Neglecting spring time lawn care and proper landscape preparation could leave trouble for the rest of the year. Spring lawn care does not entail nearly the amount of work that may be required throughout the summer months.
Some will need only to implement only some of the following tips, depending upon unique circumstances. In a few instances the task in question is better performed as part of your fall lawn care. Mother Nature provides cues for when to begin spring time tasks, for instance, when snow season is over, begin raking.
Raking is the first task tip of spring lawn care. Raking is for more than removing leaves, it can also control thatch. Thatch build-up of more than half inch is considered excessive.
Thatch is the reason why when raking leaves in fall, rake deeply. Don’t just skim the surface to remove leaves, a deep raking removes thatch. Even after a good fall raking, this is a good chore for spring. This also will remove grass blades that died over the winter. Another good reason for spring raking is to seek out any matted patches, in which grass blades are stuck together. This can be caused by “snow mold.” New grass may have difficulty penetrating matted patches. A light raking will solve this problem.
Check for Compaction
Lawns subjected to high levels of traffic year after year, may show signs of decline. Such cases are probably suffering from compacted soil. The presence of moss signals compaction. To get rid of moss and compacted soil begins with recognition that moss is not just another weed
Lawn aeration is the remedy for compaction. Postponing lawn aeration until fall is recommended but should be noted during spring. Awareness of compaction, can allow for planning on setting aside some time in the fall to take care of it.
Liming
Besides compaction, the presence of moss plants also signals acidity. Grass prefers a neutral pH. Acidic soil can be solved by liming.This is not a quick fix as the effects of liming are slow to take place.
A landscaper will first send a soil sample to the local county extension to determine the extent of soil acidity. The county extension will be able to advise how much lime per square foot is needed. Lime is applied using a fertilizer.
If the lawn is doing well and shows no signs of acidity do not apply lime. Liming is corrective, preventive. Soil that is too alkaline will also cause problems, too much lime is as bad as not enough.
These are just a few tips to prepare landscaping for spring.
