Ready for balmy days and lounging on your lawn? So are we! But first, before you can relax and enjoy a stress-free backyard, you must prepare it for the season ahead. Dormant lawns don’t just pop out of winter, thriving all on their own. A showstopping lawn takes time and consideration; these late winter months are just the time to do it. Here’s what you can do today to enjoy a healthier lawn tomorrow.
1. Assess Your Lawn’s Soil Health
Over time, your soil’s composition will vary due to the weather, changing seasons, and lawn care habits. A late winter soil test will keep you aware of these changes. It covers everything from pH to nutrient makeup to soil structure – everything that affects your lawn’s growth and vitality. Purdue University recommends conducting soil tests every three to five years. If it’s been a while since your last test, consider taking one this month!
The closest soil testing lab for Central Indiana and Ohio homeowners is A&L Great Lakes Laboratories in Fort Wayne, IN. Their local lab offers affordable and flexible soil testing. For a thorough expert soil analysis, purchase a soil testing kit from their online store and submit a form.
2. Clear Away Debris
When the snow finally melts away, you might be left with a debris-littered lawn! Since last fall, twigs and leaves may be scattered across your grass, flattening it down and stopping air and sunlight from accessing the soil. A common misconception is that you can leave organic matter to break down, but we beg to differ! Untouched woody and leafy material only adds to your thatch layer, so let’s pick it up.
Sure, it might be a tedious task – but within a couple of hours, your lawn will be well on its way to a lush appearance. Clearing away fallen sticks, unraked leaves, and other organic matter is a simple first step to laying the foundation for a beautiful lawn.
3. Spot Seed Small Bare Areas
Now that you’ve kicked debris to the curb, you can finally see what’s happening underneath! Winter damage comes in all shapes and forms. While your cool-season turfgrass has natural winter defenses, some damage is less preventable. Once the snow thaws, keep a keen eye on your lawn.
Do you notice any web-like gray or pink patches? This might be snow mold – a nasty infection with an easy fix. Just rake the area to detangle the affected mats and improve air circulation. Then, continue spring lawn care as usual. Typically, with regular care, your lawn will recover on its own without the need for fungicides.
Can you spot any dead grass spots? Desiccation and freeze damage can permanently kill spots of grass. These small areas can be spot-seeded at home or by a pro. If you prefer the DIY route, spread the seeds evenly over the affected spot, lightly rake to help the seeds settle, and then water generously for three weeks. Just let your lawn care team know you’ve spot-seeded so they can adjust your spring pre-emergent treatment accordingly. You’ll be left with fresh growth for spring!
4. Plan Your Fertilizer Schedule
Fertilizer isn’t a once-in-a-while effort– it should be a priority! Use the remaining chilly winter months to strategically plan your fertilizer schedule (this is where your soil test will come in handy). Review your soil test results and identify areas for improvement. With your newfound soil knowledge, ask someone at your local garden supply shop to direct you to a fertilizer with the nutrients and amendments needed.
Once you’ve picked up a reputable fertilizer, it’s time to plot out a consistent schedule. Here’s an overview of our recommended four-step program at Brooklawn:
- April: We’ll apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for full spring growth.
- June: We will refertilize in the early summer to boost your lawn’s drought and weed resistance.
- Late July: We will feed your grass again with a slow-release fertilizer.
- September: We will finish the growing season with a balanced winterizer for winter preparation.
As you explore your lawn’s specific needs and recommendations, make a physical schedule or list to reflect on throughout the year. Try spending time researching new spring lawn care tips for a better lawn! Before long, you’ll have your strategy down like a pro.
5. Maintain Your Mower
It’s almost time to bust out the mower from the garage. With a couple of no-mow months remaining, use this time to ensure your mower is in tip-top shape. Dust it off with a gentle microfiber cloth– after months of sitting, it’ll need it! Then, focus on the mower parts. Sharpen the blades, change the oil, and lubricate the belts and gears for an easy mowing experience. Lastly, you can adjust your mower settings to trim at 3 ½ inches, so you’re ready to go.
6. Select a Lawn Care Program
Late winter preparation is just the beginning of a long and productive growing season. It’s regular lawn care throughout the whole year that makes the greatest difference. From mowing and watering to pest and weed control, a full-time lawn care plan can be exhausting for any homeowner to handle. We highly recommend choosing a local lawn care program that meets your needs. Our customizable lawn care program at Brooklawn includes the following:
- Fertilizer every 6-8 weeks for a consistent supply of nutrients
- Weed control for common Indiana and Ohio weeds, including dandelions and crabgrass
- Grub and insect control to protect your grass blades and roots
We also offer optional add-on services, including dethatching and aeration, tree and shrub care, and insect control around your home’s perimeter. With all of these health-boosting services at your fingertips, you can save time and energy all year long.
Enjoy Backyard Living in Indiana and Ohio with Brooklawn!
Soon enough, we’ll wave goodbye to snowy days and sleepy lawns. At Brooklawn, we’re spending the last weeks of winter readying our team to deliver exceptional lawn care services across Central Indiana and Western Ohio. Ready to welcome your lawn back with thriving, green beauty? Let us handle the hassle – Contact us today for a quote on our year-round lawn care program.
