3.5 inches. Taller grass encourages deep root growth and naturally crowds out weeds.
2. Water When Needed
As spring rains taper off, your lawn may need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply and early in the morning to reduce evaporation and minimize disease risk.
3. Spot-Treat Weeds (We’ve Got You Covered)
Broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover often start to show up in May. Our lawn care program includes targeted weed control at every visit. That means we’re consistently addressing weeds throughout the season—so you don’t have to.
4. Monitor for Lawn-Damaging Insects
Indiana lawns can fall victim to a variety of turf-damaging insects as spring progresses. Sod webworms, grubs, chinch bugs (pictured), and billbugs are some of the most common culprits, causing visible thinning or chewed-up patches of grass. If you notice unusual damage or declining areas, we can apply targeted insect control treatments to stop pests before they spread.
Bonus Tips for a Healthy Spring Lawn
- Spring Liquid Aeration: If your lawn feels compacted or you notice poor drainage, spring is a great time to apply a liquid aeration treatment. Unlike traditional core aeration, which we offer in the fall, liquid aeration loosens soil using biodegradable ingredients—no plugs, no mess. It improves airflow, enhances root growth, and helps your lawn absorb water and nutrients more efficiently.
- Mulch Grass Clippings: Mulching clippings during mowing adds organic matter and nutrients back into your lawn.
- Stay Sharp: Keep your mower blades sharp all season long to ensure clean cuts and reduce turf stress.
Stay Ahead All Season
Spring lawn care sets the foundation for a healthy yard all summer long. By breaking it down month-by-month, you can stay organized and avoid missing critical steps. Whether you’re tackling it yourself or working with a local lawn care provider, consistency is key.
Looking for professional help to keep your Indiana lawn looking its best? Brooklawn Services offers customized fertilization, weed control, and pest prevention programs tailored to Indiana’s unique climate. Let us help you take the guesswork out of lawn care this spring—call us today at (888) 794-9555 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!
