Spring lawn preparation is a great way to get your yard back into shape after a long and cold winter.  In order to prepare your yard for the upcoming year, it is important to remove any debris left over from winter.  Snow piles have left their share of dirt, sand and debris on your property.  During your spring lawn preparation, you should remove any winter debris so that the grass can breath again.  If this debris is left on your lawn, it can kill out the grass hidden below.  This will lead to a spotty lawn and will encourage weed development.  Debris can be raked, blown out with a leaf blower or removed with a lawn mower and bagger.  Commercial contractors use power brooms to remove this debris.  Power brooms contain a rubber drum mounted to a power equipment shaft.  As the rubber drum spins on the ground, it kicks off debris that has collected on the grass.  Power brooms are a quick and effective way to remove debris build up on grass and help with your spring lawn preparation. 

Spring Lawn Preparation

Spring lawn preparation check list.

  • Remove suffocating debris from all grassy areas to encourage new spring growth.
  • Aerate your lawn to reduce compaction and increase the ability of your turf to absorb water and nutrients.
  • Dethatch your lawn if necessary to remove access thatch build-up.  Thatch should be removed if it exceeds 1/2 inch in thickness.
  • Mow and bag your lawn for the first cut to collect any left over leaves and debris.
  • Fertilize your lawn with a spring fertilizer containing a pre-emergent to control crabgrass.
  • Spring is also a good time to edge your sidewalks and drive.  Edging will clean up the edges of your hard surface areas by removing grass over growth.
  • Water your lawn if needed to activate your spring fertilizer.
  • Mow Bluegrass turf at 3″ in the spring to maintain a healthy grass height.