What to Do with Your Lawn After Winter

Winter can be tough on your lawn. Between the salt, the snow, and the ice, it's no wonder your grass might look a little worse for wear come spring. But don't despair! With a little bit of elbow grease, you can get your lawn looking good as new in no time. But, of course, these activities are also a must and will benefit you long-term, so making them annual is essential. Read further for a guide on what to do with your lawn after winter.

Rake up debris. Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can kill the grass by preventing sunlight and moisture from reaching the soil. Be sure to rake up all the debris you can find before moving on to the next step.

‍Aerate the soil. Aeration helps improve drainage and allows oxygen to reach the roots of your grass. Aeration is vital if you live in an area with clay soil. Use a core aerator, or hire a professional to do it for you. Core aerators remove small plugs of turf and soil, which can then be left on the lawn to decompose. This will also help reduce thatch, a build-up of dead organic matter that can impede grass growth.

‍Fertilize the lawn. Once the soil is aerated, apply a fertilizer designed for lawn use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Over-fertilization can damage your lawn.

‍Reseed bare patches. If any patches of grass didn't make it through the winter, now is the time to reseed them. First, loosen the soil with a rake so the new seeds will have good contact with the ground. Then spread the seed evenly over the area and lightly rake it in. Water regularly until the fresh grass is established. 

‍Control weeds. Weeds can quickly take over a lawn if they're not controlled. The best way to deal with them is to pull them by hand while they are still small. More enormous weeds can be controlled with herbicides, but use safe lawn products and follow all directions carefully.

‍Water deeply and less often. Watering profoundly encourages grass roots to grow deep into the soil, where they can better withstand drought conditions later in the season. Also, ensure water in the early morning hours so the grass has time to dry off before nightfall which can lead to fungal problems such as disease or rust development overnight.

With a little effort, you can have your lawn looking green and healthy again in no time! Spring is the perfect time to test your soil, improve its quality, and reseed any bare spots that might have cropped up over winter. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to having the best lawn on the block in no time! And if you ever need extra professional help, reach us at Medford Landscape Design, and we will give you quality landscaping services.

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