Welcome back, Spring; it’s a pleasure to see you after a cold, dark winter. We’ve got some work to do this month out in the yard. Now that the crocus are poking up, it’s time to get the lawn and garden ready for the spring and summer.
Once the snow melts in Connecticut, it’s easy to notice that things need a little sprucing up and cleaning. Any late fallen leaves, sticks, twigs, or other storm-related debris may be delaying the glorious springtime rebirth of your beautiful lawn. It might look a little flattened out by the weight of any snow. Perhaps built-up thatch (dead and decaying grass) needs to be raked up and removed, leaving your lawn to grow and thrive.
Timing matters: April is just right to start bringing the yard back to life, and proper seasonal care will help your lawn bounce back to its usual lush green self. Let’s take a look at how that could play out over the next several weeks.
Clean-Up & Lawn Preparation (April)
April’s temperatures can be a tease – one day it feels like spring, the next like November. But at least the rain isn’t snow!
It’s time to start by removing any winter debris: sticks, twigs, or branches that may have fallen or blown into the yard. This will help your lawn breathe and help prevent mold or fungal growth underneath the fallen debris. Whether or not there is a thick layer of thatch, give the lawn a thorough raking to let air and water get down there and better penetrate the soil.
If you have densely packed down areas in the lawn or areas that saw a lot of foot traffic, these are places that will benefit from aerating the soil, which will ensure better health of your new grass growth.
Seeding & Fertilizing (Mid-April to Early May)
This is the right time to overseed any bare spots you find. Also, in our area, we may experience dry spots and areas that still haven’t grown back from last season. Choose your seed to best suit your area.
Once the lawn starts greening back up, it’s time to feed it some nitrogen-rich fertilizer formulated to work best in your area. We’re here on the internet, and it’s fairly easy to figure out the best mix of fertilizer for where you live. Along coastal Connecticut, for example, a good mix like 10-10-10 or 20-5-10 can be helpful, especially during the growing season.
April is also the time to consider pre-emergent weed control. One suggestion is to use a herbicide targeted to crabgrass, such a potential pain here in Connecticut. Take care not to damage any of the areas you just reseeded!
Mowing: The Right Start (Late April to Early May)
As tempting as it may be, don’t mow your lawn too early in the season! Wait until it’s grown 3 or 4 inches before getting out your mower or turning on your Automower.
At first, you’ll want to keep it just a bit longer than you will later in the year. This helps ensure your grass can develop good, strong roots and also helps block weed growth, which will help your lawn come in lush and strong. If you’re manually mowing, remember to let wet grass dry out to minimize any problems with your mower.
Watering Needs (April and Beyond)
April showers do bring nice, wet lawns, but it’s not a guarantee. If it’s a dry April, plan to water your lawns deeply but infrequently to help ensure some nice, strong grasses.
Near the coast, drainage or even salt water can pose challenges to your lawn’s health. Be mindful of how often you water and how much. Fewer but more thorough waterings will help encourage deeper roots, result in a more drought-resistant lawn, and get you through the hot, dry summer days while maintaining a lush green lawn.
You don’t want a persistently soggy lawn, either. Too much water can result in an oxygen-deprived yard, root damage, and even the risk of fungus.
Dealing with Coastal Lawn Challenges
Down by the coast, there are a couple of other things to consider when reviving your lawn after winter. Consider salt-resistant varieties like ryegrass or fescue.
For long decorative grasses, a couple of beautiful choices are Chinese Silver Grass or Northern Sea Oats. Despite the challenging growing climate, there are definitely options available to maximize your outdoor space.
Ready for Summer: Final Prep
By the end of April, life in your yard will be ramping up. You may be noticing grubs or ants. Now is the time to consider any remediation you may need before things escalate to a creepy-crawly degree.
If necessary, this is the time to consider a safe insecticide.
Think ahead for the warmer months and anticipate any trouble spots you may have to revisit as your lawn grows in. Plan on mowing regularly, fertilizing consistently, and watering during the hot dry spells to keep your lawn looking its best.
Consistency is Key
Lawn care is year-round work. Managing the change of seasons this time of year is a key part of keeping a beautiful, healthy-looking lawn from those first buds of spring to months ahead when things shut down again for winter.
Starting early will set the stage for a beautiful summer as you eliminate weeds, dead grass, and fallen debris from leaves to branches. Consistent care is an investment in your property and a great way to keep your lawn and gardens looking their best.
So how does that sound? Do you have a favorite springtime lawn maintenance tip?
Or have you given it some thought and decided it might be time to call in the experts?
You’ve made it this far, and you’re in the right place. Because yes, what I’ve just laid out as your springtime lawn tasks is a lot.
But since you’re in the right place already, you may consider Nardella’s Turf Care for all of your lawn maintenance needs. From the initial clean up to aeration, feeding and seeding, planting, weeding, and mowing – we can help.
Reach out to Nardella’s Turf Care today, and let’s get your lawn off to a great start this season! We look forward to meeting you!
