It’s finally looking and feeling like Spring here in Michigan. The start of spring means it’s time to do a few things so that you can enjoy a beautiful summer lawn. Here are a few things you can do now to make sure your lawn looks it’s best all summer long.
1. SPRING CLEANING
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home. Your yard will need it too! Start with raking. Raking will remove the dead grass and control thatch build up. Make sure you are raking when your lawn has dried out. Also, be sure to clean up leaves around your shrubbery and yard. Matted leaves can block the much needed sunlight.
2. WEED CONTROL
Next you’ll want to be proactive with weed control. Applying a pre-emergent weed killer will prevent weeds from forming. Pre-emergent should be applied while the soil is cool. You can treat broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clovers later in the spring as they begin growing actively. If your lawn has relatively few broadleaf weeds you could choose a lawn treatment that targets only the areas of your lawn that require weed control. Do not apply any pre-emergent product to areas of your grass that will be reseeded. It will be difficult for the new seeds to germinate.
3. REPLENISH
If you notice bare spots in your lawn you can begin to work on replenishing these area. Bare spots should be raked lightly, reseeded and then watered lightly for a few weeks in order for the grass to germinate. Treating the bare spots early will help prevent weed problems in the future.
4. FERTILIZATION
Fertilizing your lawn replenishes food reserves your lawn draws from in the winter and aids in rapid spring growth. A good quality fertilizer can be the key to a beautiful looking lawn. Select a fertilizer with a large percentage of slow-release nitrogen and micronutrients. Be careful not to over-fertilize. Too much can dry out your lawn or cause thatch to develop.
5. SPRINKLER MAINTENANCE
Spring signals the time to check your sprinklers. You’ll need to turn the water valve on and open the main water valve slowly to allow pipes to fill with water gradually. Next you’ll need to make sure each zone is working checking for proper pressure, rotation and coverage. You can also at this time reprogram the controller for automatic watering times.
Lawns do much more than just look good. A healthy, cared-for lawn is something to admire. Besides providing your family with a plush place to play and relax, it also nourishes the environment. Implementing these easy steps will help your lawn look its best.
Happy Spring!