As we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring, it’s important to get your lawn prepped for the warmer weather. Read our guide on how you can make sure your yard is ready for the seasonal transition.
Aerate
When preparing your lawn for the season to change over from the chilly winter to the warm spring, the first thing you want to do is aerate the soil. Through this, you’re essentially removing plugs of soil from the yard to allow more air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Soil aeration can be done with a mechanical aerator. We recommend aerating over thatching as new, healthy grass growth can be ruined during thatching. A healthy lawn will promote the thatch to break down naturally in a month.
Fertilize
Entering the world of fertilization might initially feel overwhelming. With a variety of options like seeds, fertilizers, and nutrients available, it's easy to feel lost. Questions arise: Which ones are best for your lawn? When should you apply them? And what exactly do they do?
To simplify the process, we recommend a combination of Milorganite, Mag-I-Cal®, and carefully selected grass seed to kickstart your lawn's growth for the season. Milorganite serves as an organic, slow release fertilizer rich in iron, promoting lush greenery without encouraging excessive, unsustainable growth. Complementing this, Mag-I-Cal®, a Magnesium Calcium blend, swiftly balances soil pH within a 48-hour window. This optimal pH environment fosters efficient nutrient absorption and enhances germination.
Choosing the right grass seed is pivotal for successful growth. For deeply shaded areas where sunlight seldom reaches, Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Shady Nooks Grass Seed seed blend is ideal. Conversely, for sun-drenched or partially shaded spots, opt for the premium Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed blend or the versatile Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Sun & Shade Grass Seed option.
Once you've assessed your lawn's sunlight exposure and gathered your fertilizers and seeds, it's time to apply them. Distribute them evenly across your lawn, paying extra attention to sparse areas. This ensures uniform coverage and sets the stage for robust springtime growth.
Water
Consistent and adequate watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Aim to provide approximately one inch of water per week, either through manual watering or utilizing a sprinkler system. Keep in mind any natural rainfall when determining the watering schedule.
Our approach favors deep watering over frequent shallow watering. Rather than short, frequent sessions, opt for longer, heavier watering sessions. This strategy allows for water to stretch deeper into the soil for better absorption of water, ensuring that your lawn's roots receive the hydration they need to thrive.
Mowing and maintenance
A common mistake people make is mowing the lawn prematurely. You want to make sure your grass reaches a height of at least 3 inches before you start cutting it down. Opt for mulching blades or a mulching mower to recycle the clippings. This will help to provide consistent nourishment to your lawn.
Happy Spring!
*This guide is catered to properties in the Atlantic Northeast for cool season grass preparation. We recommend this is done between the window of March 15th - May 1st.